Implementing MPTCP on Android via cellular and Wi-Fi interface

Abstract

The objective of this report is studying the detail implementation and performance of MPTCP on Android platform via a tailor-make file transmission program. Also, it is aimed to elaborate the usage of this protocol in varies transmission scenarios, such as multimedia content. This project included the application of knowledge in networking and programing area, plus the implementation of different technologies and tools. Not only the academic knowledge is enhanced, it is also a good practice to train our attitude and troubleshooting skill. For the motivation of this project, first, as we know that the even though the cost of cellular data transmission nowadays is cheaper than before, especially, there is some ISP provided 3G connection plans without usage limitation. However, the newest faster cellular technology is very expensive, compared with the previous generation. If there is any method can use existed technology to get fast transmission with cheaper price that is very attractive. Second, normally, for a tradition smart phone, there are several communication interfaces embedded. At the same time, the MPTCP technology is being matured to make use of these interfaces. Third, the existed MPTCP applications might have different weakness, which is a good opportunity to enhance or tailor-make our own product. For personal reason why I choose this topic is that: 1.) For academic view, it is a good challenge to get the first hand statistic result of implementing MPTCP. It is helpful to verify whether the comment of MPTCP from Internet are all true and innovate further usage to gain more advantages; 2.) The design or features of existed application might not be able to fulfill the expectation and requirement of user. Therefore, it is useful if there are some tailor-make applications with specific purposes; 3.) Since there is no application published specific to MPTCP with multimedia content, such as video streaming, it is a valuable to develop and get the first hand data result. For working detail, the project is divided into 3 stages and the working period is around 10 months. The first stage is aimed to develop an application to download file from server using MPTCP. In the second stage, more advanced features are added based on the application from stage 1, such as allow user modify load-balancing issue and view download-related statistic. In stage 3, it is aimed to develop an MPTCP application for multimedia, such as video streaming. The overall expected outcome is that, with using this application developed, the download time should be shorter than the time for downloading same file with traditional download method. Moreover, the data usage for downloading should be smaller than only using cellular network. It is assumed to cause out same result towards multimedia content, in order to provide higher reliability and reduce the buffer time. Furthermore, from the application for performance and energy usage analysis, we can conduct several first hand statistics for academic research and further innovative development. Although the stage 3 application testing is not included in this report, I will prepare and share the finding during presentation and demo.