Riverbed Steelhead In-Path Rule - Neural Framing Mode

Optionally, if you have selected Auto-Discover or Fixed Target, you can select a neural framing mode for the in-path rule. Neural framing enables the system to select the optimal packet framing boundaries for SDR. Neural framing creates a set of heuristics to intelligently determine the optimal moment to flush TCP buffers. The system continuously evaluates these heuristics and uses the optimal heuristic to maximize the amount of buffered data transmitted in each flush, while minimizing the amount of idle time that the data sits in the buffer. You can specify the following neural framing settings:

• Never. Never use the Nagle algorithm. All the data is immediately encoded without waiting for timers to fire or application buffers to fill past a specified threshold. Neural heuristics are computed in this mode but are not used.
• Always. Always use the Nagle algorithm. All data is passed to the codec which attempts to coalesce consume calls (if needed) to achieve better fingerprinting. A timer (6 ms) backs up the codec and causes leftover data to be consumed. Neural heuristics are computed in this mode but are not used.
• TCP Hints. This is the default setting which is based on the TCP hints. If data is received from a partial frame packet or a packet with the TCP PUSH flag set, the encoder encodes the data instead of immediately coalescing it. Neural heuristics are computed in this mode but are not used.
• Dynamic. Dynamically adjust the Nagle parameters. In this option, the system discerns the optimum algorithm for a particular type of traffic and switches to the best algorithm based on traffic characteristic changes.

For different types of traffic, one algorithm might be better than others. The considerations include: latency added to the connection, compression, and SDR performance.
To configure neural framing for an FTP data channel, define an in-path rule with the destination port 20 and set its optimization policy. To configure neural framing for a MAPI data channel, define an in-path rule with the destination port 7830 and set its optimization policy.