Selective Access Throttler for Wireless Network Turnover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public wireless access points often lead to situations where long-term users monopolize network access and physical space, inconveniencing new users and affecting business revenue, as existing systems do not differentiate between users based on connection time or bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
A device and method, known as Selective Access Throttler, control bandwidth, latency, and packet loss for individual users connected to a wireless access point, gradually reducing performance over time for long-term users while incentivizing new users by varying connection parameters and allowing performance resets through purchases or activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all users are given equal access to the network, then new users can connect easily, but long-term users monopolize bandwidth and physical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making bandwidth allocation dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adjusts bandwidth allocation based on connection duration, automatically reducing bandwidth for long-term users and increasing it for new users without manual intervention. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of connection while improving network turnover through automated resource reallocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of bandwidth allocation from a fixed equal value to a variable value that depends on connection time. By introducing connection duration as a parameter that modifies bandwidth allocation, the system resolves the contradiction between equal access and network turnover, allowing new users to receive preferential treatment while long-term users gradually receive less bandwidth.
2Reliability
If bandwidth is allocated equally to all users, then fairness is maintained, but connection performance degrades for all users over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different bandwidth allocation levels to different users based on their connection characteristics. Instead of uniform treatment, the system applies differentiated quality of service where new users receive higher bandwidth allocation while long-term users receive reduced allocation. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining perceived fairness through transparent allocation rules while preserving overall connection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on real-time connection duration monitoring. As users connect longer, their allocated bandwidth gradually decreases, while new users receive higher allocation. This dynamic approach maintains fairness through consistent allocation rules while preventing performance degradation that would occur with static equal allocation under heavy load.
3Ease of operation
If physical space is not controlled, then user comfort is maintained, but occupying users prevent new users from accessing the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring connection duration and using this information to adjust bandwidth allocation and provide notifications to users. The system feeds back to users about their connection status and impending bandwidth reduction, giving them opportunity to leave before service degradation occurs. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining user comfort through transparent communication while improving turnover through automated enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively reducing bandwidth and notifying users before they completely lose access. This preemptive approach allows users to maintain comfort during the transition period while subtly encouraging them to leave, thereby improving turnover without abrupt service termination that would cause user dissatisfaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method to control access to a wide area network such as the Internet is described in which specific users connected to an access point, such as a wireless access point, are given a controllable amount of connection performance, in terms of bandwidth, latency and/or packet loss. The bandwidth, latency and/or packet loss to each user may be controlled individually and as users spend more time connected to the access point they may be given less and less connection performance. Such a system may reward new users in favor of users who have spent a long time connected to the access point, which will discourage users from spending long periods of time occupying physical space and accessing an upstream network that would otherwise be available for new users. Connection performance may also cycle through connected users to manage bandwidth. Additionally, performance parameters can be controlled to encourage certain types of activity over others (e.g. video streaming, voice over IP, web browsing, etc.). Optionally a user may be able to reset their performance allocation with a purchase or other activity, such as viewing an advertisement, completing a survey or participating in some other activity.