Adaptive Bandwidth Allocation for Satellite Terminal QoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bandwidth allocation methods in satellite networks struggle to efficiently manage latency-sensitive traffic, leading to suboptimal channel utilization and quality of service (QoS) issues, particularly in shared bandwidth environments with long round trip propagation delays.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic bandwidth allocation approach that adjusts periodic bandwidth allocations based on terminal utilization, using an Inner Loop algorithm for per-terminal adjustments and an Outer Loop algorithm for inroute or inroute group considerations, to optimize channel and bandwidth utilization while ensuring QoS requirements are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic bandwidth allocation is used to support latency-sensitive traffic, then QoS requirements are met, but channel utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation by adjusting the periodic bandwidth amount based on terminal utilization metrics. The system transitions from static fixed allocation to dynamic adaptive allocation, where bandwidth is adjusted upward when utilization is high and reduced when utilization is low, thereby resolving the contradiction between ensuring QoS and improving channel efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the bandwidth allocation parameter dynamically based on measured terminal utilization. By monitoring actual data transmission patterns and adjusting the periodic bandwidth parameter accordingly, the system achieves both QoS compliance and efficient resource utilization without wasting bandwidth on inactive terminals
2Loss of time
If constant periodic bandwidth is allocated to ensure low latency, then latency performance is improved, but bandwidth waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring terminal utilization metrics and using this information to adjust periodic bandwidth allocations. The feedback loop ensures that bandwidth is allocated sufficiently to maintain low latency when needed while reducing allocation when terminals are inactive, eliminating bandwidth waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary bandwidth allocation to ensure low latency requirements are met, then adjusts this allocation based on actual terminal needs. By preparing adequate bandwidth in advance but then optimizing it based on observed utilization patterns, the system achieves both low latency performance and reduced bandwidth waste
3Loss of energy
If request-based bandwidth allocation is used to optimize channel efficiency, then channel utilization is improved, but latency-sensitive traffic QoS deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic bandwidth allocation with adjustable periods and amounts to balance between channel efficiency and latency requirements. By using periodic action rather than continuous or purely demand-based allocation, the system ensures bandwidth is available at regular intervals for latency-sensitive traffic while optimizing overall utilization efficiency
4Loss of time
If predictive bandwidth allocation is applied to reduce traffic latency, then latency performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having terminals report their own utilization metrics and the gateway automatically adjusting bandwidth based on these reports. This autonomous adjustment mechanism reduces the need for complex centralized control systems while still achieving effective predictive bandwidth allocation to minimize latency
Data Source
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AI summary
An approach is provided for bandwidth allocation on a per terminal utilization and per inroute/inroute group basis, which optimizes bandwidth utilization. An aggregate average bandwidth usage of a plurality of remote terminals over a wireless communications channel is determined. A maximum rate for bandwidth allocations to each of the remote terminals for respective data transmissions over the channel is determined. A utilization metric reflecting a bandwidth utilization by one of the remote terminals for data transmissions over the channel is determined. An updated rate for bandwidth allocations to the one terminal is determined based on the utilization metric for the terminal, a target bandwidth utilization and tolerance range for the one terminal, and the maximum rate for the data allocations to each of the remote terminals. The updated rate for the bandwidth allocations to the one terminal is applied to subsequent bandwidth allocations for the one terminal.