Adaptive Bandwidth Allocation for Shared Local Network Infrastructure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for supporting communication in local networks that share physical mediums with external networks are inefficient, leading to adverse effects on external connectivity due to interference and overlap between internal and external communications.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for adaptive bandwidth allocation within shared network infrastructure, where a network manager, typically the gateway device, assesses and manages internal connectivity to mitigate interference by allocating bandwidth and communication parameters based on the topology and activity of both internal and external networks, ensuring minimal disruption to external communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If bandwidth is allocated for internal network communications, then internal connectivity is improved, but interference with external network communications increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal connectivityVSAvoidinterference with external communications
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the network manager continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts bandwidth allocation in real-time. The system transitions from static to dynamic allocation, adapting bandwidth distribution based on current internal and external network activity patterns, traffic priorities, and interference levels to optimize both internal connectivity and external communication quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network manager modifies communication parameters including bandwidth allocation, transmission power levels, and modulation schemes based on monitored network conditions. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system optimizes internal communications while adjusting power and spectral distribution to minimize harmful interference to external networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If transmission power is increased for internal communications, then signal strength is improved, but interference with external networks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidinterference generated
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating transmission power levels across different spatial and spectral regions. The network manager assigns higher power to frequency bands and time periods where external network activity is low, while reducing power in regions where external communications are active. This localized power optimization maintains internal signal strength while minimizing harmful interference to specific external channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors external network activity patterns and uses this information to strategically allocate transmission power. By identifying periods and frequency bands where external networks are inactive or using lower power, the internal network can increase transmission power during these windows, effectively converting external network absence into an opportunity for stronger internal signals without causing interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If bandwidth allocation is optimized for internal network, then internal communication efficiency is improved, but external network performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal communication efficiencyVSAvoidexternal network performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network manager implements a closed-loop feedback system that continuously monitors both internal network performance metrics and external network activity patterns. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation and transmission parameters to maintain optimal internal communication efficiency while preventing degradation of external network performance. The feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization balancing both internal and external network requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic monitoring and adjustment cycles where the network manager regularly assesses network conditions, re-evaluates bandwidth allocation, and updates transmission parameters. This periodic action ensures that internal network optimization does not continuously degrade external performance, as the system periodically resets and rebalances allocation based on changing conditions, preventing sustained interference patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10601668B2Methods and systems for managing bandwidth allocation for shared network infrastructure in local networks
Publication Date: 2020.03.24 MAXLINEAR INC
  • US10601668B2 patent drawing
  • US10601668B2 patent drawing
  • US10601668B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for adaptive management of local networks, such as in-premises networks, which may have access to and/or may be connected to external networks, such cable or satellite networks. A network management device that manages a local network may receive from a client device in the local network, a communication request relating to communication within the local network, may process the communication request, and may configure the communication of the client device based on processing of the communication request. The processing of the communication request may include assessing effects of communication of the client device, at the network management device, on other connections and/or communications, with the other connections and/or communications including external connections and/or communications with one or more devices and/or networks external to the local network. Processing of the communication request may include assessing likelihood of interference at the network management device.