Adaptive Buffer Control for Data Modems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data modems lack flexibility in packet buffer size adjustment, leading to perceptible delays due to congestion or underutilization of provisioned data rates.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive buffer system that calculates data rate and latency of packets, compares these metrics with predetermined thresholds, and adjusts the buffer size in real-time to optimize packet processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the packet buffer size is set to a large size, then more packets can be stored to prevent underutilization of provisioned data rate, but packets may stay in the buffer for a long period of time creating perceptible delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer size adjustment by continuously monitoring network conditions (congestion levels, latency measurements) and adapting the buffer size accordingly. The buffer transitions from a static fixed size to a dynamic variable size that responds to real-time network state, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high data rate utilization and preventing excessive packet latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by measuring actual network latency and congestion levels, then using this feedback to adjust the buffer size. The controller monitors packet transmission performance and modifies buffer allocation based on observed network conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that balances throughput and latency.
2Loss of time
If the packet buffer size is set to a small size, then packet latency is reduced, but the buffer may fill up quickly leading to underutilization of the provisioned data rate
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer size dynamically adapts to network conditions rather than remaining fixed at a small value. When network conditions improve (lower congestion, better latency), the buffer expands to capture more packets and improve throughput. When latency becomes problematic, the buffer contracts to reduce queuing delays, thus preventing underutilization while maintaining acceptable latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the buffer size parameter based on measured network conditions. By adjusting this critical parameter in response to observed performance metrics (latency, congestion level), the system optimizes the trade-off between keeping the buffer small enough to maintain low latency and large enough to prevent underutilization of available bandwidth.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a default packet buffer size is provided based on high tier service assumptions, then initial performance is optimized for high bandwidth, but the buffer size cannot be adapted when network conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer control system operates autonomously by automatically monitoring network conditions and adjusting buffer size without requiring manual intervention or complex external control mechanisms. The system serves itself by making real-time decisions based on observed performance, simplifying the overall control architecture while providing adaptability across different service tiers and network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include determining a data rate and a latency of one or more packets associated with a buffer, and adapting a size of the buffer based on the data rate or latency. The size of the buffer may also be adjusted differently based on its current size. For example, the size of the buffer may be increased by a greater amount if its current size is relatively small, or it may be decreased by a greater amount if its current size is relatively large. To determine how to adjust the buffer, the data rate may be compared to a data rate threshold and the latency may be compared to a latency threshold.