Adaptive Constant Bit Rate Bandwidth Allocation for VoWiFi Satellite Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite communication systems face inefficiencies in bandwidth allocation for VoWiFi calls, leading to wasted resources due to fixed Constant Bit Rate (CBR) allocations that do not distinguish between voice data and control/management data packets.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an Adaptive Constant Bit Rate (ACBR) bandwidth allocation system that classifies all VoWiFi packet traffic as real-time and allocates a minimum guaranteed bandwidth initially, with incremental steps based on real-time traffic thresholds, allowing for more efficient use of bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed Constant Bit Rate (CBR) bandwidth allocation is provided for VoWiFi calls, then Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) are guaranteed, but network resources are wasted when actual usage is below the allocated amount

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS guaranteeVSAvoidbandwidth waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation by transitioning from fixed CBR to adaptive CBR (ACBR) that adjusts based on actual traffic conditions. The system continuously monitors voice traffic volume and dynamically adjusts the allocated bandwidth accordingly, allowing the allocation to adapt between guaranteed minimum levels and actual usage requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between QoS guarantee and bandwidth waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the bandwidth allocation parameter from a static fixed value to a dynamic value that varies based on traffic conditions. By introducing adaptive mechanisms that modify the CBR parameter according to actual voice traffic volume, the system maintains QoS guarantees while reducing wasted bandwidth allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the same CBR is allocated to both voice data packets and control/management data packets, then simplicity in allocation is maintained, but network resources are wasted because control/management traffic does not require the same bandwidth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveallocation simplicityVSAvoidbandwidth waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments VoWiFi traffic into different categories: voice data packets and control/management data packets. By classifying traffic types and applying different bandwidth allocation strategies to each segment, the system allocates appropriate bandwidth to voice traffic while reducing or eliminating bandwidth allocation for control/management traffic, thus reducing waste while maintaining manageable allocation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different quality levels of service to different traffic types. Voice data packets receive full CBR allocation to ensure quality, while control/management packets receive reduced or adaptive allocation based on their actual needs, creating localized quality differentiation that reduces overall bandwidth waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If adaptive bandwidth allocation is implemented to reduce bandwidth waste, then network efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional classification and monitoring requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service mechanisms where the bandwidth allocation adapts automatically based on monitored traffic conditions without requiring manual intervention. The ACBR mechanism autonomously adjusts bandwidth allocation by monitoring voice traffic volume and making real-time decisions, reducing the need for complex manual configuration and management while maintaining high network efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250167880A1Adaptive constant bit rate bandwidth allocation for traffic over a satellite network
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 HUGHES NETWORK SYST
  • US20250167880A1 patent drawing
  • US20250167880A1 patent drawing
  • US20250167880A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for bandwidth allocation for Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) packet traffic in a satellite system is disclosed. The system may include a processor and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine whether there is any VoWiFi packet traffic over a satellite network link (such as, e.g., control and management packet traffic) and, if there is, allocate a guaranteed minimum bandwidth for the VoWiFi packet traffic. The processor may further provide a series of step bandwidth allocations based on the current level of VoWiFi packet traffic exceeding certain threshold values (e.g., as voice data packet traffic).