Adaptive Flow Assignment for Heterogeneous Network Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently routing traffic flows over multiple access networks with heterogeneous characteristics, such as varying available bit rates and delays, which affects Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning, especially in scenarios involving wireless links.
Innovation Solution
A method and communication system that utilize a Markov Decision Process (MDP) based control scheme to dynamically assign traffic flows across multiple access networks by monitoring and modeling network characteristics, optimizing flow allocation based on stochastic models of bit rate and delay, and periodically updating the policy for optimal network selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static flow assignment policies are used to route traffic flows over multiple access networks, then the network configuration is simple and stable, but the Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning is insufficient and packet delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow assignment by continuously monitoring network characteristics (available bit rate, delay) and periodically reassigning traffic flows to optimal access networks based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach replaces static assignment policies, enabling the system to adapt to changing network conditions and improve QoS provisioning while managing complexity through automated control loops.
2Loss of time
If dynamic flow assignment based on real-time network measurements is implemented, then QoS provisioning is improved and packet delays are reduced, but the system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously measures network characteristics (available bit rate, delay) and uses this information to adjust flow assignments. The feedback loop includes monitoring network conditions, comparing them against performance thresholds, and reassigning flows accordingly. This feedback-driven approach reduces packet delay by responding to real-time network changes while managing complexity through structured control algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access networks with heterogeneous characteristics are integrated, then network versatility and available bit rate increase, but network management complexity and heterogeneity challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal flow assignment framework that can manage multiple heterogeneous access networks (wireless, wireline) using common monitoring and control mechanisms. The system assigns flows to any available access network based on standardized performance metrics (available bit rate, delay), enabling multi-network versatility while simplifying management through unified control policies that work across different network types.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a setting where a device (10) has access to multiple access networks (20, 30, 40), the distribution of traffic flows generated by applications running on a device amongst the access networks can enable better network utilization than single network use at a time. However, the variation in network characteristics like available bit rate and delay make the problem of flow assignment challenging. In the present invention we propose a method and system for an adaptive assignment of flows to different access networks, which results in a much better performance (in terms of packet losses, delays and allocated bit rates for the flows) than a static flow allocation policy. The adaptive flow reassignment is controlled by using stochastic characterization of the network characteristics of all access networks (20, 30, 40) and adopting a Markov Decision Process based selecting approach to optimally assign flows to the access networks (20, 30, 40).