Adaptive Resource Allocation in Congested Wireless LAN
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In congested wireless local area networks, the failureover from a high bandwidth Ethernet uplink to a low bandwidth cellular (3G/4G) uplink leads to bottlenecks and poor user experience due to limited bandwidth, causing issues such as dropped voice calls and jittering in live streaming, with no existing mechanism to intelligently adapt to these situations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically assign priorities to client devices based on application type or traffic type, allowing only essential applications and limiting the number of clients and bandwidth per client when the RAP switches to a cellular uplink, using profiles and tables to manage client connections and bandwidth allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the RAP fails over from Ethernet uplink to cellular uplink, then network connectivity is maintained, but bandwidth is significantly reduced causing congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the RAP adapts its bandwidth allocation strategy based on the active uplink type. When cellular uplink is active, the system dynamically adjusts client bandwidth limits and connection priorities rather than using static allocation, allowing optimal performance given the constrained bandwidth conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on uplink type detection. When cellular uplink is detected, the RAP modifies bandwidth allocation parameters, client connection limits, and application priority settings to match the lower bandwidth capacity, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining connectivity and managing limited bandwidth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all client devices are allowed to connect to the RAP, then network coverage is maximized, but congestion and bottlenecks occur on cellular uplink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels of service to different clients based on their application requirements. Critical applications receive higher priority and guaranteed bandwidth, while non-critical applications receive limited or no bandwidth when cellular uplink is active, allowing the system to maintain coverage while managing congestion through differentiated service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by selectively allowing only essential applications and a limited number of clients to use the cellular uplink simultaneously. This partial utilization of available bandwidth prevents congestion while maintaining adequate coverage, rather than allowing all clients to connect without restriction.
3Ease of operation
If bandwidth is allocated to all applications equally, then fairness is maintained, but latency-sensitive applications like voice calls experience drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring priority levels and bandwidth guarantees for latency-sensitive applications before congestion occurs. When cellular uplink becomes active, these pre-established priorities automatically ensure that voice and video applications receive necessary bandwidth, preventing service degradation without requiring real-time fairness adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor application performance and bandwidth usage in real-time. When cellular uplink is detected, the RAP adjusts bandwidth allocation based on feedback from active applications, ensuring that latency-sensitive applications maintain reliable service while less critical applications are throttled or disconnected.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a method and a network device for adaptive resource allocation in congested wireless local area network deployment. Specifically, a network device dynamically assigns priorities of client devices associated with a remote access point based at least on an application type or a traffic type corresponding to each client device. Further, the network device transmits the priorities of the client devices to the remote access point in response to the wired uplink being unavailable. The priorities of the client devices facilitate the remote access point to limit a number of client devices connected to the remote access point subsequent to the wired uplink being unavailable.