BRAS Provisioning via Dynamic ADSL Rate Polling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ADSL connection setups often establish connections at a fixed bandwidth rather than the maximum available, leading to inefficient data transmission, especially in congested networks, and existing solutions either fail to adapt to changing bandwidth conditions or impose a heavy signaling burden on the access network.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically determine and adjust the consistent data rate of ADSL connections by polling DSLAMs for actual and maximum attainable rates, updating the BRAS settings to match the consistently achievable rate, ensuring efficient data transmission without overloading the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ADSL connection is set up at the maximum available bandwidth, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but the network may become overloaded when many users simultaneously utilize their maximum bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the BRAS continuously monitors actual line rates and adjusts the committed information rate (CIR) accordingly. Instead of static bandwidth allocation, the system adapts to changing network conditions by periodically polling DSLAMs for actual and maximum attainable rates, and updating BRAS settings to match consistently achievable rates, thereby optimizing transmission efficiency while preventing network overload
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the BRAS polls DSLAMs to obtain actual line rates and maximum attainable rates, compares these with current CIR settings, and adjusts the CIR based on the consistently achievable rate. This closed-loop control mechanism ensures that bandwidth allocation reflects real-time network conditions, improving efficiency while maintaining stability through continuous monitoring and adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the BRAS is reconfigured frequently to match changing bandwidth conditions, then adaptability is improved, but the signaling burden on the access network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary polling during connection establishment where the BRAS obtains actual and maximum attainable rates from the DSLAM before finalizing the CIR configuration. By performing this bandwidth assessment in advance during the connection setup phase rather than continuously during operation, the system achieves adaptability while minimizing ongoing signaling overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic polling at scheduled intervals (such as during connection establishment and at regular maintenance intervals) rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic approach allows the BRAS to update CIR settings based on consistently achievable rates without imposing a continuous signaling burden on the access network, balancing adaptability with operational efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A management device (100) for automatically provisioning a Broadband Remote Access Server (BRAS) (40) for use in connecting Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) (10) to an Internet Protocol (IP) network (50) via a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) (19) a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) (20) and the BRAS (40), the management device (100) comprising: a first interface for receiving from time to time data readings from the DSLAM (20) indicative of the current or recent line rate of the DSL; a processor unit for calculating from the received data readings a consistent rate indicative of a consistent line rate of the DSL (19) based on a plurality of data readings for the DSL (19) from the DSLAM (20); and a second interface for transmitting provisioning messages to the BRAS (40) for provisioning the BRAS (40) to restrict data flowing to the DSL (19) to a maximum rate selected by the management device 100 in accordance with the calculated consistent rate.