Broadcast Optimization Controller Airtime Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networking, especially with Wi-Fi 6 environments, broadcast streams often lead to congestion and airtime starvation due to all client devices sharing a common channel, limiting bandwidth and transmission rates, affecting both broadcast and critical traffic performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamically allocating airtime resources using a broadcast optimization controller that generates a broadcast optimization map based on neighbor reports from client devices, identifying the minimum number of network devices needed to support all current broadcast streams, optimizing resource allocation based on physical layout and current flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If all client devices share a common channel with the access point for broadcast streams, then broadcast coverage is maximized, but network congestion and airtime starvation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broadcast function by selecting specific client devices as broadcast recipients instead of all devices sharing a common channel. The access point identifies a subset of client devices that will receive broadcast streams, thereby segmenting the broadcast delivery mechanism to avoid universal channel sharing and its associated congestion problems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If broadcast streams use basic rates to ensure compatibility, then all client devices can receive broadcasts, but transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different transmission rates for different broadcast streams based on client device capabilities. Instead of uniformly using basic rates for all broadcasts, the system can assign appropriate transmission rates to specific client devices based on their individual capabilities, thereby optimizing transmission efficiency while maintaining compatibility where needed.
3Reliability
If multiple network devices provide broadcast services to ensure coverage, then broadcast availability is improved, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where client devices provide information about their broadcast reception capabilities and preferences. The access point uses this feedback to intelligently select which client devices should receive broadcast streams, thereby managing multi-device broadcast allocation in a coordinated manner that improves availability while controlling complexity through informed decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein include a method and related network device and computer program product. The method includes receiving a neighbor report that indicates whether a first network device in an environment is advertising broadcast services and generating, using the neighbor report, a broadcast optimization map that indicates a set of network devices in the environment that will provide a broadest coverage of broadcast services within the environment. The set corresponds to a minimum count of network devices that supports all current broadcast streams by one or more client devices in the environment.