Bulk Data Distribution via Local Caching in DIL Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Nodes in disconnected, intermittent, and low bandwidth (DIL) networks face challenges such as network delays, inefficient bandwidth usage due to redundant data transmission, and the inability to dynamically adjust quality of service (QoS) to prioritize mission-critical data, leading to asymmetric behavior and network failures.
Innovation Solution
A system that manages bandwidth by receiving bulk data at a node via wide area networks and distributing it locally, dynamically adjusts QoS priorities, selects optimal wide area networks for data transmission, and stores data for later transmission to optimize bandwidth usage and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nodes transmit more data than the total bandwidth capacity of available wide area networks, then more data can be sent, but bandwidth is exceeded and lower priority data is dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distributing bulk data (such as software updates) to intermediate nodes within the DIL network before the actual need arises. This allows data to be cached locally at intermediate nodes, eliminating the need to repeatedly transmit the same data over the limited-bandwidth wide area network when multiple end nodes require it, thus preventing bandwidth exhaustion and data drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate nodes as mediators between the source and end nodes. These intermediate nodes receive, store, and locally distribute data to multiple end nodes within the DIL network, acting as a buffer that prevents direct bandwidth conflicts on the wide area network and ensures reliable data delivery even when WAN bandwidth is limited.
2Reliability
If quality of service profiles are used to prioritize traffic, then critical applications are ensured, but network operators cannot dynamically adjust prioritization without reconfiguring all routers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into hierarchical levels with intermediate nodes that can independently manage local QoS policies. This segmentation allows individual intermediate nodes to adjust their local prioritization rules without requiring simultaneous reconfiguration of all routers in the network, reducing the complexity and risk of network-wide reconfiguration while maintaining critical application performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic QoS adjustment by allowing intermediate nodes to modify their local quality of service policies in real-time based on current network conditions and mission requirements. This dynamic capability enables flexible prioritization changes without the need for static, network-wide reconfiguration, maintaining reliability while reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If redundant data and retransmissions are transmitted over wide area networks, then data reliability is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating local copies of data at intermediate nodes within the DIL network. Instead of transmitting the same data multiple times over the wide area network to ensure delivery, intermediate nodes store local copies that can be distributed to multiple end nodes, eliminating redundant WAN transmissions and reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by allowing intermediate nodes to discard redundant data transmissions that have already been cached locally. When multiple end nodes need the same data, the intermediate node serves them from its local cache rather than recovering and retransmitting over the WAN, thus reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliability.
4Productivity
If nodes indiscriminately utilize available wide area networks, then network availability is maximized, but data transmission quality varies due to different network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing intermediate nodes to assess and select specific wide area network paths based on local network conditions and data requirements. Rather than indiscriminately using any available WAN, intermediate nodes can choose paths with appropriate bandwidth, latency, and reliability characteristics for specific data transmissions, ensuring consistent transmission quality while maintaining high utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A bandwidth management system that reduces bandwidth usage by receiving bulk data at a node and locally distributing copies to multiple devices. In various embodiments, the system may also enable network operators to prioritize various types of data using existing quality of service (QoS) priorities, store lower priority data in a mutable queue and drop/overwrite untransmitted data (e.g., after a certain time period, upon receipt of updated data, etc.), provide functionality to monitor/control bandwidth allocated for various types of data, select the wide area network best suited to transmit each type of data, change the QoS value of certain data types, dynamically adjust the data prioritization or network selection based on the current mission or phase, monitor the availability of each node and find the best path around unavailable nodes, and/or cache data output by a transmitting node and forward the cached data when a path to a destination node is available.