Communication Path Selection for Bandwidth Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple communication paths, users face challenges in selecting the optimal path for communication due to varying bandwidth and external interference, especially with technologies like IEEE802.11 and PLC, which often result in insufficient bandwidth and changing effective rates.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that includes an information collection unit to measure and select paths based on effective rate, using a maximum effective rate table to determine the best path for data transmission, and a data transmission unit to distribute packets across selected paths, ensuring stable and efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication paths (IEEE802.11, PLC) are used, then communication flexibility and redundancy are improved, but bandwidth sufficiency and stability deteriorate due to external interference and varying effective rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection by continuously monitoring effective rates of multiple communication paths and automatically switching between them based on real-time conditions. The system adapts to changing network environments by adjusting path selection dynamically rather than using fixed routing, thereby maintaining both flexibility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by measuring and comparing effective rates (bandwidth, transmission speed) of different communication paths and selecting the optimal path based on these parameter variations. This allows the system to respond to external interference and bandwidth fluctuations by adjusting which path is active.
2Ease of operation
If automatic path selection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to information collection and path selection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device performs self-service by automatically collecting information about multiple communication paths, evaluating their effective rates, and selecting the optimal path without user intervention. The system manages its own path selection process, reducing the need for external control while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the effective rates of communication paths and using this information to adjust path selection decisions. The collected information about transmission performance feeds back into the path selection logic, enabling automatic optimization without increasing user burden.
3Device complexity
If single path communication is used, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth sufficiency deteriorates when external interference affects the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication paths into a unified selection framework, allowing the system to combine the capabilities of different paths (IEEE802.11, PLC, Ethernet) and select the most effective one. This merging approach maintains relative simplicity while improving bandwidth effectiveness through multi-path capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication is performed by selecting any one of or two or more paths from among multiple paths existing between a communication apparatus and the other party in communication. In addition to measuring an effective rate itself, the effective rate is estimated from a combination of Phy rate, received power, Phy rate, and statistics information. Then, on the basis of information about the effective rate of each path, a path used for data transmission is selected according to a single selection method for selecting a single path or a multi-selection method for selecting multiple paths at a time. The single selection method can be classified into a method for each session or a physically exclusive method. The multi-selection method includes weighting method and redundancy degree attaching method.