Data Flow Manager for Threshold-Based Multi-Link Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in maintaining optimal link quality and bandwidth for user equipment due to variations in communication link quality, particularly when hybrid access networks are used, leading to decreased performance and inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A data flow manager that receives status signals from multiple communication links and performs load-balancing by selecting a prioritization link based on predefined quality thresholds, independent of immediate link quality, to optimize data distribution across heterogeneous networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If load-balancing is used to distribute data traffic over parallel links, then bandwidth and data rate are improved, but link quality stability deteriorates due to variations in communication link quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the selection of prioritization link based on current link quality conditions. The data flow manager continuously monitors link quality metrics and adapts the load-balancing strategy by selecting different prioritization links (first or second communication link) depending on which link meets the quality threshold, thereby maintaining both high bandwidth utilization and link quality stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of load-balancing by introducing quality thresholds as a decision criterion. Instead of uniformly distributing traffic or always preferring one link, the system modifies the traffic distribution parameters based on whether link quality exceeds the threshold, enabling adaptive optimization of both throughput and reliability.
2Productivity
If multiple communication links are used for data distribution, then data rate is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the decision-making process into distinct quality thresholds for different communication links. By dividing the link selection logic into threshold-based decision rules (first link quality threshold, second link quality threshold), the system manages complexity through structured segmentation rather than monolithic control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The data flow manager acts as an intermediary that simplifies the interaction between multiple communication links and the user equipment. It abstracts the complexity of multi-link management by implementing a standardized threshold-based selection mechanism, shielding upper layers from the intricacies of link quality variations and traffic distribution.
3Reliability
If link quality is continuously monitored and adjusted, then link quality stability is improved, but resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality monitoring by establishing separate quality thresholds for each communication link rather than implementing a single global threshold. This allows selective monitoring and adjustment based on individual link characteristics, reducing overall resource requirements while maintaining link quality stability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial monitoring by only actively managing traffic distribution when link quality conditions warrant intervention (i.e., when quality thresholds are met or violated). Instead of continuous full-scale adjustment, the system applies control actions selectively based on threshold crossings, reducing computational and signaling overhead while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A data flow manager distributes data of a data stream of a user equipment via at least a first communication link and a second communication link, wherein the second communication link is independent of the first communication link. The data flow manager includes: a network interface configured to receive a first status signal indicating a first link quality of the first communication link and a second status signal indicating a second link quality of the second communication link; and a processor configured to perform load-balancing by selecting a prioritization link from the first communication link or the second communication link independent of the first link quality and the second link quality provided that the first link quality is above a first quality threshold and the second link quality is above a second quality threshold.