Distributing Data Streams Across Multiple Devices for Bandwidth Aggregation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers face limitations in accessing data-intensive applications like streaming video and video conferencing due to individual devices' insufficient bandwidth, despite having multiple devices with combined bandwidth capable of supporting such applications, as existing techniques are restricted to fixed communication links and same technology/service providers.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that distributes a data stream among multiple devices by assigning communication ports for a stream splitting session, allowing devices with different service providers and capabilities to combine their bandwidth, with a stream processor splitting the data stream and a session manager managing connections and monitoring changes in device availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If data intensive applications are accessed using a single device, then the device can maintain simple communication links, but the bandwidth is insufficient to support the application

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidcommunication link structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data stream into multiple portions and distributes them across multiple communication links to different devices. Each device receives a portion of the data stream through its own communication link, thereby aggregating the total bandwidth available while maintaining individual link simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the bandwidth capabilities of multiple devices by establishing separate communication links to each device and combining the data portions received. This allows the system to achieve higher overall bandwidth by combining multiple individual device capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple devices are used to aggregate bandwidth, then higher overall bandwidth is achieved, but the system becomes more complex with multiple service providers and connection management

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidflexibility in device selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal system that can work with multiple types of devices from different service providers. The communication system is designed to be provider-agnostic, allowing any device with Internet connectivity to be included in the bandwidth aggregation, thereby maintaining high adaptability while achieving increased bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication system that manages the complexity of multiple device connections. This intermediary coordinates the distribution of data portions to multiple devices and handles the reassembly process, shielding users from the underlying complexity while enabling flexible device selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed communication links are used, then the system is simple to manage, but devices from different service providers cannot be combined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-service provider compatibilityVSAvoidconnection management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal communication framework that works across multiple service providers and device types. The system establishes independent communication links that are not restricted to a single provider, enabling cross-service provider compatibility while managing complexity through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Quantity of substance

If a single device is used, then connection management is simple, but the device cannot support data intensive applications due to bandwidth limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidapplication support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bandwidth capabilities of multiple devices to achieve the throughput required for data intensive applications. By combining multiple individual device bandwidths, the system reliably supports applications like video conferencing and streaming that would be impossible on a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11444994B2Distributing communication of a data stream among multiple devices

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A first example device disclosed herein comprises memory including computer readable instructions and a processor to execute the instructions to access a group code and a group size from a second device, the group code to identify a group of devices to be included in a stream splitting session to distribute communication of a data stream, the group size to specify a number of devices included in the group of devices, the group of devices including the first device and the second device. The processor is also to initiate transmission of a request including the group code and the group size to a distribution system to establish the stream splitting session. The processor is further to forward a first portion of the data stream from the distribution system to the second device for aggregation with a second portion of the data stream at the second device.