Destination-Based Bandwidth Management for Cable Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cable network operators face challenges in managing bandwidth distribution fairly among subscribers, as some users consume excessive bandwidth, leading to unfair usage patterns and increased costs for others.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a destination-based methodology to identify top bandwidth consumers and discarding a predetermined percentage of packets destined for them, ensuring a uniform reduction in bandwidth utilization across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flat-rate monthly fee is charged regardless of bandwidth consumption, then customer acquisition and retention are improved, but network resource fairness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the billing parameter from a flat monthly fee to a usage-based model where customers are charged based on their actual bandwidth consumption. This is achieved by implementing a packet policing mechanism that identifies top bandwidth consumers and applies a predetermined percentage discard rate to their traffic, thereby creating a direct correlation between usage and cost while maintaining network fairness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bandwidth is unlimited for all customers, then network accessibility is improved, but network efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a predetermined percentage discard rate (e.g., 20-40%) specifically for top bandwidth consumers rather than applying strict bandwidth limits to all users. This partial throttling of excessive usage maintains network efficiency and fairness while preserving unrestricted access for normal users, thus balancing accessibility with productivity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If heavy bandwidth users are identified and throttled, then network fairness is improved, but customer satisfaction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated traffic treatment based on user behavior patterns. Normal users experience no throttling and maintain full service quality, while only top bandwidth consumers (typically less than 5% of users) are subject to the predetermined percentage discard rate. This localized application of traffic policing maintains overall customer satisfaction while achieving network fairness.
Data Source
AI summary
A replicator is configured to be coupled to a first packet-based network, and a packet analysis module and a router are coupled to the replicator. The router is configured to be coupled to a second packet-based network. The replicator receives packets from the first packet-based network, passes the packets to the router, and passes a copy of the packets to the packet analysis module. The packet analysis module identifies, in a set of customers of the second packet-based network, a top usage subset. The top usage subset includes those of the customers who are using more bandwidth of the second packet-based network than other ones of the customers. The top usage subset includes at least two of the customers. The packet analysis module identifies, at an entry point of the second packet-based network, routes of packets destined for the top usage subset. The router discards a predetermined percentage of the packets destined for the top usage subset. The predetermined percentage is determined in order to reduce bandwidth utilization of the second packet-based network by a desired amount. The predetermined percentage is identical for all of the customers in the top usage subset.