Network User Priority Assignment via DHCP Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems face challenges in intelligently assigning priorities to data packets without overusing or oversubscribing priorities, particularly in complex and expensive UPnP™ QoS architectures, especially in networks lacking a unique QoS Policy Holder and handling multiple applications or data types.
Innovation Solution
A Network User Priority Assignment System (NUPAS) that includes a host and a configuration server, utilizing the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to transmit and receive traffic descriptors and network user priority values, allowing for intelligent priority assignment across heterogeneous networks with both wired and wireless segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UPnP QoS architecture is used for priority assignment, then priority management capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the priority assignment function from the complex UPnP QoS architecture and relocates it to the DHCP server, which is already present in most networks. This separation allows priority management to be achieved without requiring the complex UPnP architecture, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The DHCP server is made multi-functional by adding priority assignment capability to an existing universal network component. Instead of requiring separate dedicated QoS policy holders, the DHCP server performs both IP address assignment and priority assignment, reducing the need for additional specialized devices and simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If UPnP QoS architecture is used for priority assignment, then priority management capability is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the priority assignment function from the expensive UPnP QoS architecture and relocates it to the DHCP server, which is already present in most networks. This separation allows priority management to be achieved without requiring the complex UPnP architecture, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing, inexpensive DHCP server infrastructure instead of deploying expensive dedicated QoS policy holder devices. By leveraging the already-deployed DHCP server, the solution avoids the high implementation cost of specialized hardware while providing the same priority management functionality.
3Ease of operation
If priorities are assigned arbitrarily by applications, then ease of operation is improved, but priority oversubscription occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the DHCP server receives priority requests from clients, processes them according to network policies, and returns assigned priorities. This feedback loop prevents arbitrary priority assignment by mediating between client requests and network capacity, ensuring priorities are distributed effectively without oversubscription while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A network user priority assignment system (“NUPAS”) for assigning network user priorities on a network is described. The NUPAS may include a host and a gateway in signal communication with the host. The host may be configured to transmit a request message signal and the gateway may be configured to receive the transmitted request signal and in response generate an acknowledgement signal having a traffic descriptor.