DOCSIS Cable Modem G-SID Upstream Bandwidth Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In DOCSIS communication systems, existing methods for upstream bandwidth allocation in cable networks are inefficient, particularly in managing multiple service flows, leading to increased latency and collisions due to the need for separate bandwidth requests for each service flow, which complicates the allocation process and reduces overall network performance.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a generic service identifier (G-SID) in the DOCSIS upstream bandwidth allocation MAP message allows for the allocation and transmission of upstream data for multiple service flows within a single entry, enabling the cable modem to distribute bandwidth among service flows and request bandwidth more efficiently, thereby simplifying the allocation process and improving network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate bandwidth requests are sent for each service flow, then bandwidth allocation can be managed individually, but the allocation process complexity increases and network performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual bandwidth allocationVSAvoidallocation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple service flow bandwidth requests into a single aggregated request message. Instead of sending separate bandwidth requests for each service flow, the cable modem aggregates the bandwidth needs of multiple service flows and sends a single request containing the combined bandwidth requirement, thereby reducing message overhead and processing complexity while maintaining individual service flow management capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal bandwidth request mechanism that can handle both single service flow and multiple service flow scenarios through a unified message structure. The aggregated bandwidth request format is designed to be versatile, accommodating different numbers of service flows and various bandwidth allocation patterns, eliminating the need for separate handling procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate bandwidth requests are sent for each service flow, then precise bandwidth control is achieved, but transmission latency increases due to multiple requests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth control precisionVSAvoidtransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple bandwidth requests into a single aggregated request, reducing the number of transmission cycles required. By combining the bandwidth needs of multiple service flows into one message, the system minimizes the time spent on repeated request-transmission-allocation cycles while preserving the ability to allocate bandwidth precisely to each individual service flow based on its specific requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate bandwidth requests are sent for each service flow, then individual service flow management is enabled, but the number of MAP messages increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice flow managementVSAvoidnumber of MAP messages
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple service flow bandwidth requests into a single MAP message by implementing an aggregation mechanism at the cable modem level. The aggregated request structure allows the modem to include bandwidth requirements for multiple service flows within one message, significantly reducing the total number of MAP messages transmitted between the cable modem and cable modem termination system while maintaining detailed service flow management capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11134027B2Method and apparatus for transmitting upstream data in a cable network
Publication Date: 2021.09.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US11134027B2 patent drawing
  • US11134027B2 patent drawing
  • US11134027B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for transmitting upstream data in a cable network is provided. The method includes a cable modem (CM) receiving a generic service identifier (G-SID) included in a corresponding information element (IE) in a data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) upstream bandwidth allocation MAP message. The G-SID is a unique identifier assigned to the CM. The method includes the CM transmitting the upstream data for one or more service flows of the CM via at least a portion of the CM bandwidth allocation.