DOCSIS Load Balancing via Weighted Channel Prioritization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DOCSIS systems do not allow system operators to prioritize upstream and downstream channel loading conditions relative to each other for load balancing operations, limiting the ability to effectively manage channel loads in diverse network topologies.

Innovation Solution

A control attribute is introduced that enables system operators to prioritize upstream and downstream channel loading conditions, allowing for weighted decisions in load balancing, which can be implemented through a new Management Information Base (MIB) module, enabling flexible load balancing across various network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional load balancing methods are used that treat upstream and downstream channels equally, then the system maintains simplicity in operation, but the system cannot optimize channel utilization for diverse network topologies and conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to diverse network topologiesVSAvoidcomplexity of load balancing control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic load balancing by allowing operators to configure different weights for upstream and downstream channels based on specific network conditions and topologies. The system transitions from static equal-weight treatment to dynamic weighted treatment, enabling adaptation to varying network scenarios while maintaining operational simplicity through a configurable parameter approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a weight parameter that can be adjusted to change the relative importance of upstream versus downstream channel loading conditions. By modifying this parameter, the system can optimize for different network topologies and conditions without changing the fundamental load balancing algorithm, thus achieving versatility through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If operators want to prioritize upstream channel loading conditions over downstream or vice versa, then the system can optimize for specific network conditions, but the system lacks the capability to differentiate between upstream and downstream priorities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of priority management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a weight parameter that can be adjusted to change the relative importance of upstream versus downstream channel loading conditions. By modifying this parameter, the system can optimize for different network topologies and conditions without changing the fundamental load balancing algorithm, thus achieving versatility through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system uses fixed load balancing rules, then the system maintains ease of operation, but the system cannot adapt to changing network conditions and topologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in load balancing decisionsVSAvoidease of load balancing configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic load balancing by allowing operators to configure different weights for upstream and downstream channels based on specific network conditions and topologies. The system transitions from static equal-weight treatment to dynamic weighted treatment, enabling adaptation to varying network scenarios while maintaining operational simplicity through a configurable parameter approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9094229B2Load balancing in a DOCSIS system based on weighting upstream and downstream channel loading conditions

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses for balancing a network load are provided. A control attribute that allows a system operator to prioritize upstream and downstream channel loading conditions relative to each other for load balancing decisions is used to balance the network load.