Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation for Video and Non-Video Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional access networks allocate bandwidth to video and non-video services using fixed reservations, which can lead to inefficient use of bandwidth as non-video services are restricted even when video services are not fully utilizing their allocated bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic bandwidth allocation system that uses a usage monitor at customer-premises devices to track video usage and send parameters to a DSLAM, which adjusts the bandwidth allocation between video and non-video services based on current video stream demands, allowing for reallocation of bandwidth when video services are not fully utilizing their reserved capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed bandwidth reservation is used for video services, then video service quality is guaranteed, but non-video services lose bandwidth opportunities even when video services are not fully utilizing their allocated bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the DSLAM continuously monitors video service usage and adjusts bandwidth reservations in real-time. When video services are not fully utilizing their allocated bandwidth, the system dynamically reallocates that bandwidth to non-video services, transforming the static fixed reservation system into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes resource utilization while maintaining video quality guarantees.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the bandwidth allocation parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on actual video usage conditions. The DSLAM modifies the reserved bandwidth parameter for video services based on monitoring data, allowing the parameter to adapt between minimum guaranteed bandwidth and available bandwidth pools, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
2Device complexity
If bandwidth is statically allocated between video and non-video services, then allocation simplicity is maintained, but network efficiency decreases due to wasted bandwidth capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the DSLAM monitors actual video service bandwidth usage and uses this information to adjust bandwidth allocations. The monitoring function provides continuous feedback about video usage patterns, enabling the system to identify when reserved bandwidth is underutilized and reallocate it to non-video services, thereby reducing waste while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment through automated bandwidth allocation management. The DSLAM autonomously monitors video usage and reallocates bandwidth without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The self-service mechanism uses built-in monitoring and control functions to optimize bandwidth distribution, reducing the need for complex administrative management while eliminating bandwidth waste.
3Speed
If reserved bandwidth for video services is not dynamically adjusted, then allocation speed is fast, but available bandwidth for non-video services is reduced when video usage is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic bandwidth adjustment where the reserved bandwidth for video services is continuously adapted based on actual usage conditions. When video services consume less bandwidth than reserved, the system quickly reallocates the excess capacity to non-video services, maintaining fast response through automated real-time adjustments while increasing available bandwidth for non-video traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The DSLAM performs periodic monitoring and adjustment cycles to evaluate video usage patterns and update bandwidth allocations. This periodic action allows the system to respond promptly to changing conditions, adjusting bandwidth reservations in sync with actual video demand patterns, thereby ensuring both fast allocation response and optimal bandwidth availability for non-video services.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus to allocate bandwidth between video and non-video services in access networks are disclosed. An example system comprises a customer-premises device, a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) to transmit to the customer-premises device a signal having a non-video portion and a video portion, a usage monitor at the customer-premises device to monitor a usage of the video portion and to send a parameter representative of the usage of the video portion to the DSLAM, and a policy manager at the DSLAM to adjust at the DSLAM a bandwidth allocation between the video portion and the non-video portion based on the parameter.