Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation in Wireless Wide Area Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless wide area networks face inefficiencies in bandwidth allocation due to fixed bandwidth allocations that do not adapt to varying data transmission needs of devices, leading to suboptimal performance and compatibility issues between different air interface protocols, which can result in customers needing to upgrade their devices to access new network features.
Innovation Solution
A system that subdivides total bandwidth into fundamental carriers and a reserved portion, allowing dynamic allocation of bandwidth to wireless devices based on their needs, enabling support for multiple air interface protocols and versions, such as IS-2000 and IS-856, and allowing devices to request additional bandwidth for high data bursts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed bandwidth allocation is used among wireless devices, then network compatibility and stability are maintained, but bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates when data transmission needs vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the network can adjust the amount of bandwidth assigned to each wireless device based on real-time data transmission needs. The system transitions from static fixed allocation to dynamic allocation, allowing devices to receive more bandwidth during high-data bursts and less during low-activity periods, thereby resolving the contradiction between efficiency and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth allocation parameter from a fixed value to a variable that can be adjusted based on transmission requirements. By modifying the bandwidth parameter dynamically rather than keeping it constant, the system achieves both high utilization efficiency and adaptability to varying data needs
2Speed
If large bandwidth is allocated to all wireless devices, then high data burst transmission capability is improved, but bandwidth waste increases during low data transmission periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allocating bandwidth selectively rather than providing full bandwidth to all devices at all times. Devices receive excessive bandwidth (more than needed) only when high data bursts are detected, and partial or zero bandwidth during low-activity periods, thereby achieving high transmission speed when needed while minimizing bandwidth waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables wireless devices to self-report their data transmission needs to the network, allowing them to effectively request bandwidth when needed. This self-service mechanism ensures devices get the bandwidth they require for high-speed transmission without the network needing to continuously monitor and allocate bandwidth proactively, reducing overall bandwidth waste
3Productivity
If new air interface protocol versions are implemented, then higher data rates and improved network characteristics are achieved, but device compatibility deteriorates requiring frequent upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the air interface protocol universal by designing it to handle multiple protocol versions and bandwidth requirements within a single framework. The protocol can accommodate both legacy and new devices, supporting multiple data rates and bandwidth allocations, thereby achieving high data rates for new devices while maintaining compatibility with older devices without requiring frequent upgrades
Data Source
AI summary
An access point for a wireless wide area network can allocate two or more fundamental channels among wireless devices. In various implementations, the fundamental traffic channels may be for use with incompatible versions of the same air interface protocol (e.g., the 1xRTT and EV-DO versions of code division multiple access (“CDMA)). The access point may additionally have a reserved bandwidth that it can dynamically allocate to wireless devices to supplement the bandwidth allocated to them on the fundamental channels. For example, when sending or receiving large bursts of data, the access point can allocate additional bandwidth to the wireless devices, and after transmission of the large bursts of data, the access point can release the additionally allocated bandwidth.