Dynamic Bandwidth Adjustment in Packet Transport Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications networks with variable link bandwidth face challenges in maintaining throughput, especially in high-traffic areas or with microwave links, where degradation leads to service disruptions due to static service allocation and the high cost of protection switching.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a service redistribution method that detects impairments in links with reduced bandwidth, communicates this information, and dynamically redistributes services to alternate paths with available bandwidth, ensuring continued operation below pre-defined thresholds and maintaining user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static service allocation with pre-defined threshold is used, then guaranteed service is maintained above threshold, but link bandwidth cannot be fully utilized when below threshold and service degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service allocation that automatically adjusts service distribution based on real-time link bandwidth conditions. When link degradation is detected, the system dynamically redistributes services from degraded links to alternate paths with sufficient capacity, replacing static threshold-based allocation with adaptive load management that maintains service availability while optimizing bandwidth utilization across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by allowing services to operate below pre-defined bandwidth thresholds through dynamic redistribution. Instead of maintaining rigid threshold parameters that cause service shutdown, the system adjusts service allocation parameters in real-time based on actual link conditions, enabling continuous service operation with optimized bandwidth distribution.
2Reliability
If protection switching with redundant microwave links is deployed, then service continuity is ensured during link degradation, but network cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing network links multi-functional by using them for both primary service transmission and backup capacity. Instead of deploying dedicated redundant links, the system enables existing links to dynamically serve as backup paths when degradation occurs, allowing single links to fulfill multiple roles (primary and backup) based on real-time conditions, thereby reducing the need for separate redundancy resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service protection where the network automatically detects link degradation and redistributes services without external intervention. The network monitors its own link conditions and performs autonomous service redistribution to maintain continuity, eliminating the need for manual protection switching and reducing dependency on pre-configured redundant paths.
3Reliability
If link is shut down when bandwidth falls below threshold, then service quality is maintained, but service disruption occurs and bandwidth cannot be fully exploited
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational threshold parameter from a fixed shutdown point to a dynamic redistribution trigger. Instead of shutting down services when bandwidth falls below a pre-defined threshold, the system uses the threshold as a trigger to initiate dynamic service redistribution to alternate paths, allowing services to continue operating below thresholds while maintaining quality through optimized resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor link bandwidth conditions and automatically adjust service allocation in response. When link degradation is detected, the system receives feedback about the degraded state and responds by redistributing services to maintain quality, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents service disruption while optimizing bandwidth utilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for adjusting bandwidth in a communications network having a plurality of nodes connected over multiple links with a plurality of services running on the links includes detecting an impairment of a link wherein the impairment invokes a reduction in bandwidth available to the services running on the link, communicating information about the impairment to other nodes in the network and redistributing services between the links to limit a bandwidth required by services running on the impaired link to a value not exceeding the bandwidth available on the impaired link.