Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation Based on Time Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication service plans often result in inefficient bandwidth utilization for users and service providers due to flat rate data services, which do not adapt to varying network usage patterns throughout the day.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that dynamically adjusts bandwidth based on a customer-selected time of day profile, allowing increased bandwidth during off-peak hours for an additional fee, utilizing a network device with a clock, bandwidth controller, and cost logic to manage and charge for the adjusted bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flat rate data services are provided to users, then users can access data services with guaranteed bandwidth, but bandwidth utilization becomes inefficient for both users and service providers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth guaranteeVSAvoidbandwidth utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation that adjusts bandwidth allocation in real-time based on network conditions, user behavior patterns, and time of day. Instead of static flat-rate allocation, the system continuously adapts bandwidth provision to match actual demand, resolving the contradiction between reliability and utilization efficiency by making bandwidth dynamic rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes bandwidth parameters dynamically based on multiple factors including time of day, network load, and predicted user behavior. By adjusting bandwidth allocation parameters in response to changing conditions rather than maintaining fixed parameters, the system achieves both reliable service delivery and efficient bandwidth utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If bandwidth is increased during off-peak hours for additional fee, then network resource utilization improves, but service plan complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidservice plan structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments bandwidth allocation into different time-based profiles (peak, off-peak, standard hours) with distinct allocation rules and pricing structures. This segmentation allows the system to optimize network utilization during different periods while presenting users with manageable, pre-defined profile options rather than requiring complex custom configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on time of day and network conditions, automatically transitioning between different allocation modes. This dynamic approach simplifies service plan management by using automated rules rather than requiring complex manual configuration, while still achieving improved network resource utilization during off-peak hours

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8837498B2System and method for managing bandwidth based on a time of day
Publication Date: 2014.09.16 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC
  • US8837498B2 patent drawing
  • US8837498B2 patent drawing
  • US8837498B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for managing bandwidth to a customer in response to a time of day. A current time of day is determined. A time of day profile selected by the customer from multiple time of day profiles is determined. The bandwidth allocated to the customer is adjusted in response to the current time of day and the time of day profile. The customer is charged in response to charges associated with the selected time of day profile.