Dynamic Buffer Depth Adjustment for Fixed Wireless Access Modems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Quality of Service (QoS) solutions are ineffective for accelerating Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) enterprise cases on 4G and 5G networks due to lack of control mechanisms between customer premises equipment (CPE) and cellular modems, leading to issues like congestion, packet loss, and delay, especially in scenarios with varying upstream throughput and deep FIFO output buffers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where network devices, such as routers or gateways, can dynamically adjust the output buffer depth of modems based on real-time traffic congestion monitoring, enabling real-time congestion control and prioritization of packets to ensure effective QoS without relying on modem vendors' specific protocols or probing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the output buffer depth of the modem is increased to handle varying upstream throughput, then the buffer can accommodate more traffic, but congestion and packet delays worsen due to deep FIFO output buffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer depth adjustment where the network device continuously monitors traffic congestion and sends control messages to the modem to adjust the output buffer depth in real-time. This transforms the static buffer into a dynamic parameter that adapts to changing network conditions, reducing packet delays when congestion is detected while maintaining adequate buffer capacity during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the network device monitors traffic congestion at the modem and sends control messages back to adjust buffer depth. This closed-loop control mechanism uses congestion information as feedback to continuously optimize buffer settings, preventing both underflow and excessive delays
2Reliability
If QoS control mechanisms are implemented between CPE and modem, then packet prioritization and congestion control improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized control message interface as an intermediary between the network device and modem. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of QoS control through standardized protocols, allowing the network device to manage buffer depths and traffic prioritization without requiring complex vendor-specific implementations, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable QoS control
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by controlling specific parameters (buffer depth, traffic prioritization levels) through standardized messages rather than implementing complex control algorithms. By focusing on parameter adjustment through predefined control mechanisms, the system achieves reliable QoS without excessive complexity
3Reliability
If real-time congestion monitoring is implemented, then congestion control and packet prioritization improve, but the system requires continuous monitoring and control signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic congestion monitoring where the network device checks traffic conditions at regular intervals and adjusts buffer depth accordingly. This periodic approach balances real-time congestion control with reduced monitoring overhead compared to continuous monitoring, maintaining reliability while optimizing resource usage
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides a method that includes establishing an initial output buffer depth of a modem for a data access point name (APN) interface by a network device. The network device includes a network operating system and a communication interface coupled between the network operating system and the modem. The method also includes monitoring traffic congestion of the modem during a predetermined time and receiving notification of backward congestion or notification of no backward congestion from the modem. The method further includes adjusting output buffer depth of the modem based on monitored traffic congestion.