Dynamic Data Link Allocation for Concurrent WLAN and Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronic devices inefficiently utilize available data communications links, often prioritizing WLAN over cellular networks based on cost considerations without evaluating performance or reliability, leading to suboptimal data transfer requirements for streaming data.
Innovation Solution
A system that monitors performance characteristics of multiple data links, including current data reception rates and latency, to determine optimal data allocation across links based on cost parameters, such as monetary costs and power consumption, ensuring that transmission performance requirements are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If WLAN link is preferred over cellular data communications networks based on cost considerations, then cost is reduced, but data transfer performance and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts data link selection and allocation based on real-time performance monitoring. The receiver continuously monitors performance characteristics of available data links and reallocates data transmission dynamically to satisfy performance requirements while minimizing cost, transitioning from static user preferences to adaptive decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of data link selection criteria from fixed cost-based preferences to dynamic performance-based allocation. By monitoring performance characteristics and adjusting allocation decisions in real-time, the system optimizes both cost efficiency and performance reliability
2Device complexity
If data is transferred using a single selected data communications network, then device complexity is reduced, but data transfer performance and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data transmission across multiple data links rather than using a single network. The receiver monitors multiple available data links and allocates different portions of data traffic to different links based on their performance characteristics, enabling parallel transmission through segmented data flows
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the electronic device to utilize multiple data communications networks simultaneously for data transfer. By making the device capable of concurrent communication over WLAN and cellular networks with intelligent allocation, it achieves multi-functionality in data transfer pathways
3Ease of operation
If data allocation is based on static user preferences, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to changing link conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the receiver monitors performance characteristics of data links and uses this information to dynamically adjust data allocation decisions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing link conditions while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated self-service data allocation where the device automatically monitors link performance and adjusts its own data transmission strategy without requiring continuous user intervention. The receiver autonomously makes allocation decisions based on monitored performance characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of determining an allocation of data across multiple data communications networks. A respective characteristic of the first data communications network and the second data communication network are determined based on receiving a respective first and second portion of a data set sent through respective channels to a receiver. Based on determining these respective characteristics and based upon the respective characteristics, an allocation of data between the first data communications network and the second communications network is determined such that the allocation satisfies at least one data transfer performance requirement associated with the data set.