Dynamic Link Aggregation for Bandwidth Surplus Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for network connectivity fluctuates throughout the day, making it difficult to predict network capacity needs, especially in large venues or rural areas, leading to bandwidth saturation and inadequate delivery of subscribed bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic link aggregation system that operates in Layer 1 of the network stack, augmenting a fixed network connection with additional wireless network connections using licensed and unlicensed spectrum, allowing for real-time adjustment of network capacity based on bandwidth demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network capacity is increased to meet peak demand, then bandwidth availability is improved, but operational costs increase due to oversizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link aggregation that automatically adjusts network capacity by adding or removing wireless connections based on real-time bandwidth demand. The system monitors queue depths at the PON device and dynamically provisions additional wireless links from licensed and unlicensed spectrum when demand exceeds the fixed connection capacity, thereby avoiding the need to permanently oversize the network infrastructure while ensuring bandwidth availability when needed.
2Productivity
If fixed network connection capacity is increased, then bandwidth saturation is prevented, but device complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional network system where a single fixed network connection is augmented with multiple wireless connections from different spectrum types (licensed and unlicensed). The dynamic link aggregation system can selectively activate different wireless links based on demand, making the infrastructure versatile and adaptable without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure for each capacity level. This universal approach allows the same system to handle varying throughput requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network capacity is dynamically adjusted, then bandwidth utilization is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-managing dynamic link aggregation system that automatically monitors bandwidth utilization at the PON device and independently makes decisions about adding or removing wireless connections. The system uses predefined thresholds and algorithms to autonomously provision capacity without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized control, thereby achieving high adaptability while keeping operational complexity manageable through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining whether a first device is communicating under a bandwidth surplus with a fixed network, wherein the bandwidth surplus results at least in part from use by the first device of one or more link aggregation groups, wherein the one or more link aggregation groups comprise one or more satellite broadband communication channels as well as licensed cellular wireless spectrum, unlicensed wireless spectrum, or a combination of the licensed cellular and unlicensed spectrum; determining whether a second device is communicating under a bandwidth deficit with the fixed network; and responsive to the first device communicating under the bandwidth surplus and responsive to the second device communicating under the bandwidth deficit, allocating at least a portion of the bandwidth surplus associated with the first device to the second device. Other embodiments are disclosed.