Dynamic Link Aggregation for Bandwidth Surplus Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network capacity management in wireless networks is inefficient, leading to bandwidth saturation and performance degradation due to oversizing of network capacity, reliance on quality-of-service (QoS) that affects non-priority traffic, and limitations in Layer 1 capacity expansions, especially in high-demand scenarios like large events or disaster situations.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic link aggregation system that operates in Layer 1 of the network stack, augmenting a wireless network device's fixed connection with additional wireless connections using licensed and unlicensed spectrum from mobile networks and nearby Wi-Fi access points, dynamically allocating links based on bandwidth demand to optimize network capacity without relying on QoS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network capacity is oversized to accommodate high demand, then bandwidth availability is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link aggregation that automatically adjusts network capacity by adding or removing wireless links based on real-time bandwidth demand. The system monitors traffic conditions and dynamically provisions capacity, transitioning from static oversizing to adaptive resource allocation, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing operational costs during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of network capacity from a fixed state to a variable state by implementing dynamic link aggregation. Capacity parameters are adjusted in real-time based on bandwidth demand, allowing the network to scale resources up or down without physical infrastructure changes, thus optimizing the balance between availability and cost
2Reliability
If QoS is implemented to prioritize certain traffic, then service quality for priority traffic is improved, but non-priority traffic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traffic prioritization function from the QoS mechanism and replaces it with dynamic capacity allocation. Instead of managing different traffic types through QoS hierarchies, the system provides uniform dynamic bandwidth access to all traffic, eliminating the harmful differentiation that causes non-priority traffic degradation while maintaining overall service quality
3Device complexity
If Layer 1 capacity expansion is limited, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to high-demand scenarios worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal link aggregation mechanism that can dynamically incorporate multiple types of wireless connections (licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, Wi-Fi, cellular) at Layer 1. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to various high-demand scenarios without increasing core device complexity, as the aggregation framework handles diverse connection types through a unified interface
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms static Layer 1 capacity limitations into dynamic adaptability by implementing real-time link aggregation. The Layer 1 interface dynamically adds or removes wireless links based on demand, providing scalability and versatility without requiring complex pre-provisioning or multiple dedicated hardware paths
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device comprising: a processing system including a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising: determining whether a first device, which is wireless-capable, is communicating under a bandwidth surplus with a fixed network via a first fixed network connection, 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 licensed wireless spectrum, unlicensed wireless spectrum, or a combination thereof, and wherein the determining with respect to the first device results in a first determination; determining whether a second device is communicating under a bandwidth deficit with the fixed network via a second fixed network connection, wherein the determining with respect to the second device results in a second determination; and responsive to the first determination being that the first device is communicating under the bandwidth surplus and responsive to the second determination being that the second device is 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.