Dynamic Network Resource Reclamation via Activity Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Networks face challenges in efficiently managing finite communication resources such as logical addresses and bandwidth, leading to potential exhaustion and increased operational costs due to static allocation methods.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic resource management system where access points monitor communication activity and attachment signaling to dynamically allocate and deallocate resources, allowing for the reclamation of resources when activity levels fall below certain criteria, thereby extending the lifespan of network resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If communication resources are statically allocated to devices in a network, then devices have guaranteed access to resources, but the network experiences resource exhaustion and increased operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource access guaranteeVSAvoidavailable communication resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network node monitors communication activity metrics (such as data transmission rates, session duration, or activity patterns) and adjusts resource allocation in real-time. Resources are allocated to active devices and released when devices become inactive, transforming the static allocation system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing network conditions, thereby preventing resource exhaustion while maintaining reliability for active devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of resource allocation from fixed to variable based on communication activity parameters. By monitoring activity metrics and setting thresholds, the system automatically transitions resource allocation states (allocated/deallocated) based on observed communication patterns, allowing the same resource pool to serve varying numbers of devices according to actual demand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If communication resources are dynamically allocated based on activity monitoring, then resource exhaustion is prevented, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailable communication resourcesVSAvoidresource management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network node automatically performs monitoring, evaluation, and resource allocation/deallocation without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The system uses predefined activity thresholds and automatically executes resource management decisions based on observed communication metrics, enabling self-service operation that reduces operational complexity despite the dynamic nature of resource allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where communication activity is continuously monitored and fed back to the resource allocation logic. When activity metrics cross predefined thresholds, the system automatically triggers resource allocation or release decisions, creating a closed-loop control system that manages complexity through structured feedback rather than uncontrolled complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2629456B1Dynamic release and reclamation of a communication resource provisioned to an access point in a network
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC
  • EP2629456B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2629456B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2629456B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to dynamically reclaiming communication resources allocated to a device in a network. Reclaiming such resources can comprise releasing the communication resources when communication activity at an access point serving the device fulfils a reclamation criterion. The access point can monitor the communication activity based at least on network traffic associated with the device. In one aspect, the access point can determine an activity metric associated with the communication activity and, in response to the activity metric fulfilling a reclamation criterion, the access point can release the allocated communication resource.