Dynamic Traffic Control for Docking Station Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless connections between information handling systems and docking stations often face issues such as insufficient bandwidth, latency, and interference, which can negatively impact user experience by limiting data transmission efficiency and increasing processing load.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual interface system that allows data transmission between an information handling system and a dock via both wired (e.g., USB-C) and wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) connections, with data allocation based on characteristics such as latency and bandwidth requirements, enabling simultaneous use of both interfaces for enhanced transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless connection is used between information handling system and docking station, then portability and ease of connection is improved, but bandwidth and latency performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data transmission by creating separate virtual interfaces (wired and wireless) within the docking station, allowing different data types to be transmitted through different interfaces simultaneously. The system divides data traffic into wired-specific data and wireless-specific data, enabling parallel transmission paths that resolve the contradiction between wireless convenience and transmission performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both wired and wireless communication interfaces that can operate simultaneously. The system universally handles multiple data transmission modes through a single docking station device, allowing it to adapt to different connection requirements and maintain both portability and high-performance transmission capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless connection is used between information handling system and docking station, then portability is improved, but bandwidth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges wired and wireless communication interfaces within the docking station to create a unified system that combines the advantages of both connection types. By combining the high bandwidth of wired connections with the portability of wireless connections, the system achieves both adaptability and sufficient data transmission capacity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates data transmission between wired and wireless interfaces based on real-time requirements. The docking station can adaptively switch between connection modes and allocate bandwidth dynamically, allowing it to maintain portability while providing sufficient bandwidth when needed through the wired interface.
3Ease of operation
If wireless connection is used between information handling system and docking station, then ease of connection is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data traffic into different categories and assigns them to appropriate transmission interfaces. Time-sensitive data is routed through the low-latency wired interface, while less time-critical data uses the wireless interface, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of wireless connection and latency performance for different data types.
4Productivity
If both wired and wireless interfaces are used simultaneously, then bandwidth and latency performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station implements self-service by automatically managing data allocation between wired and wireless interfaces without requiring manual configuration. The system autonomously determines which interface to use for each data type, handling the complexity of dual-interface management internally while presenting a simplified user experience and maintaining high transmission efficiency.
5Adaptability or versatility
If wireless connection is used between information handling system and docking station, then portability is improved, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate transmission interface based on data requirements, using the wired interface for high-performance needs and wireless for portability. This dynamic allocation optimizes processing load by avoiding unnecessary wireless encoding and processing for data that can be efficiently transmitted through the wired connection, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for allocating traffic between a wireless interface and a wired interface of an information handling system may begin with determining that the information handling system is connected to a dock via a wireless interface. A determination may also be made that the information handling system is connected to the dock via a wired interface. One or more characteristics of at least a portion of data to be transmitted between the information handling system and the dock may be determined. A first portion of the data to be transmitted may be transmitted via the wireless interface based, at least in part, on the one or more characteristics. A second portion of the data to be transmitted may be transmitted via the wired interface based, at least in part, on the one or more characteristics.