Dynamic Wireless Link Capacity Allocation for Priority Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network protocols are inefficient in prioritizing and dynamically allocating capacity for high-priority data in shared wireless links, leading to suboptimal use of limited spectrum, especially when nodes with varying priority data streams share the same bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to dynamically allocate shared wireless capacity based on the priority of data packets, where a network controller receives signals about packet priority and buffer depth from nodes, applying algorithms to assign link capacity, ensuring rapid transmission of high-priority packets across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If equal capacity is assigned to all wireless nodes using CSMA/CD, then each node gets fair access to the wireless medium, but high-priority data cannot be transmitted faster than low-priority data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capacity assignment where the wireless network controller continuously monitors buffer depths and priority levels of multiple nodes, adjusting time slot allocations in real-time. Nodes receiving high-priority data are dynamically assigned larger time slots, while nodes with only low-priority data receive smaller slots, making the capacity allocation flexible and adaptive to changing traffic conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies differentiated capacity allocation to different spatial locations (nodes) based on their local traffic characteristics. Each node receives a customized time slot allocation proportional to its high-priority traffic needs, allowing local optimization of throughput for high-priority data while maintaining overall network fairness
2Productivity
If node priority is used to dynamically assign capacity in IEEE 802.16 TDMA, then high-priority nodes get more capacity, but capacity cannot be reassigned when a high-priority node has only low-priority data to send
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each node reports its buffer depth and priority level information to the wireless network controller. The controller uses this feedback to continuously adjust time slot allocations, ensuring that capacity is reassigned in real-time based on actual traffic conditions rather than static node priorities
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static node-based priority assignment to dynamic packet-based priority assignment. The capacity allocation changes dynamically based on the actual priority of packets waiting in each node's buffer, allowing the network to adapt to changing traffic patterns and reassign capacity to nodes that currently have high-priority data to send
3Reliability
If fixed TDMA slot assignment is used in military wireless networks, then each node guarantees some capacity, but spectrum is not efficiently utilized when nodes have different priority data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed TDMA slot assignment with dynamic time slot allocation. The wireless network controller adjusts the size and assignment of time slots based on real-time monitoring of buffer depths and priority levels, allowing the system to guarantee minimum capacity to all nodes while efficiently utilizing spectrum by allocating additional capacity to nodes with high-priority traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of time slot duration and assignment dynamically based on traffic conditions. Instead of fixed slot lengths, the controller adjusts slot parameters (duration, assignment) according to the priority and volume of data in each node's buffer, optimizing both reliability and spectrum efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
Link capacity in a wireless medium is assigned by receiving at least one capacity request; and controlling the wireless link capacity based on at least the received capacity request. Link capacity is altered by reading priority information; creating a capacity request from the priority information read; transmitting the capacity request; receiving link configuration data; and configuring a wireless link to conform to the received allocation of link capacity. Link capacity is controlled by extracting the origin and priority of one or more packets received over the shared wireless medium; selecting the link capacity for one or more wireless links based at least in part on the extracted origin and priority of the one or more packets received, higher capacities are selected for origins from which higher priority packets are received; and transmitting the selected link capacity to the one or more wireless links.