Equalized Data Latency in Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data communication systems, particularly those using 4G and 5G wireless networks, face challenges in maintaining equalized latency for user application sessions across mobile user communication devices, which is crucial for applications like virtual reality gaming and social networking, but existing network support is not yet optimal.

Innovation Solution

A wireless data network architecture that employs source and target application controllers to manage latency by dynamically adjusting data exchanges through Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Network (SDN) controllers, ensuring equalized latency by handover events and using latency windows to maintain consistent data transfer delays across user equipment and wireless access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If user communication devices move between wireless access points, then coverage area is extended, but latency equalization becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidlatency equalization
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing latency windows and equalization parameters before handover events occur. The source application controller proactively measures latency to the target application controller and configures appropriate latency windows in advance, ensuring that latency equalization can be maintained seamlessly during the transition between wireless access points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components including the source application controller, target application controller, and latency window mechanisms that mediate the handover process. These intermediaries coordinate the transition between wireless access points while maintaining latency equalization, acting as buffers that smooth out the transitions and prevent latency disruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If latency windows are made smaller for stricter latency control, then latency equalization precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatency equalization precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by implementing latency equalization selectively within defined latency windows rather than attempting perfect equalization at all times. The source application controller sends data packets with latency indicators only when necessary to maintain equalization within the window, reducing overhead while achieving sufficient precision for the application's needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the latency window parameter based on application requirements and network conditions. Different applications can have different latency window configurations, allowing the system to optimize between precision and complexity by changing the latency window parameter rather than increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If handover between application controllers is implemented, then mobility support is improved, but latency equalization continuity may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility supportVSAvoidlatency equalization continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the source application controller measures latency to the target application controller and uses this information to configure appropriate latency windows. The target application controller also provides feedback about its latency characteristics, enabling both controllers to coordinate handovers in a way that maintains latency equalization continuity throughout the transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Before handover occurs, the source application controller performs preliminary latency measurements to the target application controller and configures appropriate latency windows in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the handover occurs, the latency equalization can be maintained continuously without disruption, as the target controller is already prepared with the correct latency parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10412616B1Equalized data latency for user applications in a wireless data network
Publication Date: 2019.09.10 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US10412616B1 patent drawing
  • US10412616B1 patent drawing
  • US10412616B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless data network equalizes latency for a user application. A source application controller exchanges application data with user communication devices over source wireless access points for a user application session. The source application controller maintains equalized latency within a latency window on the application data exchanges. The source application controller identifies a handover event for a user communication device and determines if the equalized latency can be maintained. The source application controller hands over the application session to a target application controller when the equalized latency cannot be adequately maintained within the latency window. The target application controller then exchanges application data with the user communication devices over the wireless access points for the user application session. The target application controller maintains equalized latency within another latency window on the subsequent application data exchanges for the user application session.