Flow Aggregation Protocol for Multi-Connectivity Client Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-connectivity client devices (MCCD) face communication failures due to the use of different communication standards and flow aggregation and routing protocols across various networks, hindering the establishment of uplink and downlink channels.

Innovation Solution

A method where the MCCD communicates with a Network Communication Engine (NCE) to negotiate a set of communication standards, including flow aggregation and routing protocols, to establish uplink and downlink channels, allowing the Multi-Access Bearer Proxy (MABP) to manage data packet routing effectively across multiple networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MCCD uses different communication standards across multiple networks, then network connectivity and bandwidth are improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to protocol incompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a common flow aggregation and routing protocol as an intermediary layer between the MCCD and multiple access networks. This protocol acts as a mediator that translates and harmonizes different network protocols, enabling seamless communication across LTE, WiFi, and other networks while maintaining protocol compatibility and communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal flow aggregation and routing protocol that can operate across multiple different network types and access technologies. This multi-functional protocol enables the MCCD to communicate reliably with various networks (LTE, WiFi, femtocells) using a single standardized interface, eliminating protocol incompatibility issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If MCCD establishes uplink and downlink channels across multiple networks, then communication capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to protocol negotiation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the protocol negotiation and flow aggregation functionality from the individual network interfaces and centralizes it in a dedicated flow aggregation module. This separation allows the protocol management logic to be handled independently from the physical network connections, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-network communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a flow aggregation and routing protocol as an intermediary layer that simplifies the interaction between the MCCD and multiple networks. This mediator handles protocol translation and channel management, reducing the complexity of direct multi-network protocol negotiations while enhancing communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If MCCD implements flow aggregation across multiple networks, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but protocol compatibility issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidprotocol compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the protocol parameter set by implementing a standardized flow aggregation and routing protocol that adapts to different network types. By modifying and unifying protocol parameters across LTE, WiFi, and other networks, the system achieves both high data transmission efficiency through flow aggregation and broad protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3482547B1Flow aggregation and routing for multi-connectivity client devices
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP3482547B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3482547B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3482547B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects relating to managing flow aggregation and routing for a multi- connectivity client device are described herein. In an implementation, a method for managing flow aggregation and routing for the client device includes establishing connection with a network communication engine based on connection parameters. The method further includes exchanging communication capabilities of the client device and a multi-access bearer proxy, with the network communication engine through a predefined communication protocol. The method further includes negotiating a set of communication standards for managing flow aggregation and routing of data packets, with the network communication engine based on the exchanged communication capabilities, where the set of communication standards comprises at least one flow aggregation and routing protocol.