Gaming Agent Reserving Bandwidth for Online Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network-based gaming systems face challenges in providing quality-of-service (QoS) that is customizable to the specific needs of online gaming, as existing DOCSIS networks offer limited dynamic allocation of resources, leading to suboptimal gaming experiences due to interference from other traffic types and inefficient bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a 'gaming agent' that dynamically reserves enhanced QoS for online gaming sessions, allowing users to opt-in for premium service based on their subscription, with features like parental controls and time-based charging, ensuring that network resources are allocated efficiently according to the specific requirements of the game being played.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DOCSIS networks use shared access carrier networks with dynamic resource allocation, then network flexibility and cost efficiency are improved, but quality of service for online gaming deteriorates due to interference from other traffic types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different priority levels, separating gaming traffic from other traffic types. The QoS assignment module divides the network bandwidth into guaranteed bandwidth for gaming applications and best-effort bandwidth for other traffic, preventing interference while maintaining shared network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated service levels to different traffic types within the same network. Gaming traffic receives enhanced QoS parameters including guaranteed bandwidth, priority scheduling, and latency constraints, while other traffic receives standard best-effort service, allowing each traffic type to operate under optimal conditions.
2Reliability
If carriers allocate dedicated bandwidth for online gaming, then gaming quality of service is improved, but network resource efficiency deteriorates due to reserved bandwidth being wasted during non-gaming periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic QoS allocation where the guaranteed bandwidth for gaming is activated only when gaming applications are detected. The system continuously monitors traffic patterns and dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation, switching between best-effort service (when no gaming) and guaranteed service (when gaming detected), thereby eliminating wasted bandwidth during non-gaming periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring of network traffic to detect gaming applications and trigger QoS changes. The QoS assignment module periodically assesses traffic patterns and activates or deactivates guaranteed bandwidth allocation based on the presence or absence of gaming traffic, ensuring bandwidth is reserved only when needed.
3Reliability
If network providers implement custom quality of service protocols for gaming, then gaming performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal QoS assignment module that handles multiple traffic types and application protocols through a single standardized interface. The module uses generic classification mechanisms that can identify gaming applications across different platforms and protocols without requiring protocol-specific implementations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining gaming performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The QoS assignment module acts as an intermediary between the network infrastructure and gaming applications. It provides a standardized mediation layer that translates diverse gaming traffic patterns into uniform QoS parameters, simplifying the integration process and reducing the complexity of implementing custom protocols across different network devices.
4Reliability
If carriers provide premium quality of service for gaming, then user experience is improved, but network cost structure deteriorates due to additional infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service QoS management where the network system automatically detects gaming applications and allocates appropriate bandwidth without requiring additional manual intervention or infrastructure. The QoS assignment module uses automated traffic classification and policy enforcement to provide premium gaming service using existing network resources, eliminating the need for dedicated gaming infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention teaches methods and systems for providing a gaming server system (Gaming System) for enabling a quality-of-service on-demand (QoS) broadcast system to provide a gaming computer or game console with premium levels of quality-of-service. The gaming server provides premium network connection service levels based upon customer profile, current activity, account status or other criteria.