Multi-Network Gateway Bandwidth Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users with a single internet connection face limitations in accessing multiple networks without incurring additional costs, as internet service providers typically restrict the use of multiple routers.

Innovation Solution

A gateway system that supports multiple, configurable, and customizable networks, allocating bandwidth based on priority and user-defined features, enabling load balancing and dynamic adjustment of bandwidth among networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users connect multiple routers to a single internet connection, then network coverage and device connectivity are improved, but ISP restrictions and additional costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway segments the single internet connection into multiple virtual networks (SSID1, SSID2, etc.) with different priority levels. Each network segment is independently managed with its own bandwidth allocation and priority settings, allowing multiple devices to connect simultaneously without requiring multiple physical routers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway performs multiple functions within a single device: it acts as a primary router, bandwidth manager, priority arbitrator, and multiple virtual access points simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate routers while providing the same network coverage benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If bandwidth is allocated equally among multiple networks, then fairness is improved, but network performance and user satisfaction deteriorate due to lack of prioritization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth managementVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Different networks are assigned different quality levels based on their priority classification. High-priority networks receive preferential bandwidth allocation and faster service, while low-priority networks receive standard allocation. This local differentiation of service quality optimizes overall network performance while maintaining fair management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway dynamically changes bandwidth allocation parameters based on network priority and current usage conditions. When bandwidth is abundant, more networks receive higher allocation; when bandwidth is constrained, priority-based allocation ensures critical networks maintain performance. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes both fairness and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple routers are deployed to expand network capacity, then bandwidth and network performance are improved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway merges the functions of multiple routers into a single device. It consolidates routing, switching, wireless access, and bandwidth management capabilities into one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate routers while maintaining or expanding network capacity through intelligent resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of expanding network capacity by adding more physical devices (spatial dimension), the gateway expands capacity by creating multiple virtual networks and priority levels (logical dimension). This dimensional shift allows unlimited network expansion without proportional increases in physical hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If a single gateway manages multiple networks with different priorities, then network performance is improved, but gateway complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth allocation efficiencyVSAvoidgateway complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway performs preliminary classification and priority assignment to each network during setup. This pre-establishment of priority levels and bandwidth parameters allows for efficient real-time bandwidth allocation without complex continuous decision-making, reducing processing requirements while maintaining high allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250023831A1Methods and systems for providing multiple networks from a gateway

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 DISH NETWORK LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for providing multiple networks from a gateway. A multiple network gateway system can include a gateway (e.g., a router) with the ability to support multiple, configurable, and customizable networks. The gateway can connect to a source (e.g., internet service provider (ISP), cable networks, OTA networks, satellite networks, etc.) and determine the bandwidth. Using the determined bandwidth, the gateway can allocate the bandwidth among the multiple networks according to a priority order of the networks. In some implementations, the gateway can receive customizable features from the user. Examples of the customizable features can include security options, parental controls, operational hours, MAC address specific operations, number of user limits, and internet usage tracking. The gateway can determine the priority of each network based on the customizable features.