Home Network Bandwidth Allocation by Device Group
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional traffic classification methods in home networks do not optimally allocate limited resources among competing devices, leading to inefficient use of bandwidth and poor user experience, especially during congestion, as they prioritize flows based on classification rather than device-specific usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that classifies traffic flows based on both the type of flow and the device associated with it, using a modem to allocate bandwidth dynamically based on the device's priority and the flow's class of service, ensuring equitable distribution of resources among devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional flow-based traffic classification is used, then traffic can be prioritized based on flow characteristics, but bandwidth allocation is inefficient during congestion because it does not consider device-specific usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the home network into multiple device groups (e.g., family members, guests, IoT devices) and applies different bandwidth allocation policies to each group. The modem identifies individual devices and assigns them to groups, then allocates bandwidth priorities based on group membership rather than treating all flows uniformly. This segmentation enables differentiated service quality while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized group-based policies.
2Reliability
If bandwidth is allocated based on flow classification alone, then traffic priority can be determined, but user experience deteriorates during congestion because device-specific needs are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring bandwidth allocation to specific devices and their usage patterns. Instead of uniform flow-based classification, the system identifies individual devices (e.g., smartphone, laptop, smart TV) and assigns bandwidth priorities based on device type, user preferences, and current network conditions. This enables critical devices to maintain reliable performance during congestion while less critical devices receive reduced bandwidth, optimizing overall network utilization.
3Ease of operation
If device-specific bandwidth allocation is implemented, then user experience is improved during congestion, but system complexity increases due to device identification and priority management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling devices to automatically register with the modem and receive appropriate bandwidth allocation without manual configuration. The modem autonomously identifies devices, assigns them to priority groups based on device characteristics and pre-configured policies, and dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation. This automation reduces the operational burden on users while the modem's integrated processing handles the complexity of device management and priority enforcement.
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations of the disclosure are directed to a method, including: receiving traffic flows transmitted by user devices over a local area network including the user devices; determining a user device of the user devices that transmitted each traffic flow of the traffic flows; classifying each traffic flow of the traffic flows as being associated with a class of service and a traffic class, the traffic flows being classified as belonging to multiple classes of service and traffic classes; and distributing available bandwidth between the traffic flows based on the traffic classes, the classes of service, and the user devices by: distributing, to each traffic flow of the traffic flows, a portion of the available bandwidth based on the class of service associated with the traffic flow, the traffic class associated with the traffic flow, and the user device that transmitted the traffic flow.