Communication Path Selection Agent for IoT Query Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IoT application servers lack the ability to dynamically select optimal communication paths for queries based on data size, number of devices, and time criticality, leading to inefficient data transmission and network resource waste due to static configuration and unawareness of network conditions.
Innovation Solution
An agent is introduced to select communication paths from application servers to IoT devices based on data size, number of devices, time criticality, and network conditions, using a combination of cellular and non-cellular radio access technologies, control plane, and user plane paths, as well as queuing mechanisms to optimize query transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional application servers use static configuration for query transmission, then device compatibility is maintained, but transmission efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to different query characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication path selection function that acts as an intermediary between the application server and the network infrastructure. This function dynamically selects appropriate communication paths (control plane vs user plane, unicast vs multicast vs broadcast) based on query characteristics such as data size, device count, and time criticality, thereby enabling adaptability without requiring changes to the application server itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication path selection process into distinct decision dimensions: control plane versus user plane selection, unicast versus multicast versus broadcast selection. Each dimension is evaluated independently based on specific query characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to different query types while maintaining manageable complexity through structured decision-making.
2Productivity
If multiple communication paths are available for query transmission, then transmission efficiency can be improved, but network resource usage deteriorates due to lack of optimal path selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication path selection that adapts to query characteristics in real-time. The system evaluates each query's data size, target device count, and time criticality to dynamically choose the most appropriate communication path, transitioning between control plane and user plane, and between unicast/multicast/broadcast modes as needed. This dynamic approach ensures high transmission efficiency while minimizing network resource consumption by avoiding unnecessary use of resource-intensive paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key transmission parameters based on query characteristics: data size threshold determines control plane versus user plane selection, device count threshold determines unicast versus multicast versus broadcast selection. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to query requirements, the system optimizes transmission efficiency while preventing excessive network resource usage.
3Productivity
If dynamic path selection is implemented, then transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional selection logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic communication path selection functionality that adapts to query characteristics. The system evaluates data size, device count, and time criticality parameters to dynamically choose between control plane/user plane and unicast/multicast/broadcast paths. This dynamic approach improves transmission efficiency while the modular architecture keeps selection logic manageable through clear decision criteria.
4Reliability
If query transmission does not consider time criticality, then system simplicity is maintained, but service quality deteriorates due to inability to prioritize mission-critical queries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic query prioritization based on time criticality assessment. The system evaluates whether queries are mission-critical, time-critical, or non-critical and dynamically adjusts transmission path selection and scheduling accordingly. Mission-critical queries receive priority handling with guaranteed delivery paths, while non-critical queries use standard paths. This dynamic prioritization ensures high reliability for critical services while maintaining manageable complexity through clear classification categories.
Data Source
AI summary
An agent is configured to receive queries from an application server in a communication network. The queries are directed to one or more devices in the communication network. The agent selects a communication path for a device from a plurality of communication paths from the application server to the device. The communication path is selected based on a data size that is to be sent to the device as part of the query, a number of devices that are to receive the query, or a combination thereof. The agent transmits the query via the selected communication path. The communication path can be selected based on one or more of a time criticality of the query, a subscription class of a user of the device, a category of a type of the device, an operator-defined influence factor, network conditions along the communication path, a broadcast flag in the query, or a combination thereof.