Kernel-Level Network Bandwidth Prioritization for Multi-App Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network traffic management systems fail to efficiently manage network bandwidth when multiple applications with varying priorities operate simultaneously, leading to interference and suboptimal performance in limited bandwidth environments, particularly across different operating systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer system that utilize a profiling-controlling program to extract kernel operation information and determine priority orders for foreground and background processes, dynamically configuring network bandwidth through a packet filtering program integrated with the operating system kernel, allowing real-time adjustments via a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple applications simultaneously utilize network bandwidth without priority control, then network bandwidth is fully utilized, but network traffic interferes with each other and applications cannot run smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different priority levels (foreground and background processes) and applies different bandwidth allocation policies to each segment. The traffic control program divides network bandwidth into priority channels, allowing high-priority applications to receive guaranteed bandwidth while low-priority applications use remaining capacity, thus preventing interference between applications while maintaining high overall bandwidth utilization.
2Reliability
If conventional smart traffic control programs are used on specific operating platforms, then network traffic can be controlled on those platforms, but cross-platform compatibility is poor and user-end environments require different solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal traffic control program that operates at the kernel level, which is common to all operating systems. By implementing the solution at the kernel layer rather than the application layer, the program can function across different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.) without requiring platform-specific modifications, thus achieving both effective traffic control and cross-platform compatibility.
3Extent of automation
If kernel operation information is extracted via profiling program, then real-time network bandwidth configuration can be performed, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a traffic control program as an intermediary layer between the kernel and applications. This program acts as a mediator that extracts necessary information from kernel operation data, processes it to determine priority levels, and automatically configures bandwidth allocation accordingly. The intermediary handles the complexity of real-time monitoring and configuration, keeping the system architecture manageable while achieving automated real-time bandwidth management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring network traffic and a computer system are provided. The computer system includes a processing unit and a network module that is operated based on a bandwidth configuration. The processing unit operates an operating system that executes a profiling-controlling program. The method is performed in the operating system. In the method, the operating system initiates a system kernel, and the profiling-controlling program can obtain kernel operation information from the system kernel, so that information of multiple applications operating in a foreground process and a background process of the operating system can be retrieved. A priority order is decided, and a network bandwidth configuration is formed and written into traffic control instructions of the system kernel or a driver of the network module. The network bandwidth configuration allows the operating system to perform a traffic configuration on each of the applications.