Link Aggregation Module Network Packet Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems primarily rely on single network interfaces for communication, which limits bandwidth and reliability, especially in wireless networks, and are prone to congestion and quality control issues due to radio frequency interference and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) restrictions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing link aggregation across multiple network interfaces at the network layer, using a link aggregation module to manage network packets and optimize communication through network address translation, ensuring efficient distribution across available interfaces while maintaining reliability and adhering to SAR limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single network interface is used for communication, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple network interfaces (wired Ethernet and wireless WLAN) into a unified communication path through link aggregation. The network stack aggregates packets from different interfaces into a single logical connection, allowing the system to leverage multiple physical links for improved reliability and bandwidth while presenting a simplified interface to applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface card is designed to handle multiple network protocols and interfaces universally. The same NIC can manage wired Ethernet connections, wireless WLAN connections, and aggregate multiple interfaces together, providing multi-functionality that improves reliability without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each interface type.
2Productivity
If multiple network interfaces are used simultaneously, then bandwidth is increased, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic at the packet level, separating wired and wireless packets into distinct processing paths while maintaining aggregation at the connection level. This allows independent optimization of each interface type while presenting a unified view to applications, managing complexity through structured segmentation rather than monolithic handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The network stack acts as an intermediary layer between applications and physical network interfaces. It automatically handles packet aggregation, interface selection, and traffic distribution without requiring application-level awareness of the underlying complexity. This intermediary abstraction manages bandwidth aggregation while hiding management complexity from users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless network interfaces are used, then mobility is improved, but radio frequency interference and SAR restrictions reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different interfaces based on their local properties. Wired Ethernet interfaces provide high reliability for stationary connections, while wireless interfaces provide mobility for mobile devices. The system selectively aggregates interfaces based on their individual quality attributes, maintaining reliability by preferring wired connections when available while preserving wireless mobility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The network communication system uses a composite approach combining wired and wireless interfaces in a unified aggregation. This composite structure allows the system to leverage the stability of wired connections and the mobility of wireless connections simultaneously, creating a hybrid network architecture that achieves both reliability and adaptability without being constrained by the weaknesses of individual interface types.
Data Source
AI summary
A client information handling system application selectively communicates network packets simultaneously through plural network interfaces by leveraging network address translation at the network layer of the network packets. Network packets are distributed across the plural network interfaces to achieve desired network communication goals, such as bandwidth, data rates, quality of service, reliability and SAR requirements.