Link Selection in Bonding Groups for Mobile Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bonding protocols are limited in handling heterogeneous links with different types, qualities, and dynamic link rates, failing to provide effective link selection for mobile backhaul applications where links of varying reliability and quality coexist.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting links in a bonding group based on link priority and link-to-group backpressure, considering the reliability and congestion status of each link, to ensure high-priority traffic is routed over high-quality links and to avoid congestion, allowing for dynamic adjustment of link usage according to availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If round robin or weighted round robin link selection is used, then the implementation is simple and homogeneous links are handled effectively, but heterogeneous links with different qualities and reliabilities cannot be properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic link selection that adapts to changing link conditions in real-time. The system continuously monitors link quality metrics and dynamically adjusts the selection of active links based on current conditions, allowing the bonding group to adapt to heterogeneous and time-varying link characteristics rather than using static round-robin approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection criteria from simple sequential indexing (round robin) to multi-parameter evaluation including link quality, reliability, and current status. By incorporating multiple parameters for link assessment, the system can differentiate between heterogeneous links and make informed selection decisions based on their specific characteristics
2Device complexity
If all links are treated as equal in quality and reliability, then the link selection algorithm is simple, but Quality of Service cannot be guaranteed for critical data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different quality levels and priorities to different links within the bonding group. Each link can be configured with specific quality attributes, and the selection process considers these local quality differences to route critical data through high-quality links while using lower-quality links for less important traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor link performance and quality in real-time. This feedback is used to continuously adjust link selection decisions, ensuring that critical data is routed through links that currently meet the required quality thresholds while maintaining simple operational procedures
3Device complexity
If static link speed is assumed, then the bonding protocol is easy to implement, but dynamic link rate changes cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bonding protocol dynamic by continuously monitoring link rates and speeds. When link characteristics change, the system automatically adjusts the bonding configuration and data distribution to accommodate the new conditions, enabling adaptation to dynamic link environments without requiring complex manual reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for selecting a transmit link in a bonding group. Traffic is distributed to the links based on a selection method. Typical selection methods for bonded links of the same type include round robin or weighted round robin. A method is disclosed including selecting from among bonded links of different types based on link priority or link-to-group backpressure, sometimes both, and in some cases also based on traffic class. Link priority is based on the reliability, or quality, of the link. Adding link priority, and optionally traffic class, into the selection method allows high priority traffic to be always transported over high quality links. Also, considering the link-to-group backpressure, such as based on congestion status of operational links, or active links, will help avoid link congestion. The method is relevant to Quality of Service (QoS) implementation in transportation systems used for mobile backhaul or carrier access networks.