Dynamic Resource Unit Allocation in Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mesh networks experience bottlenecks in traffic flow due to the build-up of data in devices with lower priority or receiving data from multiple devices, leading to inefficiencies in bandwidth allocation as devices contend for access to a shared channel.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a demand-based bandwidth management system that assigns Resource Units (RUs) to backhaul and access connections based on relative transmission needs within the mesh network, ensuring fair distribution of bandwidth resources by periodically re-evaluating and reallocating RUs in response to changes in device demand and network load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices contend for access to a shared channel in a mesh network, then channel sharing is achieved, but data builds up in buffers of lower priority devices causing bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic Resource Unit (RU) allocation where the bandwidth assigned to each device is adjusted based on real-time network conditions and traffic demand. The root access point continuously monitors buffer status and reassigns RUs to different backhaul and access connections according to current needs, transforming the static contention-based access into a dynamic demand-based allocation system that prevents buffer buildup and bottlenecks
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the bandwidth allocation parameter (number of Resource Units) assigned to each device based on their current traffic demand and priority. By varying this key parameter dynamically rather than using fixed contention rules, the system optimizes traffic flow while maintaining fair channel sharing among multiple devices in the mesh network
2Area of stationary object
If the size and complexity of the mesh network grows, then network coverage increases, but bottlenecks for traffic flow develop at Access Points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total available bandwidth into discrete Resource Units (RUs) that can be independently allocated to different devices and connections. This segmentation allows the root access point to distribute bandwidth resources across multiple backhaul and access connections simultaneously, enabling the network to scale to larger sizes without creating bottlenecks at the root AP
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of RUs allocated to each connection based on real-time traffic demand from devices in the expanding mesh network. As the network grows and more devices are added, the demand-based allocation automatically adapts to distribute bandwidth appropriately across all connections, preventing traffic flow bottlenecks even as network coverage expands
3Productivity
If demand-based bandwidth management is implemented, then bottlenecks are reduced and traffic flow improves, but system complexity increases due to periodic re-evaluation and reallocation
Solution Approach 1:
The root access point acts as an intermediary that centralizes the complexity of demand-based bandwidth management. Instead of each device independently managing its own bandwidth, the root AP monitors buffer status across the network and makes centralized RU allocation decisions, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving improved traffic flow through coordinated resource management
Data Source
AI summary
Resource Unit (RU) allocation in mesh networks is provided via identifying devices engaged in wireless communication over a shared channel in a mesh network, the devices including a first Access Point (AP), a second AP in wireless communication with the first AP via a first backhaul connection, and a third AP in wireless communication with the first AP via a second backhaul connection; determining a first demand for bandwidth in the shared channel over the first backhaul connection and a second demand for bandwidth over the second backhaul connection; and assigning RUs to the first backhaul connection based on the first demand relative to a total bandwidth demand within the shared channel and to the second backhaul connection based on the second demand relative to the total bandwidth demand the shared channel, wherein the total bandwidth demand includes the first demand and the second demand.