Mobile Device Buffer Manager for Problem Zone Data Pre-fetching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices experience interruptions in streaming services due to 'problem zones' with insufficient wireless signal strength or network congestion, which current buffering methods are inadequate to handle, especially during extended periods in such areas.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides network operators with information on problem zones to enable mobile devices to pre-fetch data and take proactive actions, such as warning users or auto-saving documents, by comparing user position and route with database-identified problem zones, allowing for intelligent buffering and uninterrupted service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current buffering methods are used to compensate for problem zones, then brief interruptions (30-60 seconds) can be covered, but extended periods in problem zones cause service interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting problem zones ahead of the mobile device's current position and pre-fetching data before the device enters these zones. The server identifies problem zones based on geographic location data, calculates the time required to traverse them, and initiates data transmission in advance, ensuring sufficient buffer is populated before service interruption occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the mobile device's position, speed, and route, comparing this data against known problem zone locations, and dynamically adjusting data transmission rates. The buffer manager receives feedback about upcoming problem zones and modifies prefetching behavior accordingly, replenishing buffers before entry and managing consumption during extended periods in problem zones.
2Productivity
If network operators make roaming customers use roaming partner's network, then network utilization is improved, but data roaming costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data prefetching while the mobile device is still on the home network (network operator A), storing sufficient data in the device's buffer before the device roams to the partner network (network operator B). This allows the device to operate in offline mode during roaming, eliminating the need to consume data on the partner network and avoiding roaming charges.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer acts as an intermediary storage mechanism between the home network and the roaming partner network. Data is transferred to this intermediary buffer while on the home network, then consumed from the buffer during roaming without requiring real-time network connection to the partner, thus mediating between network utilization goals and cost avoidance.
Data Source
AI summary
Initiating actions for mobile devices prior to a mobile user entering problem zones. A position and a route of a user are identified. A database is accessed to retrieve data identifying problem zones in a communications network. The position and route of the user are compared to the retrieve data identifying problem zones. A determination is made to identify when the user is approaching a problem zones. An action is performed to compensate for unfavorable network conditions of the problem zone when the user enters the problem zone.