Network Controller Steering IT Device Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IT devices automatically select wireless communication links based on signal strength, which can result in sub-optimal performance due to insufficient bandwidth or throughput, and applications lack control over network experiences, leading to poor performance and inefficient resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a communication network control system that utilizes application awareness and network awareness to allocate communication resources effectively, allowing network elements to manage data transmission across available links based on application requirements and link performance characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IT devices automatically select wireless communication links based on signal strength, then the selection process is simple and automatic, but the communication performance may be sub-optimal due to insufficient bandwidth or throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary between IT devices and application servers. The network controller receives communication resource requirements from applications, determines appropriate communication links, and allocates resources accordingly. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling automatic selection (ease of operation) while optimizing performance based on application needs (productivity).
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where applications communicate their resource requirements to the network controller, which then adjusts link allocation and resource distribution. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to automatically adapt to changing conditions while maintaining optimal performance, resolving the contradiction between automatic operation and communication effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If applications lack control over network experiences, then the network management is centralized and simple, but application performance suffers due to poor resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network management into two parts: centralized link selection and resource allocation (handled by the network controller) and application-specific resource requirements (communicated by individual applications). This segmentation allows centralized management to maintain simplicity while enabling applications to influence resource allocation, thereby improving performance without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Applications communicate their communication resource requirements to the network controller in advance before actual data transmission. This preliminary action allows the network controller to pre-allocate resources and select appropriate links, ensuring optimal performance from the outset while maintaining centralized management oversight.
3Device complexity
If network resources are not dynamically allocated based on application requirements, then resource allocation is static and simple, but communication efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network controller continuously monitors application requirements and adjusts link allocation, bandwidth, and other resources in real-time. This dynamic approach improves communication efficiency by matching resources to actual needs while maintaining a relatively simple centralized management structure that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes allocation parameters (bandwidth, link selection, resource distribution) based on application-specific requirements communicated to the network controller. This parameter adjustment enables efficient resource utilization without requiring complex decentralized management, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for interfacing one or more information technology (IT) devices with an application server includes (1) receiving, at a control system, first downlink data from the application server, and (2) steering the first downlink data from the control system to a first IT device via at least one of a first plurality of parallel data communication links between the first IT device and the control system, according to a first steering policy.