Network Device Communication Rate Adaptation for Legacy Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication sessions between network devices and user devices can be hindered when network devices no longer support lower communication rates, while user devices may only be capable of initiating sessions at these slower rates.

Innovation Solution

A network device adjusts its supported communication rate to include a rate that matches the user device's requested rate, allowing the authentication and handshake process to proceed, even if the network device initially cannot satisfy the requested rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user device requests a lower communication rate to initiate authentication, then compatibility with older network devices is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcommunication rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The network device performs preliminary actions by adding a legacy communication rate to its supported rates list before the authentication process begins. This allows the user device to find a matching rate and proceed with authentication without delay, while the actual data transmission can occur at higher rates once the session is established.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network device dynamically changes its supported communication rates parameter by adding a legacy rate (e.g., 1 Mbps) to its list of supported rates. This parameter modification enables compatibility with older devices that only support lower rates, while the network device maintains the capability to communicate at higher rates when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If a network device maintains only high communication rates, then communication efficiency is improved, but compatibility with older user devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication rateVSAvoidcompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network device achieves multi-functionality by supporting multiple communication rates simultaneously. It maintains its primary high-rate capabilities while adding support for legacy rates, allowing it to function effectively with both modern and older user devices. The device can adapt its communication rate based on the capabilities of the connected user device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a network device adds support for lower communication rates, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidprotocol support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network device implements a lightweight approach by adding only the necessary legacy communication rate to its supported rates list, rather than implementing full support for older communication protocols. This minimal addition enables compatibility with older devices without requiring substantial increases in device complexity or resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20250056328A1Methods and systems for communication session management

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

A computing device (e.g., a network device) may receive a request from a user device to initiate a communication session. The request may indicate a requested beacon data communication rate associated with the user device. The computing device may determine that an advertised beacon data communication rate associated with the computing device is different from the requested beacon data communication rate for the user device. The computing device may determine to communicate with the user device at the requested beacon data communication rate associated with the user device. The computing device may send, to the user device, a response at a data communication rate associated with the requested beacon data communication rate.