Network Element QoS Adaptation for Mixed Wired Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication networks with both wired and wireless components face challenges in maintaining quality of service (QoS) due to dynamic link conditions, leading to potential application failures, especially in mission-critical applications like industrial automation.

Innovation Solution

A method and network element that adapt operational modes and resource allocation based on QoS requirements and performance probabilities, allowing applications to continue operating in reduced modes until network quality improves, using centralized network elements and end devices to manage QoS adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the network operates with fixed schedule and constant link speeds (wired TSN approach), then network configuration is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to dynamic wireless conditions leading to QoS failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork schedule stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to dynamic link conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operational modes that allow the application to switch between different QoS requirements based on current network conditions. The network element receives performance probability information and requirement information, then requests adaptation of operational modes or rescheduling of resources, enabling the system to dynamically adjust to changing wireless link characteristics while maintaining structured operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of operational mode with different QoS requirements. By receiving performance probability information about network conditions and comparing it with requirement information, the system selects appropriate operational modes that match current network capabilities, thereby adapting to dynamic conditions through parameter changes in QoS requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the application maintains high QoS requirements, then service quality is optimal, but application failures occur when network performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication continuityVSAvoidservice quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows the application to operate in reduced operational modes with lower QoS requirements when full QoS cannot be met. Instead of completely failing when optimal conditions are not present, the application continues to function with partial performance, receiving performance probability information and adapting its operational mode to match available network resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares multiple operational modes with different QoS requirements in advance. When network conditions deteriorate, the system can switch to pre-prepared reduced modes, cushioning against complete application failure. This proactive preparation of alternative operational states ensures continuity even when optimal performance is unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the network rejects applications that cannot meet QoS requirements, then resource quality is maintained, but application diversity and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS guaranteeVSAvoidapplication admission flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic admission decisions by allowing applications to operate in multiple operational modes. Instead of static rejection based on fixed QoS requirements, the network element receives performance probability information and requirement information for different operational modes, then requests adaptation or rescheduling, enabling flexible admission while maintaining QoS guarantees through dynamic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4576724A1Method of operating a network element of a communication network
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4576724A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4576724A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4576724A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method (100; 200; 300) of transmitting of operating a network element (12, 14; 18; 20) of a communication network (10), wherein the communication network (10) comprises a wired time sensitive network and/or a wireless network, an application of the communication network (10) comprises at least two operational modes with different quality of service (QoS) requirements and the method (100; 200; 300) comprises: - Receiving, by the network element (12, 14; 18; 20), a QoS information containing a performance probability of the communication network (10); - Receiving, by the network element (12, 14; 18; 20), a requirement information containing a QoS requirement of the application regarding the performance probability of the communication network (10) and - Requesting, by the network element (12, 14; 18; 20), ∘ for an adaption of the operational mode of the application and/or ∘ for rescheduling of resources based on the QoS requirement contained in the requirement information and the performance probability contained in the QoS information.