Network Node Mode Selector for Multipath Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multipath networks, existing solutions inefficiently use secondary communication paths for small data transfers due to high signaling overhead, leading to suboptimal resource utilization when bandwidth demands briefly exceed the capacity of primary links.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network node with a mode selector that switches to using both primary and secondary paths only when the bandwidth demand exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined period, reducing the number of small packets carried by the secondary network and minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the secondary path is used for small data transfers to handle brief bandwidth exceedances, then the bandwidth capacity is improved, but the signaling overhead increases and resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of path selection by introducing a time threshold condition. The secondary path is activated only when bandwidth demand exceeds the primary path capacity for a predetermined time period, transforming the decision from immediate to time-conditioned, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining adequate bandwidth capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode between single-path and multipath based on real-time bandwidth demand monitoring. The mode selector switches between operating modes depending on whether the threshold condition is met, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that optimizes resource usage according to actual network conditions
2Power
If the secondary path is activated for brief periods when bandwidth is exceeded, then the bandwidth demand is met, but the resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to frequent path switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of bandwidth demand before activating the secondary path. By monitoring the condition over a predetermined time period beforehand, the system avoids premature activation and ensures that secondary path resources are only consumed when genuinely necessary, improving resource utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of brief bandwidth exceedances into a beneficial filtering mechanism. By requiring the threshold to be exceeded for a time period, brief exceedances are naturally filtered out, and only sustained demand triggers secondary path activation, turning a potential resource waste into an efficient resource allocation strategy
Data Source
AI summary
A first network node is arranged to communicate with a second network node. The first and second network nodes are connected by a first path and a second path. The first path uses a first communications network and the second path uses a second communications network. The first network node has a first mode and a second mode of operation, such that in a first mode traffic between the first and second network nodes is transmitted over the first path and not the second path, and in a second mode traffic between the first and second network nodes is transmitted over the first path and the second path. The network node comprises a mode selector arranged to select the second mode of operation when the demanded amount of traffic between the first and second network nodes exceeds a threshold value for a period of time.