Network Node Uplink Traffic Management via Periodic Pausing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing traffic in communication networks leads to inefficient use of radio resources and high battery consumption in client devices due to continuous uplink traffic from applications sending heartbeat messages, which occupy radio frequency resources and cause frequent state changes in the network, leading to a high load on the radio network.
Innovation Solution
A method implemented in a network node that instructs client devices to pause and resume uplink traffic based on time periods and buffer thresholds, using TCP window control messages to manage uplink traffic, allowing for efficient use of radio resources and reducing battery usage by pacing the transmission of background traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications send frequent heartbeat messages in the uplink to check network connection or poll for data, then the network connection status can be monitored, but radio resources are consumed and battery usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by pausing uplink traffic for a predetermined time period after detecting a buffer full condition. Instead of continuous heartbeat messages, the system uses periodic resumption of traffic only when necessary, reducing battery consumption while maintaining network connection monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the buffer status to control uplink traffic. When the buffer is full, the system sends a cease instruction to the client device. This feedback mechanism allows the network to monitor connection status without requiring continuous client-side transmissions, reducing energy usage
2Reliability
If applications send frequent heartbeat messages in the uplink, then network connection can be checked, but the load on the radio network increases due to frequent state changes
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic resumption of uplink traffic instead of continuous or frequent heartbeat messages, the system reduces the number of state changes in the radio network. Traffic is resumed only after a predetermined time period or when buffer conditions change, thereby maintaining connection monitoring while preserving radio network capacity for other users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of connection monitoring from continuous traffic transmission. By using buffer status feedback and periodic resumption mechanisms, the system separates connection checking from continuous uplink traffic, reducing unnecessary network load while maintaining reliability
3Productivity
If uplink traffic is paused to save battery and radio resources, then efficiency improves, but critical high-bandwidth tasks may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from buffer status and traffic resumption events to dynamically control uplink traffic. When critical high-bandwidth tasks are detected or buffer conditions change, the system resumes traffic immediately, ensuring that efficiency gains from pausing do not compromise critical task performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic traffic control where the pause duration and resumption timing are adjusted based on network conditions and buffer status. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for efficiency during normal operation while quickly adapting to accommodate critical tasks when they arise
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100, 200), performed in a network node, for managing uplink traffic from a client device in a communication network is disclosed. The method comprises instructing the client device to cease sending uplink traffic on existing sessions between the client device and the network node (110), checking for expiry of a time period (130), and on expiry of the time period (140), and instructing the client device to resume sending uplink traffic on existing sessions between the client device and the network node (150). Also disclosed are a network node (300, 400, 500) and a computer program product configured, when run on a computer, to carry out a method for managing uplink traffic from a client device in a communication network.