Network Path Selection Using Continuous Connection Quality Metrics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network path selection methods in environments like hospital networks rely on static prioritization, which fails to account for variability in connection quality, leading to issues such as link failures, congestion, and data losses, resulting in intermittent quality problems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that continuously calculates connection quality indicators (CQIs) for available network paths, allowing devices to dynamically adjust their connections based on real-time quality metrics, ensuring the most reliable and fastest path is used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static prioritization is used for path selection, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but connection quality stability deteriorates due to inability to adapt to changing network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection by continuously monitoring connection quality metrics (latency, packet loss, throughput) and automatically switching between available network paths based on real-time conditions. This transforms the static prioritization system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing network environments, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop by continuously measuring connection quality metrics on active and standby paths, comparing these metrics against thresholds, and triggering path switching when quality degradation is detected. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to network changes while maintaining simple operation for end users.
2Reliability
If continuous quality monitoring is implemented, then connection quality stability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial monitoring by focusing quality measurements on critical metrics (latency, packet loss) rather than comprehensively analyzing all network parameters. Continuous monitoring is implemented only when needed - specifically when connection quality thresholds are approached or during path transition periods - rather than uniformly across all conditions, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment by automatically measuring its own connection quality metrics and making path selection decisions without requiring external control or complex configuration. This self-service approach reduces the operational complexity burden on network administrators while maintaining continuous quality monitoring.
3Reliability
If multiple network paths are continuously monitored, then connection quality is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous measurements and path switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring intervals rather than continuous real-time measurement on all paths. Quality metrics are measured at defined intervals or triggered by specific events (such as connection quality threshold breaches), reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage to ensure connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies differentiated monitoring strategies to different network paths based on their characteristics and importance. Primary paths receive more intensive monitoring while secondary or backup paths are monitored less frequently or only when needed, optimizing energy usage by focusing measurement resources on critical connections rather than uniformly monitoring all paths.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methods for network path selection are herein provided. In one example, a method comprises determining, for each device of one or more devices, connection quality indicators (CQIs) for one or more available network connection paths; and connecting each device to a server via a respective network connection path with a highest CQI of the one or more available network connection paths.