Network Service Level Adjustment via Usage Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business applications face challenges in requesting network services that meet fluctuating service level requirements, as existing technologies make them dependent on outside service providers, making it difficult to adjust bandwidth and service levels dynamically according to application needs.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a user interface module for scheduling service level changes, a monitor module for evaluating usage metrics, and a provisioning module that configures interconnected switching devices to adjust network connectivity service levels based on pre-defined rules or real-time usage, providing a dedicated network connection with adjustable bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network service levels are fixed at initial provisioning, then service stability is maintained, but adaptability to fluctuating application demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service level adjustment by enabling businesses to schedule changes in network service levels (bandwidth, latency, jitter) according to their application requirements. The system transitions from static initial provisioning to dynamic reconfiguration, allowing service parameters to change over time while maintaining reliability through controlled, scheduled adjustments rather than unpredictable fluctuations
2Ease of operation
If outside service providers manage network services, then service provisioning expertise is available, but business control and flexibility over service levels are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent empowers businesses to self-manage their network service levels by providing them with the capability to schedule and control changes in service parameters directly. Instead of relying entirely on outside service providers to interpret and implement service level changes, businesses gain direct control to adjust bandwidth, latency, and jitter according to their own application requirements, while the service provider's system facilitates this self-service capability
3Reliability
If network service levels are increased to meet peak demands, then service adequacy during high usage is improved, but bandwidth allocation efficiency deteriorates during low usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic adjustment of network service levels by allowing businesses to schedule service level changes that align with their application usage patterns. Service levels are increased during anticipated peak periods and reduced during low-usage periods, creating a rhythmic adaptation that ensures adequate service during high demand while optimizing bandwidth allocation efficiency during low demand, rather than maintaining constant high service levels
Data Source
AI summary
A user of a network service (such as an Ethernet e-line) can specify rules defining changes to the network service under particular usage conditions (for example threshold bandwidth utilization). The network's usage is monitored. When particular usage conditions are detected, the network service is evaluated to determine what switches need to be configured and how to configure them, The switches are configured accordingly. When the usage conditions no longer exist, the switches are re-configured to their original service level.