Dynamic Packet Prioritization via Client Buffer Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for prioritizing packet delivery in wireless networks fail to effectively manage bandwidth distribution among multiple client devices, leading to underflow conditions and poor multimedia content delivery due to non-deterministic packet rates and varying device consumption rates.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically prioritizes packet delivery based on buffer status feedback from client devices, increasing packet transmission rates to devices with stressed buffers and decreasing rates to devices with normal or full buffers, using a central device to monitor and adjust packet streams accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If packets are transmitted at a common bitrate to all client devices, then network management is simplified, but client devices with weak signals experience buffer underflow and poor multimedia delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating packet transmission rates based on individual client device buffer statuses. Each client receives packets at a rate tailored to its specific conditions (buffer level, signal strength, consumption rate), rather than a uniform rate. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple centralized control while achieving reliable delivery for each device through localized adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by continuously adjusting packet transmission rates in response to real-time buffer status feedback from client devices. The system transitions from static common bitrate allocation to dynamic rate adaptation, where transmission rates change over time based on current buffer conditions, thereby maintaining reliability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If buffer sizes are increased at client devices, then underflow conditions are prevented, but network bandwidth consumption increases and other devices become underserved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the packet transmission rate parameter based on real-time buffer status monitoring. Instead of increasing buffer sizes (which would consume more bandwidth), the system changes the transmission rate parameter to match actual client needs, preventing underflow while optimizing bandwidth utilization across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where client devices monitor their buffer statuses and report back to the network system. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust transmission rates dynamically, preventing buffer underflow conditions without requiring increased buffer sizes or excessive bandwidth allocation, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and bandwidth consumption.
3Reliability
If packet transmission rates are increased to all client devices, then buffer underflow is prevented, but network congestion worsens and devices with strong signals become overserved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing packet transmission rates for each client device based on its specific buffer status and consumption characteristics. Devices with weak signals or low buffer levels receive higher priority transmission rates, while devices with full buffers receive lower rates, optimizing network throughput efficiency while maintaining delivery reliability for all clients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by allocating transmission resources selectively rather than uniformly. Instead of increasing transmission rates to all devices (excessive action), the system applies rate increases only to devices that actually need them (partial action), thereby preventing underflow conditions without causing network congestion or overserving devices with adequate buffers.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate dynamic packet prioritization for delivery of content to multiple devices. Methods, systems, and computer readable media described herein are operable to prioritize packet delivery to a plurality of client devices based upon feedback received from the client devices, wherein the feedback includes buffer status information associated with the client devices. The rate of transmitting packets to a client device having a stressed buffer may be increased, while the rate of transmitting packets to one or more other client devices may be decreased. Buffer status information may be received periodically or conditionally at a central device in the form of feedback messages output from one or more client devices.