Parallel Connection Distribution Across Wi-Fi and Cellular Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Multi-Interface Adaptive Distribution (MIAD) techniques face issues such as underutilization of available network interfaces, network ping-pong during congestion, inefficient handling of application and service priorities, and high data costs due to lack of differentiation in network usage, leading to degraded performance and increased mobile data consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for distributing parallel connections over multiple network interfaces by categorizing connections based on bandwidth requirements and per-connection-speed (PCS), assigning high-priority connections to higher-bandwidth interfaces like cellular networks and low-priority connections to Wi-Fi networks, utilizing a MiADBA client module to optimize bandwidth aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple parallel connections are loaded on a single network interface to speed up data transfer, then the overall bandwidth utilization increases, but the speed per connection slows down due to bandwidth exhaustion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments parallel connections into different categories (first category with higher bandwidth requirements and second category with lower bandwidth requirements) and distributes them across multiple network interfaces. This segmentation allows each interface to handle connections appropriate to its capabilities, preventing bandwidth exhaustion on any single interface while maintaining high overall transfer speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using a single network interface (one-dimensional) to utilizing multiple network interfaces (multi-dimensional) for handling parallel connections. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve both high overall productivity and maintain good per-connection speed by distributing load across multiple independent interfaces.
2Device complexity
If only a single network interface is used for communication, then the system complexity remains low, but the overall network performance and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic classification and assignment mechanisms that operate without user intervention. The system self-services by automatically categorizing connections based on bandwidth requirements and assigning them to appropriate interfaces, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while achieving high network performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of network interface selection from static (single interface) to dynamic (multiple interfaces selected based on connection parameters). By introducing parameter-based decision making, the system achieves high performance without proportionally increasing complexity, as the parameter changes are managed through automated algorithms.
3Reliability
If the smart Wi-Fi feature frequently switches between Wi-Fi and cellular networks during high congestion, then the connection performance is maintained, but unnecessary cellular data cost is incurred and network stability deteriorates due to ping-pong effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of connections before network switching decisions are made. By pre-categorizing connections and pre-assigning them to appropriate interfaces based on bandwidth requirements, the system avoids frequent switching and the associated costs. The preliminary classification establishes stable routing decisions that prevent ping-pong effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality handling strategies to different connection categories. High-bandwidth connections are handled with stable, long-term interface assignments, while lower-bandwidth connections can tolerate more dynamic routing. This local quality differentiation maintains connection performance without incurring unnecessary switching costs.
4Ease of operation
If all parallel connections are assigned equal bandwidth share on a single interface, then the bandwidth distribution is simple and fair, but the overall transmission speed is limited by the single interface's capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the set of parallel connections and distributes them across multiple network interfaces rather than assigning all connections to a single interface. This segmentation enables the system to achieve higher overall transmission speeds by utilizing the aggregate capacity of multiple interfaces, while maintaining relatively simple bandwidth distribution policies within each interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the capabilities of multiple network interfaces to handle parallel connections simultaneously. By combining the bandwidth resources of multiple interfaces, the system achieves higher overall transmission speed while maintaining ease of operation through automated assignment mechanisms that manage the complexity of multi-interface coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprises identifying, based on a set of connection parameters, a plurality of parallel connections associated with an application for downloading or uploading of one or more contents; determining whether a bandwidth requirement of a connection included in the identified plurality of parallel connections is greater than a bandwidth threshold or not; in accordance with a determination that the bandwidth requirement of the connection is greater than the bandwidth threshold: detecting per-connection-speed (PCS) of the connection, and assigning the connection to a first network interface or a second network interface based on the detected PCS of the connection; and in accordance with a determination that the bandwidth requirement of the connection is not greater than the bandwidth threshold, assigning the connection to the second network interface.