Parameterized QoS for Coaxial Network Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional QoS systems in coaxial networks lack the ability to effectively manage resource availability and prioritize content flows, leading to potential disruptions in high-definition video distribution due to overwhelming bandwidth demands.

Innovation Solution

A parameterized QoS system that determines resource availability and sets flow priorities based on specific bandwidth, data rate, and error constraints, using MoCA standards and OCAP APIs to ensure resource reservation and admission control for each device, allowing for efficient management of content flows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional priority-based QoS scheme is used, then all flows can request highest priority status, but there is no means to sort and analyze the requirements and capabilities of each content flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow priority differentiationVSAvoidQoS management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a single priority level to a multi-parameter QoS framework that evaluates bandwidth requirements, data rates, and error constraints. Each content flow is assigned different priority levels (0-7) based on its specific parameters, enabling differentiated QoS management while maintaining systematic control through standardized evaluation criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple set-top boxes receive high definition video flows simultaneously, then user access is increased, but available bandwidth is taxed and viewing experiences are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent distribution capacityVSAvoidvideo stream stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action through admission control mechanisms that evaluate resource availability before establishing new content flows. The system determines whether sufficient bandwidth and resources exist prior to allocating them, preventing oversubscription and ensuring that existing video streams maintain stable performance while accommodating new requests when resources permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring network resource utilization and adjusting QoS parameters dynamically. When bandwidth becomes constrained, the system can reassign priority levels or reject new flow requests based on current network conditions, ensuring reliable video delivery while maximizing overall system throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If resource reservation and admission control are implemented for each device, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidregistration and flow management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the QoS management process into distinct functional modules: device registration, resource availability determination, flow priority establishment, and admission control. Each module handles a specific aspect of resource management independently, improving allocation efficiency while reducing overall system complexity through modular design and clear separation of concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8787165B2Parameterized quality of service for multimedia in a coaxial network
Publication Date: 2014.07.22 COX COMMUNICATIONS INC
  • US8787165B2 patent drawing
  • US8787165B2 patent drawing
  • US8787165B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Parameterized Quality of Service (QoS) may be provided. In response to receiving a registration request from a device, a determination of resource availability may be made. If resources are available to satisfy data flows to the device, a flow priority may be established and the device may be added to the priority queue configuration. If the device later requests establishment of a data flow, the data flow may be transmitted at the established flow priority.