Bandwidth Allocation via Performance Information Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telephony systems over packet networks face challenges in managing bandwidth and call quality due to the lack of connection path state awareness, leading to congestion, jitter, and voice quality issues, especially in environments with shared and dynamic bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Performance Information Packets (PIP) to gather network performance information, determine available bandwidth, and allocate resources dynamically across the network, enabling real-time bandwidth management and improved call handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic bandwidth allocation is implemented without connection path state awareness, then bandwidth utilization flexibility is improved, but call quality and network stability deteriorate due to congestion and jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network nodes monitor connection path state (bandwidth availability, congestion levels, jitter) and report this information back to the bandwidth allocation system. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust bandwidth allocation dynamically while maintaining call quality by preventing allocation decisions that would cause congestion or exceed path capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connection path state information as an intermediary element between bandwidth allocation requests and actual resource allocation. This intermediary data layer provides the missing link between dynamic allocation needs and quality assurance, allowing the system to make informed decisions about bandwidth distribution based on real-time network conditions.
2Reliability
If real-time bandwidth monitoring is implemented across the network, then call quality is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional monitoring infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs monitoring functions to be integrated into existing network node operations, allowing these nodes to perform both their primary functions and bandwidth monitoring simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while still achieving real-time quality assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables network nodes to autonomously monitor and report their own connection path state without requiring external monitoring equipment. This self-service approach allows nodes to generate their own performance data, reducing the complexity of centralized monitoring systems while maintaining comprehensive quality oversight across the network.
3Productivity
If connection path state awareness is added to packet networks, then bandwidth management is improved, but implementation difficulty increases due to legacy network architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bandwidth management functionality into discrete, manageable segments that can be implemented at individual network nodes rather than requiring system-wide architectural changes. This segmentation allows incremental deployment where each node independently implements monitoring and reporting capabilities, reducing implementation difficulty while achieving improved bandwidth management across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic bandwidth allocation system that adapts to changing network conditions without requiring rigid pre-configuration. This dynamic approach allows the system to evolve and adjust to legacy network architectures, making implementation more feasible by avoiding the need for complete network redesign while still providing modern bandwidth management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for handling communications requests. Network performance information of a communications network is gathered using PIP data packets to determine a status of a number of nodes of the communications network. Available bandwidth through connections of the communications network are determined based on the PIP data packets. The available bandwidth for a number of customers is allocated for new connections and utilized bandwidth through the connections as the utilized bandwidth changes across the communications network.