Pluggable MAC Layer Scheduling for Multi-Protocol Upgrades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication networks struggle with scalability and upgradeability when supporting multiple data transmission protocols on a common communication medium, as existing schedulers are complex, not easily scalable, and difficult to upgrade without disrupting operation.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of modular schedulers comprising multiple scheduler modules, a coordinator, and a multiplexer/demultiplexer, allowing for dynamic instantiation, termination, and configuration of scheduler modules based on network requirements and conditions, enabling non-disruptive upgrades and efficient resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional schedulers are used to support multiple data transmission protocols, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of upgrade increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidscheduler complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduler is divided into multiple independent scheduler modules, each responsible for a specific data transmission protocol. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple protocols while keeping each module's complexity manageable and enabling independent upgrades of individual protocol handlers without affecting the entire scheduler.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduler is designed as a universal framework that can handle multiple data transmission protocols through its modular architecture. The coordinator component provides universal resource allocation capabilities that work across different protocol modules, allowing the system to adapt to various protocols without requiring complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional schedulers are used to support multiple data transmission protocols, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but ease of operation and upgradeability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidupgradeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the scheduler into independent modules, each protocol can be upgraded or modified without disrupting other protocols. The coordinator and multiplexer/demultiplexer provide standardized interfaces that maintain ease of operation during upgrades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduler modules can be dynamically instantiated, terminated, or configured based on network requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing protocol needs without complete reconfiguration, improving ease of operation and upgradeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple scheduler modules are instantiated to support different protocols, then adaptability improves, but resource usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol support capabilityVSAvoidcomputational resource usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Scheduler modules are dynamically instantiated only when needed based on network conditions and protocol requirements. The coordinator manages the lifecycle of modules, terminating them when no longer needed, thus reducing resource usage while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages the instantiation and termination of scheduler modules based on detected network conditions and protocol requirements, optimizing resource usage without manual intervention while maintaining the necessary adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If scheduler modules are added or removed to support protocol changes, then adaptability improves, but system stability during transitions worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol evolution capabilityVSAvoidsystem stability during upgrades

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coordinator acts as an intermediary that manages the addition and removal of scheduler modules. It coordinates resource allocation and module lifecycle events to ensure stable transitions. The multiplexer/demultiplexer serves as another intermediary that maintains data flow stability during module transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for protocol changes by maintaining a pool of configurable scheduler modules that can be activated or deactivated smoothly. The coordinator pre-manages resource allocation to cushion against disruptions during module transitions, ensuring system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12506819B1Pluggable medium access control layers and associated methods

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 CABLE TELEVISION LAB INC

AI summary

A pluggable medium access controller (MAC) layer includes (1) a physical (PHY) layer interface configured to interface the pluggable MAC layer with a PHY layer and (2) a plurality of MAC modules. Each MAC module of the plurality of MAC modules is configured to implement respective functionality of the pluggable MAC layer. In some embodiments, the plurality of MAC modules are implemented in software, and the pluggable MAC layer is accordingly virtually configurable.