Policy-Driven Network Aggregation for Mobile Data Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile devices only utilize one network interface at a time for data transfer, regardless of speed or reliability, and a one-connection-fits-all approach fails to account for user priorities such as speed or cost, particularly after cellular data caps are exceeded.
Innovation Solution
Implementing policy-driven aggregated network data use, where mobile devices select the most appropriate network interfaces based on predefined or user-defined policies that specify rules for data transmission across multiple interfaces, such as Wi-Fi and cellular connections, to optimize speed, cost, or battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mobile device uses only one network interface at a time for data transfer, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the data transmission speed and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network aggregator as an intermediary component that manages multiple network interfaces. This aggregator sits between the applications and the individual network interfaces, automatically selecting and managing which interfaces to use for data transmission. This resolves the contradiction by providing automated interface management (reducing operational complexity) while enabling multi-interface aggregation (increasing transmission speed and reliability).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network interface selection and aggregation based on real-time conditions such as network availability, signal strength, and data requirements. The system can dynamically add or remove interfaces from the aggregation group and adjust traffic distribution policies on the fly, thereby achieving both high performance and adaptive complexity management.
2Reliability
If a mobile device aggregates multiple network interfaces for data transfer, then data transmission speed and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of managing network connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network aggregator implements self-service capabilities by automatically monitoring network interface conditions, dynamically selecting appropriate interfaces for aggregation, and managing traffic distribution without user intervention. The system autonomously handles interface addition/removal, load balancing, and failover, thereby maintaining high reliability while preserving ease of operation for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the network aggregator continuously monitors the status and performance of aggregated interfaces, and uses this information to dynamically adjust interface selection and traffic routing. This closed-loop control ensures reliable data transfer while automatically adapting to changing network conditions without requiring manual management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device uses a one-connection-fits-all approach for all data traffic, then the ease of operation is improved and device complexity is reduced, but the ability to meet different user priorities for different traffic types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data traffic into different types or categories (e.g., real-time traffic, bulk transfers, background updates) and applies different transmission policies to each segment. The network aggregator can identify traffic types and route them through appropriate network interfaces based on user-defined or system-default policies, thereby achieving traffic-type adaptability while managing complexity through automated classification and policy application.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products to perform an operation comprising receiving a first packet for transport via a mobile device, identifying a first policy, of a plurality of policies, specifying a plurality of rules for transmitting data packets via a plurality of network interfaces of the mobile device, applying the rules of the first policy to a plurality of attributes of each network interface to select at least a first one of the plurality of interfaces of the mobile device, and transporting the first packet via the at least the first one of the plurality of interfaces of the mobile device.