QoS Management Apparatus for Multi-Segment Network Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in setting up and managing Parameterized Quality of Service (PQoS) flows when nodes involved in the flow lack support for high layer messaging, as they require high layer QoS Device Services for efficient resource allocation and bandwidth management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a QoS management apparatus that uses layer 2 messaging mechanisms, such as MoCA Layer 2 Management Entity (L2ME), to create PQoS flows between nodes, even when some nodes do not support high layer messaging, by translating high layer messaging requests into layer 2 messages and utilizing intermediary nodes as proxy nodes to facilitate resource allocation and bandwidth management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high layer QoS Device Services are used for resource allocation and bandwidth management, then QoS management efficiency is improved, but network compatibility deteriorates because nodes without high layer messaging support cannot participate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a QoS management apparatus as an intermediary entity that translates between high layer QoS Device Services and layer 2 messaging mechanisms. This mediator enables nodes without high layer messaging support to participate in PQoS flows by converting their layer 2 messages into formats compatible with the QoS management system, thus resolving the contradiction between management efficiency and network compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the QoS management functionality into two parts: a QoS management apparatus that handles high layer QoS Device Services, and layer 2 messaging mechanisms that handle node communication. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to operate at different protocol layers, enabling both efficient QoS management for capable nodes and broad compatibility for nodes without high layer support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If layer 2 messaging mechanisms are used to create PQoS flows, then network compatibility is improved, but QoS management complexity increases due to the need for translation and intermediary nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the QoS management apparatus automatically performs translation between high layer QoS Device Services and layer 2 messaging without requiring manual configuration. The system autonomously identifies which nodes support high layer messaging and routes communications accordingly, reducing the perceived complexity for end users while maintaining the necessary translation functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermediary nodes are used as proxy nodes to facilitate resource allocation, then network compatibility is improved, but message transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the QoS management apparatus pre-establish translation rules and communication paths between high layer QoS Device Services and layer 2 messaging mechanisms. This preconfiguration allows intermediary nodes to forward messages efficiently without performing complex real-time translations, thereby reducing message transmission overhead while maintaining compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed method and apparatus provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing a PQoS flow between two or more nodes located in different network segments of a multi-segment network, when some nodes involved in the flow lack support for high layer QoS management protocols. Specifically, some embodiments are directed toward implementing a PQoS flow involving some nodes that lack network layers higher than a Data Link Layer (layer 2). For example, some embodiments of the current disclosed method and apparatus can create a parameterized QoS flow between a source node and a destination node when at least one of the nodes participating in the flow (i.e. the source node, one or multiple bridge nodes that the QoS flow passes, and the destination node) lacks UPnP QoS Device Services (i.e., a higher layer QoS management protocol).