Relay Device Load Management via Dynamic Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication networks face overload issues when devices reconnect after being out of coverage, causing accumulated messages to congest conduits and relay devices, leading to inefficient traffic management.
Innovation Solution
A relay device with a processor and memory that determines the number of queued messages and adjusts the communication rate of devices with the network infrastructure based on threshold values, controlling access in batches to prevent overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication devices reconnect after being out of coverage, then message delivery is improved, but network conduit overload occurs due to accumulated traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rate adjustment by continuously monitoring the number of messages in the conduit and adjusting the communication rate accordingly. When message accumulation exceeds a threshold, the system reduces the communication rate; when the conduit is clear, it increases the rate. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the relay device monitors conduit message counts and uses this information to control the communication rate of reconnecting devices. The feedback loop ensures that rate adjustments are based on actual network conditions, preventing overload while maintaining reliable message delivery.
2Speed
If communication rate is increased for reconnecting devices, then message delivery speed is improved, but conduit congestion worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The communication rate is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adjusts the rate in real-time based on conduit message counts, allowing high speed when the conduit is clear and reducing speed when congestion is detected, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of communication rate based on the state of the conduit. By monitoring message counts and adjusting the rate parameter accordingly, the system optimizes delivery speed while preventing harmful congestion effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all devices are allowed to access network infrastructure simultaneously, then connectivity is improved, but relay device overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing all devices to access the network simultaneously, the patent implements partial action by controlling access in batches based on conduit message counts. This prevents relay device overload while still providing connectivity to all devices eventually, resolving the contradiction between connectivity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by controlling device access in batches rather than continuously. Devices are granted access periodically when conduit conditions permit, preventing relay overload while maintaining overall connectivity. This batch-based approach balances adaptability with reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing load in a communication network are provided. At a processor of a relay device, a number of messages is determined that are one or more of currently queued for relay via a communication interface of the relay device and previously relayed within a given time period, the communication interface and the processor of the relay device for relaying the messages, via the communication interface, between a plurality of devices and a network infrastructure. At the processor, a rate at which the plurality of devices establishes communications with the network infrastructure is controlled, wherein there is an inverse relationship between the rate and the number of messages.