Router Bandwidth Pooling Across Heterogeneous WAN Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single wide area network (WAN) links often have insufficient bandwidth to support data traffic requirements for multiple client devices, especially when accessing data-intensive services, and existing techniques for combining multiple WAN links are limited to using the same access technology and service provider.
Innovation Solution
A system that pools available network bandwidth from multiple devices, including those with different WAN access technologies and service providers, using a router that detects and registers contributing devices, allocates bandwidth based on configurable parameters, and dynamically updates and prioritizes bandwidth allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single WAN link is used to provide access to the back-end network, then the system is simple and easy to manage, but the bandwidth is insufficient to support data-intensive services for multiple client devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple WAN links from different service providers and access technologies into a unified bandwidth pool. The system merges these diverse connections at the network layer, allowing client devices to access aggregated bandwidth from multiple sources simultaneously, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and bandwidth sufficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal bandwidth pooling mechanism that works across different WAN access technologies (DSL, cable, satellite, wireless) and service providers. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to handle various connection types uniformly, providing enhanced bandwidth without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple WAN links are combined using traditional link bonding or aggregation techniques, then the available bandwidth increases, but the system is limited to using the same WAN access technology and service provider
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal bandwidth pooling system that accepts and manages multiple WAN link types (DSL, cable, satellite, wireless) from different service providers through a common protocol and management interface. This universality allows the system to aggregate bandwidth from heterogeneous sources without requiring identical access technologies, directly resolving the contradiction between bandwidth increase and technology compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts parameters such as bandwidth allocation weights, priority levels, and routing decisions based on the specific characteristics of each connected WAN link. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system optimizes bandwidth utilization across diverse access technologies while maintaining compatibility with various service provider protocols and requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed bonding or aggregation of WAN links is implemented, then the bandwidth allocation is stable and predictable, but the system cannot dynamically adapt to changing network conditions or device requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth pooling where allocation weights, priority levels, and routing decisions are continuously adjusted based on real-time network conditions, device requirements, and service level agreements. This dynamic approach maintains stability through controlled adaptation, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions while preserving predictable performance for critical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor network performance, device bandwidth requirements, and service quality metrics in real-time. Based on this feedback, the bandwidth pooling mechanism automatically adjusts allocation decisions to maintain stability for essential services while adapting to changing conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for pooling available network bandwidth from multiple devices are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises registering, at a router, availability of a first device, the first device to provide access to first wide area network bandwidth provided by a first wide area network, after registering the availability of the first device, including the first wide area network bandwidth in a network bandwidth pool accessible via the router when a pooling configuration parameter associated with the first device is determined to be valid, the network bandwidth pool including second wide area network bandwidth accessible via a second device registered with the router, the second device being different from the first device, and allocating at least a portion of the network bandwidth pool to route Internet protocol traffic associated with a third device.