Router Bandwidth Allocation via Segmented Borrowable and Reserved Pools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bandwidth allocation methods, such as the Hierarchical Token Bucket (HTB) algorithm, fail to ensure equitable sharing of network bandwidth among devices, leading to situations where some devices monopolize bandwidth, preventing others from using network services effectively, and result in bandwidth waste when allocations are not borrowed back.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dividing the total bandwidth into parent-class and reserved bandwidths based on a preset ratio, monitoring device traffic to classify devices as first-class or second-class, and allocating bandwidth accordingly, allowing first-class devices to use parent-class bandwidth while second-class devices share the remaining bandwidth, preventing monopolization and minimizing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bandwidth is equally allocated and allowed to be borrowed using HTB algorithm, then devices can flexibly use available bandwidth, but some devices may pre-empt the entire bandwidth causing other devices to be unable to access network services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth flexibilityVSAvoidbandwidth monopolization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments bandwidth into two distinct types: borrowable bandwidth and non-borrowable bandwidth. This segmentation prevents any single device from monopolizing the entire bandwidth by reserving a portion (non-borrowable) that cannot be pre-empted, while still allowing flexible access to the borrowable portion through the HTB algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bandwidth allocation parameter by introducing a dual-bandwidth model with different borrowing rules. The non-borrowable bandwidth parameter ensures a minimum guaranteed bandwidth for each device, preventing monopolization, while the borrowable bandwidth parameter maintains system flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If bandwidth is equally allocated but not allowed to be borrowed using HTB algorithm, then bandwidth monopolization is prevented, but bandwidth waste occurs when some devices use small bandwidth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth monopolization preventionVSAvoidbandwidth waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting bandwidth into borrowable and non-borrowable portions, the system allows devices to flexibly access unused borrowable bandwidth from other devices, preventing waste while the non-borrowable portion ensures monopolization prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bandwidth allocation parameter by introducing a dual-bandwidth model with different borrowing rules. The borrowable bandwidth parameter enables flexible resource utilization reducing waste, while the non-borrowable bandwidth parameter prevents monopolization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If P2P download software uses special download mechanism with multi-thread mode, then download speed is improved, but all bandwidths are pre-empted preventing other devices from using network services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownload speedVSAvoidbandwidth pre-emption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the bandwidth allocation parameter by introducing a dual-bandwidth model. P2P download software can utilize the borrowable bandwidth for high-speed downloads, while the non-borrowable bandwidth ensures other devices retain minimum network access, thus maintaining both download performance and system fairness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3197110B1Bandwidth allocation method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 ZTE CORP
  • EP3197110B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3197110B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3197110B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided are a bandwidth allocation method and apparatus. According to a preset allocation ratio, an uplink/downlink total bandwidth of a router is divided into an uplink/downlink parent-class bandwidth and an uplink/downlink reserved bandwidth. Bandwidth traffic of each device linked to the router is monitored. Each device having bandwidth traffic exceeding a preset threshold is classified as a first-class device, and each device having bandwidth traffic not exceeding the preset threshold is classified as a second-class device. According to a monitoring result, the uplink/downlink parent-class bandwidth and the uplink/downlink reserved bandwidth are allocated to first-class devices and second-class devices respectively. The technical solution uses a bandwidth control function already present in a Hierarchical Token Bucket (HTB) algorithm and adopts mechanisms of threshold setting and device bandwidth dynamic configuration. By virtue of the technical solution, all users are able to equally pre-empt and share bandwidths in real time under the premise that less of a total bandwidth is wasted, and the objective of equitable sharing of the bandwidth can be achieved, thereby enhancing the user experience of enjoying network service.