Bandwidth Allocation for Satellite Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bandwidth on demand systems fail to ensure sustained throughput rates for remote terminals in shared bandwidth satellite networks, leading to inefficiencies in channel utilization and delayed transmission of large data files.
Innovation Solution
A bandwidth allocation approach that monitors remote terminal backlogs and assigns terminals to an express priority stage based on threshold levels, providing temporary high throughput and dynamically adjusting access probabilities to optimize channel utilization and meet subscribed rate plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backlog based Proportional Fair algorithm is applied in bandwidth allocation among multiple remote terminals, then fairness can be proportionally achieved, but a terminal may lose the chance to reach its subscribed rate plan even for a short but sustained period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation by transitioning terminals between two stages: an initial backlog-based Proportional Fair stage that ensures fairness, and a subsequent guaranteed throughput stage that ensures subscribed rate plans are met. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing both fairness initially and guaranteed throughput subsequently.
Solution Approach 2:
The bandwidth allocation process is segmented into two distinct stages: (1) initial allocation using backlog-based Proportional Fair algorithm for fairness, and (2) guaranteed throughput allocation for meeting subscribed rate plans. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific goal without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If continuous dedicated bandwidth is allocated at a predefined rate to meet delay requirements, then delay requirement for interactive traffic is satisfied, but channel/bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allocating continuous dedicated bandwidth, the patent applies partial action by providing bandwidth guarantees only when needed (when terminals have data to send and subscribed rates are not being met). This avoids the waste of continuously allocating bandwidth during idle periods while still satisfying delay requirements when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically monitors terminal throughput performance and dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation accordingly. This periodic action ensures delay requirements are met when needed while allowing bandwidth to be released for other uses when not required, thus improving overall channel utilization efficiency.
3Reliability
If request-based bandwidth allocation mechanisms are used to allocate bandwidth and meet delay requirements for interactive traffic, then delay requirement is satisfied, but transmission of large data files cannot be accomplished at efficient speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The bandwidth allocation system is designed to be universal, serving multiple traffic types effectively. It handles interactive traffic with delay requirements through the Proportional Fair stage, and simultaneously supports efficient large file transfers through the guaranteed throughput stage, making the system multi-functional without compromising either traffic type.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for delivering high throughput inroute bandwidth to a terminal in a shared bandwidth satellite communications system. A backlog level of each of a number of remote terminals is monitored, wherein the backlog level of each terminal reflects an amount of data traffic awaiting transmission via an inroute channel of the communications system. When it is determined that the backlog level of one terminal meets a first threshold level, the terminal is assigned to an express priority bandwidth allocation stage. The backlog level of the terminal is monitored while assigned to the express priority stage. When it is determined that the backlog level of the terminal has fallen below a second threshold level, the terminal is removed from the express priority stage. Further, a probability is applied to a qualifying terminal, where the probability controls whether the terminal is assigned to the express priority bandwidth stage.