Subscriber Reallocation Across Network Channels to Balance Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer networks face challenges in managing access congestion, particularly in fixed access environments like cable networks, leading to varying Quality of Experience (QoE) for subscribers due to static allocation of channels and uneven distribution of subscribers based on geographical characteristics, resulting in poor performance during peak usage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamically reallocating subscribers across bonding and service groups based on their network usage patterns, including determining congestion levels, subscriber contributions, and reallocating them to balance channel loads, thereby optimizing bandwidth utilization and improving overall QoE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subscribers are statically allocated to channels based on geographical characteristics, then channel assignment is simple and stable, but congestion occurs during peak usage and QoE varies significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reallocates subscribers to different bonding groups and service groups based on real-time congestion levels and subscriber usage patterns. Instead of static geographical allocation, subscribers are continuously monitored and reassigned to balance channel loads, adapting to changing network conditions and preventing congestion during peak usage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring subscriber usage patterns, congestion levels, and QoE metrics. This feedback information is used to continuously optimize subscriber allocation across channels, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain balanced loads while improving overall network performance.
2Reliability
If bandwidth is increased to handle peak traffic, then congestion is reduced, but network infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of subscriber allocation rather than increasing physical bandwidth capacity. By dynamically adjusting which subscribers are assigned to which bonding groups and service groups based on usage patterns and congestion levels, the system optimizes existing bandwidth resources without requiring additional infrastructure investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service optimization by automatically monitoring usage patterns and reallocating subscribers based on detected congestion conditions. This automated approach allows the network to self-regulate traffic distribution without manual intervention or additional capacity, efficiently utilizing existing bandwidth resources.
3Reliability
If subscriber allocation is optimized for average QoE, then overall network performance improves, but some individual subscribers may experience slight QoE decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the interests of individual subscribers with overall network performance by implementing load balancing that distributes traffic evenly across available channels. While no single subscriber may receive preferential treatment, the collective optimization ensures that the majority of subscribers experience improved or maintained QoE through reduced congestion and better resource utilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for managing access congestion in a computer network, the system and method including: determining a plurality of channels within the computer network via a subscriber channel module; determining a set of subscribers for each of the channels of the plurality of channels via the subscriber channel module; determining a congestion level of each of the channels of the plurality of channels via an analysis module; determining each subscriber's impact on the respective channel based on each subscriber's network usage via the analysis module; and determining a reallocation of the subscribers to balance the channels, based on the congestion level and each subscriber's network usage, via a distribution module.