Upstream Bandwidth Management via Dynamic Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asymmetric communication systems, such as cable television, face challenges with insufficient upstream bandwidth due to increased and unpredictable 'bursty' traffic from multiple client devices, leading to unavailable bandwidth during peak usage.
Innovation Solution
Monitoring upstream bandwidth utilization and adapting it by prioritizing, postponing, or canceling upstream communications through centralized or local monitoring and signaling, ensuring maximum user satisfaction by optimizing upstream channel usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple client devices contend for upstream bandwidth simultaneously, then the amount of upstream traffic increases, but sufficient upstream bandwidth becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts upstream transmission parameters based on real-time bandwidth utilization monitoring. The STB modifies transmission timing, data rates, and prioritization levels adaptively in response to changing network conditions, allowing the system to handle variable traffic loads while maintaining reliable bandwidth availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the STB monitors upstream bandwidth utilization and receives utilization level information from the head-end. Based on this feedback, the STB adjusts its transmission behavior by prioritizing, postponing, or canceling upstream communications to maintain optimal bandwidth availability.
2Reliability
If upstream communications are prioritized and postponed to manage bandwidth, then bandwidth availability improves, but communication delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring bandwidth utilization levels and proactively adjusting transmission priorities before congestion occurs. The STB anticipates bandwidth constraints and pre-adjusts transmission schedules, prioritizing critical communications while postponing non-urgent ones, thereby reducing actual delays when bandwidth is constrained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes transmission parameters such as data rate, timing, and prioritization levels based on monitored bandwidth utilization. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining bandwidth availability and minimizing communication delays for different types of traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing bandwidth of an upstream communications channel in a communications system.