Wireless Traffic Control Parameters for M2M Congestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face congestion issues due to differing communication requirements from human-to-human and machine-to-machine (M2M) devices, leading to network overload, especially when M2M devices transmit simultaneously after being inhibited, which traditional management approaches fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for managing communication operations of wireless devices by generating and communicating traffic-control parameters as bit sequences to adjust delay and connection times, allowing M2M devices to adapt their transmission based on received parameters, thereby regulating network traffic and preventing overload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional wireless communication management approaches are used, then system compatibility with existing protocols is maintained, but network congestion occurs during peak demand due to inability to differentiate between human-to-human and machine-to-machine communication requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different device typesVSAvoidcomplexity of management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing traffic-control parameters (delay parameter and connection-time parameter) that can be dynamically adjusted based on device type and network conditions. These parameters modify the communication behavior of wireless devices without changing the fundamental protocol structure, allowing differentiation between M2M and H2H traffic while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the wireless device population into different categories (M2M and H2H devices) with distinct communication requirements. By applying different traffic-control parameters to different device segments, the system can manage each segment according to its specific needs, preventing M2M devices from causing congestion during peak H2H traffic periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If base station broadcast transmitted control bit is used to inhibit wireless devices from transmitting, then transmission control is achieved, but significant congestion occurs when control bit is reset due to large backlog of transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of transmission controlVSAvoidnetwork throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static binary control bit into dynamic traffic-control parameters that can take multiple values (different delay and connection-time settings). This allows gradual adjustment of transmission rates rather than abrupt on/off control, smoothing traffic flow and preventing the rush-hour congestion that occurs when devices are suddenly allowed to transmit after inhibition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring devices with appropriate delay parameters before they attempt transmission during peak periods. This preemptive control prevents the accumulation of large transmission backlogs by regulating device behavior in advance, rather than reacting to congestion after it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If machine-type wireless devices are allowed to transmit freely, then communication efficiency for M2M devices is improved, but network overload occurs during peak demand periods

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveM2M communication efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the connection-time parameter for M2M devices based on network load conditions. During low-demand periods, M2M devices can utilize extended connection times to efficiently transfer data. During peak periods, the connection-time parameter is reduced to limit M2M traffic and maintain network stability, thus balancing efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8582631B2Managing communication operations of wireless devices
Publication Date: 2013.11.12 SEMTECH CORP
  • US8582631B2 patent drawing
  • US8582631B2 patent drawing
  • US8582631B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Management of communication operations of wireless devices is provided. A traffic-control parameter is generated, for example at a base station, indicative of desired aspects of communication operations of the wireless devices. The one or more traffic-control parameters may comprise a delay parameter, such as a maximum value for generating random backoff times, and/or a connection-time parameter, indicative of the maximum length of time a wireless device can hold a connection. A bit sequence indicative of the one or more traffic-control parameters is generated and communicated to the wireless devices. A wireless device determines the traffic-control parameter based on the communicated bit sequence and adapts its operation based thereon.