Devices And Methods For Multipath Communications
Patent No. US10868908 (titled "Devices And Methods For Multipath Communications") was filed by Competitive Access Systems Inc on May 23, 2016.
What is this patent about?
’908 is related to the field of telecommunications , specifically addressing the problem of limited bandwidth for residential customers using existing POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines. The background involves Competitive Local Exchange Companies (CLECs) trying to compete with established Local Exchange Companies (LECs) in providing voice and data services, facing limitations due to the narrow bandwidth of the traditional copper “last mile” connection.
The underlying idea behind ’908 is to aggregate the bandwidth of multiple POTS lines using a combination of wireless communication and multilink PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol). A device in the residence, the RCG (Residential Communications Gateway), uses its wireless interface to coordinate with other nearby RCGs, each connected to a separate POTS line. By establishing a multilink PPP connection across these multiple POTS lines, the effective bandwidth available to the user is increased.
The claims of ’908 focus on a client device that can communicate with a server using multiple network interfaces, each having its own data transfer rate. The device transmits messages to the server through each interface, requesting a multilink session and providing a unique session identification. The device then receives data packets from the server concurrently through both interfaces, effectively increasing the overall data transfer rate.
In practice, the RCG acts as a central hub, coordinating with other RCGs in the vicinity. When a user requests a large file or streaming service, the RCG initiates a multilink PPP session with a remote server. It then uses its wireless interface (e.g., 802.11) to discover and negotiate with other RCGs, requesting their participation in the multilink session. Each participating RCG establishes a connection to the server via its POTS line, and relays data packets to the initiating RCG over the wireless link. The initiating RCG reassembles the data stream, providing the user with a higher bandwidth connection.
This approach differs from prior solutions like DSL and cable modems, which require significant infrastructure investments at the local exchange. ’908 leverages the existing POTS infrastructure, adding a layer of wireless coordination to create a virtual broadband connection . The system dynamically allocates bandwidth based on the availability of POTS lines and prioritizes voice traffic over data. Furthermore, the system can utilize neighborhood access points (Wi-Fi hotspots) to offload traffic from the POTS network, further improving performance and reducing congestion at the Class 5 office.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2000s when ’908 was filed, at a time when networking was typically implemented using wired Ethernet or early wireless standards such as 802.11b. Systems commonly relied on dedicated hardware for routing and switching functions, rather than software-defined networking. Hardware or software constraints made efficient use of multiple network interfaces for a single data stream non-trivial.
Novelty and Inventive Step
Claims 41-57 were pending in the application and were rejected in a final office action. The rejections were based on 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph (written description), 35 U.S.C. 102(e) (anticipation), and 35 U.S.C. 103(a) (obviousness). The applicant's arguments were considered but were not persuasive. The prosecution record does not describe the technical reasoning or specific claim changes that led to allowance.
Claims
This patent contains 17 claims, with independent claims numbered 1, 8, 13, 16, and 17. The independent claims generally focus on systems and methods for multilink data packet communication, involving client devices and servers utilizing multiple network interfaces to increase data transfer rates. The dependent claims generally elaborate on and refine the specifics of the independent claims, adding details regarding device types, communication protocols, and data handling procedures.
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Date
Description
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US10868908
- Application Number
- US15161787
- Filing Date
- May 23, 2016
- Status
- Expired
- Expiry Date
- Oct 14, 2023
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents