Allocation of network bandwidth and prioritization in networks

#The present invention relates to techniques for the allocation of network bandwidth in networks, and more particularly to the allocation of network bandwidth and prioritization in networks under alarm conditions.

#Communication networks allow data to flow between computer systems or other devices according to available bandwidth. Since network bandwidth is inherently limited, the amount of data going to particular network destinations must be allocated according to specific criteria.

#Alarm conditions can occur in systems that have components connected via a network. For example, a security system can include networked computers and cameras which can send and receive video and audio data captured at different physical locations. An alarm in such a security system may be set off when an unauthorized motion or person is detected at a particular alarm location corresponding to a network node. It is essential during such an alarm condition that data from the alarm location be transferred to the desired device on the network which can act appropriately to the alarm. In another example, any one of multiple networked medical devices, or of automated devices on a production or assembly line, may pose an alarm condition if it fails during operation.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network having nodes for use with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a table illustrating an example of priority level assignment to different alarm conditions;

#FIG. 3 is a table illustrating an example of node priority assignment after a conflict of priorities during an alarm condition; and

#The present invention relates to techniques for the allocation of network bandwidth in networks, and more particularly to the allocation of network bandwidth and prioritization in networks under alarm or emergency conditions. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

#Embodiments and examples of the present invention are described below. While particular applications and methods are explained, it should be understood that the present invention can be used in a wide variety of other applications and with other techniques within the scope of the present invention.

#The present invention provides a system and method for allocating network bandwidth when the network is under alarm conditions. On existing networks, there is no predetermined escalation method in the prior art that will allow alarmed nodes to use more of the network bandwidth.