Patent Publication Number: US-11044208-B2

Title: System and method for maximizing throughput using prioritized efficient bandwidth sharing

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Outroutes in communication networks can carry traffic from both low priority type users and high priority type users, for example, users who have subscribed to a service for a guarantee of bandwidth and a quality of service (QoS). Techniques are applied to ensure the bandwidth and QoS to the high priority user, while allocating remaining bandwidth to low priority users. Such techniques, however, can result in significant idle bandwidth, unusable to either the high priority users or the low priority users. For example, if each high priority user is given dedicated bandwidth, intervals can occur when one or among the plurality do not use that bandwidth. A result can be unusable pieces of fractional capacity not readily usable through current techniques. This can result in inefficient network utilization and lower per user or per user group throughput. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for high priority users and low priority users to share outroute capacity, with minimal idle capacity, while maintaining guaranteed bandwidths and QoS for high priority users. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a block schematic of one implementation of a system for dynamic sharing and efficient maximizing of utilization of network resource capacity, to first priority traffic and second priority traffic, according to one or more aspects. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a logic flow of example operations in one process within methods, according to one or more aspects, providing dynamic sharing and efficient maximizing in utilization of network resource capacity, to first priority traffic and second priority traffic. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates portions of various bandwidth allocations applied in processes and methods for dynamic sharing and efficient maximizing of utilization of network resource capacity, to first priority traffic and second priority traffic, according to one or more aspects. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a block schematic of one implementation of a system for dynamic distribution of first priority traffic across multiple network resources, for efficient sharing and maximizing utilization of capacity on each of the multiple network resources to first priority traffic and second priority traffic, according to one or more aspects. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a logic flow of example operations in one process within methods, according to one or more aspects, for dynamic distribution of first priority traffic across multiple network resources, for efficient sharing and maximizing utilization of capacity on each of the multiple network resources, to first priority traffic and second priority traffic, according to one or more aspects. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an example satellite system in which aspects of this disclosure may be implemented. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a functional block diagram of an example computer system upon which aspects of this disclosure may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, certain details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a functional block schematic of an implementation of a system  100  for dynamic sharing and efficient maximizing of utilization of network resource bandwidth, according to one or more aspects. For purposes of description, “utilization” means a ratio of the sum total actual throughput, both non real time and real time, on the network resource, from all users both high or “first priority,” and low or “second priority” to the estimated total bandwidth capacity of the network resource. The illustrated system  100  can include a network resource (NRSC) gateway (GW)  102  configured to receive, for example, through wide area network (WAN)  104  and WAN interface  106 , first (high) priority traffic from one or more among K first priority users, referenced as SE_k, k=1 to K, (collectively, “SEs”), and second (low) priority traffic from one or more second priority users, referenced collectively as “NP.” It will be understood that the K SEs can be currently active SEs from among a larger population (not explicitly visible in  FIG. 1 ) of SEs. Therefore, the integer K, and the specific priority users forming the K SEs, can vary over time. It also will be understood that “user” can mean a single user or a group of users. 
     It will be understood that “second priority,” as used in this disclosure, is not limited to zero priority or no bandwidth guarantees. For example, second priority users may be provided certain types of bandwidth and QoS specifications. First priority users, though, can possess user-specific subscription plans that can specify, for example, particular guaranteed bandwidths, maximum or peak bandwidths, and specific values or ranges of values for various quality of service (QoS) parameters. It will also be understood that specific priority parameters, e.g., guaranteed reserved bandwidth, maximum or peak bandwidth, and QoS, can differ among different “first priority” users, in accordance with their respective user-specific subscriptions. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the illustrated system  100  is implemented as a satellite network system, and a forward uplink, labelled “NRSC,” is an initial segment, extending to a repeater or relay  108 , through which SE and NP data destined for terminals in the service region may pass. In the satellite network  100 , the uplink in series with the downlink DNK can function as an outroute. A satellite network outroute is one example of a network resource for which bandwidth capacity can be allocated through systems and methods according to various aspects of this disclosure. The outroute example of a network resource, though, is not intended as any limitation on implementations or practices according to the disclosed aspects. 
     The NRSC GW  102  can include a NRSC bandwidth (BW) allocation controller  110 , which can be configured to receive or determine various NRSC conditions and metrics. In an implementation, the reception or determination of one or more of the various NRSC conditions and metrics can be periodic, for example, according to a network resource clock (not explicitly visible in  FIG. 1 ). The NRSC metrics can include, for example, a NRSC delay level and a NRSC utilization level. The NRSC BW allocation controller  110  can be further configured to determine an NRSC state, periodically or aperiodically, based at least in part on the obtained NRSC delay level (DL) and determined NRSC utilization level (UL). In an implementation of system  100 , the NRSC BW controller  110  may be implemented in, or as added functionality of a code rate organizer (CRO). The determined NRSC state can include various congestion states, for example, a non-congested state, a fully congested state, and at least one intermediate congestion state. The fully congested state can be established, in one implementation, by the NRSC DL relative to a given delay threshold. In such an implementation, the fully congested state will be referred to as a “delay-congested” state. Other congestion conditions can be defined according to the NRSC DL and delay threshold in combination with the NRSC UL relative to one or more given utilization thresholds. 
     The NRSC BW allocation controller  110  can be configured to allocate NRSC bandwidth to each SE_k, as CE_k, for k=1 to K, and allocate NRSC bandwidth to the NP, as “CC.” The allocations can be updated at time increments “t,” therefore the allocated bandwidths will be referenced as CE_k(t), k=1 to K (collectively, “CEs”), and CC(t). Regarding the duration or period of t, values can be application-specific. Example factors that may be considered determining a specific t, or range oft, can include statistics of bandwidth demand changes, various subscription-specified QoS levels, and system and user tolerance to intermittent degradation, e.g., when demand change rate exceeds the bandwidth partitioning update period, i.e., the period of t (as well as the multiple-period updating process). 
     The NRSC BW allocation controller  110  can be configured to periodically apply, conditional upon the determined NRSC congestion state, an update process to CE_k(t), k=1 to K, and CC(t). These are described in greater detail in reference to  FIG. 2  and other of the appended figures. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a logic flow  200  of example operations in one process within methods, according to one or more aspects, for dynamic sharing and efficient maximizing of utilization of network resource bandwidth, to first priority traffic and second priority traffic. Examples according to  FIG. 2  operations will be described in reference to  FIG. 1 . Description of operations in the flow  200  will refer to real-time as “RT” and non-real-time as “NRT.” The flow  200  assumes that prior to the start  202 , the NRSC bandwidth allocation controller  110  is provided with values for the following bandwidths, for each of the K SEs.
         CR_k—a reserved BW for SE_k   CEmax_k—a maximum BW for SE_k, where CR_K≤CMX_k; and   CEmin_k—a minimum BW for SE_k.       

     The flow  200  also assumes the NRSC bandwidth allocation controller  110  periodically determines, or is provided with, the following NRSC condition metrics:
         AE_k(t)—actual throughput for SE_k at time t;   CNRT—most recent estimated total NRT bandwidth of the NRSC;   DL—most recent measured or estimated delay for the NRSC; and   UL—most recent measured or estimated utilization level for the NRSC.       

     As an option, the NRSC BW allocation controller  110  can be configured with, or provided a minimum BW allocation for NP, and will be referred to as “CC_min.” Optionally, if CC_min is provided, it can be configured with a default value of zero 
       FIG. 3  graphically represents a hypothetical example of AE, CR, CMax, CNRT and a “residual capacity.” 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the example operations in the flow  200  will assume that, prior to t at  202 , the NRSC BW allocation controller  110  has been configured with, or has run-time access to a delay threshold, and to a first and a second utilization threshold. For purposes of description, the delay threshold will be referred to as “DTH,” and the first and second utilization threshold will be referred to as “UT1” and “UT2,” respectively. UT1 is assumed as the smaller among UT1 and UT2. In one implementation, the NRSC BW allocation controller  110  can be configured to detect, based on UT1 and UT2 in combination with DTH, two intermediate congestion states of the NRSC, in addition to the non-congested state and delay congested state. The least congested of the two, which will be referred to as the “intermediate congestion state,” is the recent utilization level being concurrently higher than UT1 (the smaller of the two) lower than UT2, concurrent with the delay level being less than DTH. The higher of the two intermediate congestion states is the utilization level being greater than UT2, concurrent with the delay level being less than DTH. This can be referred to as the “higher congestion state.” 
     A run-time instance of the flow  200  can start at  202 , at an arbitrary t, then proceed to  204  to obtain the NRSC&#39;s DL and UL. It will be understood that “obtain,” in the context of “obtain the NRSC&#39;s DL and UL,” encompasses NRSC DL and NRSC UL having been previously supplied to the NRSC BW allocation controller  110 . The flow  200  can proceed from  204  to  206 , where operations can be applied to determine the NRSC congestion state, based at least in part on the obtained DL and UL. As described above, it is assumed NRSC BW allocation controller  110  is configured to apply two utilization thresholds, e.g., UT1 and UT2. Therefore, operations at  206  will detect the NRSC state as the non-congested state, intermediate congestion state, high congestion state, or delay congested state, according to the following:
         delay congested state—NRSC DL exceeding DTH,   high congestion state—NRSC DL less than DTH, concurrent with NRSC UL greater than UT2, the higher of the two utilization thresholds,   intermediate congestion state—NRSC DL less than DTH, concurrent with NRSC UL being concurrently greater than UT1 and less than UT2, and   non-congested state—NRSC DL less than DTH, concurrent with NRSC UL less than UT1       

     Having the NRSC congestion state determined at  206 , the flow  200  proceeds to logic decision  208  which routes the flow  200  to one of a plurality of different CE_k(t) update processes, each corresponding to a different NRSC congestion state determined at  206 . Each of the different CE_k(t) update processes is configured to adjust allocation of bandwidth in a manner that, at the present congestion state determined at  206 , maximizes utilization and efficiency in sharing NRSC bandwidth, among and between priority and non-priority users.  FIG. 2  illustrates the flow  200  assuming a configuration as described above, namely, a breakdown into four congestion states, and a corresponding four congestion state-specific CE and CC update processes. The determination at  206  of the NRSC congestion state, and the application of the appropriate updating of CE_k(t), can be performed by the NRSC BW allocation controller  110 . The update process can be applied in K iterations, generating CE_k(t+1), for k=1 to K.  FIG. 2  illustrates as its configured set of NRSC bandwidth allocation update processes, a set four processes, each corresponding to one of the four congestion states in the example above. More specifically, the set can include a non-congested NRSC BW allocation update process  210 , an intermediate congestion NRSC BW allocation update process  212 , a high congestion NRSC bandwidth allocation update process  214 , and a delay congested NRSC state update process  216 . In one implementation of the system  100  and the flow  200 , after the update process among  210 ,  212 ,  214  and  216  is performed, the flow  200  can proceed to  218  and update CC(t), based at least in part on CE_k(t+1), k=1 to K. 
     In one implementation of the NRSC BW allocation controller  110 , operations in the NRSC non-congested state update process  210  can include updating to CE_k(t+1) by increasing CE_k(t), by an amount based at least in part on CE_k(t), in relation to the SE_k&#39;s reserve bandwidth, CR_k. Such operations, in one specific configuration, can be according to the following Equation (1):
 
 CE _ k ( t+ 1)=min{ CE max_ k ,max[ C _ k,CE _ k ( t )*(1+Δ_ UP 1)]},  Eqn. (1)
         wherein Δ_UP1 is configuration parameter.       

     Referring to Equation (1), the larger the Δ_UP1 value the greater the single update adjustment increment of the CE_k(t) values. The specific value of Δ_UP1 can be application-specific, but as can be seen from the Equation (1) representation, factors can include NRSC update period, t. 
     In one implementation, operations in the NRSC intermediate-congested state update process  212  can include updating to CE_k(t+1) by increasing CE_k(t), by an amount based at least in part on CE_k(t), in relation to the SE_k&#39;s reserve bandwidth, CR_k. This differs from the non-congested state CE_(t) update process  210 , which uses a constant increment, Δ_UP1. Operations at  212 , in one specific configuration, can be according to the following Equation (2):
 
 CE _ k ( t+ 1)=min{ CE max_ k ,max[ CR _ k,CE _ k ( t )+Δ_ CE _ k )]},  Eqn. (2)
 
     Determination of Δ_CE_k can be based, at least in part, on the total throughput of the SE_k traffic on the NRSC, which for purposes of description, will be referred to as AE_k(t), in combination with the summed total throughput (ATTL(t))—of all the SE_k traffic and can be further based on ratio of the SE_k reserve bandwidth, CR_k, to the sum total of all the priority user SE reserve bandwidths, i.e., the sum of CR_k, for k=1 to K. In one implementation, operations applied at  212  for determining Δ_CE_k can be according to the following Equations (3)-(5), or equivalents thereof. It will be understood Equations (3)-(5) are a breakdown for purposes of segmenting the description, and are not intended as any limitation as to a specific sequencing of operations in a processor implementation. It will also be understood that operations at  212  can be configured such that specific values, for each of the variables and parameters appearing in Equations (3)-(5), may not be stored, or generated, in an isolated form. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
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             where Δ_UP2 is a configuration parameter. 
           
         
       
    
     As is apparent from Equation (5), the larger the reserved bandwidth, CR_k, the larger is the Δ_CE_k increase applied by the updating process. 
     Regarding the NRSC high congestion allocation update process  214 , in one implementation, operations at  214  can include updating to CE_k(t+1) by a decrease of CE_k(t), the decrease being based at least in part on the CE_k(t) and CR_k. In one implementation, operations of this high congestion state updating of SE(k) can be according to the following Equation (6):
 
 CE _ k ( t+ 1)=min{ CE max_ k ,max[ CR _ k,CE _ k ( t )·(1−Step_Down)]}  Eqn. (6)
 
     The variable “Step_Down” can be based, at least in part, on a ratio of the arithmetic difference between the NRSC DL and the delay threshold DTH, i.e., the amount that DL exceeds DTH, to a flow control period TF. In one implementation, values used at  214  for determining Step_Down can be according to the following Equations (7) and (8):
 
Delay_Diff=(DL−DTH)/ TF   Eqn. (7)
 
Step_Down=min(Δ_Down,Delay_Diff), where  Eqn. (8)
         The variable Δ_Down is a configuration parameter.       

     Referring to the description above of Step_Down and its determination, it can be seen that its values do not require re-calculation for each K SE_k value. 
     Regarding the delay congested state updating operations at  216 , in an aspect, NRSC BW allocation controller  110 , and hence the flow  200 , can be configured to leave CE_k(t), k=1 to K, and CC(t) unchanged if the NRSC is in the delayed congested state. For this configuration, logic block  216  can be a pass through and, since CC(t) is updated based on the CE(t) update, the flow  200  can return to  204 , where NRSC BW allocation controller  110  can obtain DL and UL values, whereupon the above-described flow  200  process can repeat. 
     As described, general operations according to the flow  200  will include determining the NRSC congestion state at  206  and then, via  208 , proceeding to the CE_k(t) update process of one among  210 ,  212 ,  214 , or  216 . The selected update process can then be repeated as a k iteration loop to generate CE_k(t+1), for k=1 to K, whereupon the flow  200  can proceed to  218  and update CC(t). 
     Referring to block  218 , as described above, the NRSC BW allocation controller  110  can be configured to update CC(t) based at least in part, on the updating of the CEs. In one implementation, the specific operations at  218  can be according to the following Equation (9):
 
 CC ( t+ 1)=max{ CC _min,CNRT−ρ C*Σ   k=1   K [min[ AE _ k ( t ), CE _ k ( t )]]},  Eqn. (9)
         where,
           CC_min is a given minimum value of CC,   CNRT is an estimated non real-time capacity of the NRSC, and   ρC is a given scaling factor.   
               

     Each value AE_k(t), as described above, is a total throughput on NRSC associated with the kth of the K first priority sources, SE_k, k=1 to K. In one alternative implementation, the NRSC BW allocation controller  110  operations at  218  can be according to the following Equation (10):
 
 CC ( t+ 1)=max[ CC _min,CNRT− E [ AE _total],CNRT−Σ k=1   K   CE _ k ( t+ 1)],  Eqn. (10)
         where,
           E[AE_total] is a running average based on ATTL(t) and ATTL(t−1).   
               

     An example generating of E[AE_total] can be according to Equation (11):
 
 E [ ATTL ( t )]=α E   ·ATTL ( t )+(1−α E ) E [ ATTL ( t− 1]  Eqn. (11)
 
     where,
         α E  is a configuration parameter.       

     Technical features of update processes using the flow  200  can include, but are not limited to:
         through all traffic and NRSC conditions, each SE_k reserved BW, CR_k, can be guaranteed;   during intervals that the NRSC is in its uncongested state, for each SE_k
           if the NRSC utilization is low, CE_k can be increased by the NRSC BW allocation controller  110 , as demanded, up to the SE_k maximum BW, CEmax_k, and   if the NRSC utilization is high, the NRSC BW allocation controller  110  can assign BW to SE_k to meet its actual throughput;   
           if the NRSC is close to congestion (i.e., the above described “high congestion” state) with high overall demand from both SEs and the NP, the NRSC BW allocation controller  110  can reduce all SEs&#39; assigned BW, allowing the NP extra BW to meet the NP demand; and   during intervals where the NRSC is congested, NP may compete with the SEs, up to NP having all BW of the NRSC beyond the SEs&#39; reserved BW.       

     The  FIG. 1  system  100  shows a single NRSC GW  108 , having a respective NRSC BW allocation controller  110 . One alternative system, and method performed thereon, can provide dynamic distribution of priority traffic across multiple NRSCs (e.g., multiple outroutes), for efficient sharing by first priority and second priority traffic, and providing a maximizing of utilization of bandwidth on each of the multiple NRSCs. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a block schematic of one implementation of a system  400  for providing dynamic distribution of traffic from multiple priority sources, across multiple NRSCs and, on each NRSC, providing a sharing and maximizing of utilization of bandwidth, to first priority and second priority traffic, according to one or more aspects. The illustrated system  400  can include a bandwidth (BW) manager  402  in communication with N network resource GWs, labeled  404 - n , for n=1 to N (collectively, “NRSC GWs  404 ”), each NRSC GW  404  being a gateway to a single NRSC (e.g., a satellite system single outroute), among N NRSCs, NRSC-n, for n=1 to N (collectively, “NRSCs”). Visible in  FIG. 4 , as representative examples, are a first NRSC GW  404 - 1  and an Nth NRSC GW  404 -N, to a first NRSC-1 and an Nth NRSC-N, respectively. Each of the N NRSCs  404 - n  can include a corresponding NRSC BW allocation controller  406 - n , n=1 to N (collectively “NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 ”), each configured to allocate or partition its corresponding n th  NRSC bandwidth for sharing and utilization by a plurality of first priority users, and by a second priority user. The NRSC BW allocation controllers  406  can be generally configured, for example, according to the above-described NRSC BW allocation controller  110 . The  FIG. 4  priority users are the above-described first priority users SE_k, k=1 to K, and the second priority user is the above described NP. In an implementation, the K first priority users SE and the second priority user NP can interface to a WAN  408 , for example, the Internet, to which the N NRSC GWs  404  can connect through a WAN gateway  410 . 
     The BW manager  402  can be configured to store (or have other access to) and to apply N different selection or enablement rules, one for each n th  of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 , which defines or establishes the controller  406 &#39;s corresponding K first priority users, SE_k, k=1 to K. It will be understood that the quantity K is not necessarily the same for every NRSC GW  404 . It will also be understood that the particular SEs that comprise SE_k, for k=1 to K can be different among the different NRSC GWs  404 . In a related aspect, the BW manager  402  can be configured to identify, for each SE having access to any one or more of the NRSC GWs  404 , a listing of all NRSC GWs  404  it has access to. For purposes of description, the list will be referred to as the SE&#39;s “enabled NRSC list.” As will be described in greater detail later, the BW manager  402  can be configured to use, for each SE sending priority traffic, the enabled NRSC list for purposes of optimally distributing that traffic across its enabled NRSCs. 
     The BW manager  402  can be further configured to provide, to each n th  of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 , a corresponding K priority reserved bandwidths (CR_n,k), k=1 to K, and K priority maximum bandwidths (CEmax_n,k), k=1 to K. Each of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406  can also be provided a delay threshold and at least one utilization threshold. One example can be the above described delay threshold DTH and the above-described first and second utilization thresholds UT1 and UT2. It will be assumed, for purposes of describing example operations, that all of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 - n  use the same delay threshold(s) and utilization threshold(s). Accordingly, DTH, UT1 and UT2 are not assigned the index “n.” This is not a limitation, as implementations can provide different thresholds to different N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 . 
     Each of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406  can be configured to obtain an NRSC delay level (DL_n) and an NRSC utilization level (UL_n) of its corresponding NRSC-n and, based thereon, determine a congestion state of that n th  NRSC. One example determination can be among the four congestion states described in reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Each of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 - n , n=1 to N can be further configured to maintain, and update at intervals of t, a set of K priority bandwidth allocations, CE_n, k(t), k=1 to K, for its K first priority users SE, and a second priority bandwidth allocation, CC_n(t), for the second priority user NP. In one example configuration, each of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406  can be configured to update CE_n,k(t) to CE_n,k(t+1) and update its CC_n(t) to CC_n(t+1), in accordance with the  FIG. 2  flow  200 . 
     In an aspect, the BW manager  402 , by identifying the K SEs, and providing CR_n,k, CEmax,n,k and CEmin to each of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 , enables N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406  to operate independently, dynamically partitioning their respective NRSCs, without requiring knowledge of the other N−1 NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 . Such operations can include conditionally updating, at time increments t, CE_n,k(t) for each of its K priority users, to CE_n,k(t+1). These operations can, as described in reference to  FIG. 2 , be based at least in part on CE_n,k(t) and CR_n,k. Each of the NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 , upon completing that update, can update its corresponding CC_n(t) to CC_n(t+1), based at least in part on a summation of CE_n,k(t+1), for k from 1 to K, as described above. 
     In one implementation, the BW manager  402  can be configured to periodically update its enablement rule. The BW manager  402  can be further configured to update CR_n,k, CEmax_n,k and CEmin_n,k to each of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 . The period can be referred to as “the NRSC distribution update period.” Preferably, but not necessarily, the NRSC distribution update period can be significantly longer than the NRSC partition update period, t. One illustrative, non-limiting, example of “significantly longer” can include, but is not limited to, the NRSC distribution update period being approximately 10 times to approximately 30 times the NRSC partitioning period. 
     In an implementation, system  400  can be configured to provide, in combination with other disclosed features and aspects, a real-time (RT) traffic adjusted reserve BW and maximum BW. The RT adjusted reserve BW can provide, for example, adjustments for, and efficient accommodation of real time traffic, within a dynamic NRSC BW allocation and multiple NRSC distribution. More specifically, in various applications, there can be a preference that reserved bandwidth for first priority users on each NRSC, i.e., CR_n,k, for n=1 to N and k=1 to K, accommodates both RT traffic and non-real-time (NRT) traffic, and not just NRT traffic. In an aspect, the BW manager  402 , or another resource available to the system  400 , can be configured to provide such accommodation by processes that include a particular decreasing of a first priority user&#39;s NRT reserved bandwidth (CR_n,k), if that user&#39;s RT traffic exceeds a threshold of its total traffic. One example configuration can include, among other operations, determination of its “instant real-time portion” or “instant RT portion.” 
     Implementation of determining the instant RT portion can include configuring the BW manager  402  to periodically obtain, at increments of t, for each SE, a measured overall real-time traffic, VR_n,k(t), on each of the N NRSCs. The instant RT portion can then be determined as a ratio of VR_n,k(t) to the priority&#39;s user&#39;s non-adjusted reserve bandwidth, CR_n,k. Operations can, for example, be according to Equation (12): 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
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                     ) 
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
         
         
           
             where ηRT_n,k(t) is the instant RT portion, on NRSC-n, from SE_k. 
           
         
       
    
     It can be seen that the instant RT portion can be larger than integer 1 when the RT traffic exceeds CR_n,k. The BW manager  402  can be configured to utilize the instant RT portion, for each of the N NRSCs, to determine which of the SEs enabled for that NRSC is putting on the NRSC a level of RT traffic such that its instant RT portion is greater than 1 or, more generally, is greater than TN, which can be less than 1, equal to 1, or greater than 1. TN can be a configuration parameter. The BW manager  402  can be configured to adjust each of such SE&#39;s reserved bandwidth on that NRSC. One implementation can include configuring the BW manager  402 , or another resource, to perform adjustment operations as illustrated by the following Equations (13) and (14), for each ηRT_n,k(t)_TN:
 
Rev[ CE max_ n,k ( t )]=max{ CE min_ k ,[ CE max_ n,k ( t )− g _ k·VR _ n,k ( t )]}  Eqn. (13)
 
Rev[ CR _ n,k ( t )]=max{ CE min_ k ,[ CR _ n,k ( t )− g ( k )· VR _ n,k ( t )]}  Eqn. (14)
 
     CEmin_k is a minimum BW that can be reserved for SE(k), and g_k is a coefficient that can allow selective treating of RT traffic. CEmin_k can provide, for NRT traffic from SE on any of N NRSCs, a minimum BW on that NRSC, in instances where RT traffic consists of a significant amount of the SE&#39;s reserved bandwidth, CR_n,k, on that NRSC. Regarding g_k, a default value of g(k) can be set at integer 1, to indicate that RT traffic can be counted when reserving BW if the RT portion is larger than a threshold. For purpose of description, the threshold will be referred to as “GT.” In an aspect, g can be set to zero, to indicate that RT traffic will not be counted when reserving BW if the RT portion is larger than GT. The value of GT can be application-specific, and can be readily determined, for the application, by a person of ordinary skill upon reading this disclosure. 
     In one implementation, both the threshold test, ηRT_n,k(t)≥TN, and each of Equations (13) and (14) can use an averaged ηRT_n,k(t), EMA[ηRT_n,k(t)]. The average can be determined, for example, by operations according to Equation (15):
 
 EMA [η RT _ n,k ( t )]=α RT·ηRT _ n,k ( t )+(1−α RT ) EMA [η RT _ n,k ( t− 1)]  Eqn. (15)
         where, αRT is a configuration parameter.       

     The averaging interval “t” in operations such as Equation (15) is not necessarily the same as the period or interval applied by the NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 . Example ranges of the averaging interval can include 100 milliseconds (ms), multiples of 100 ms, and ranges extending above, between and beyond these examples. Values, and ranges of values, for αRT can be application specific. Examples values and ranges can include 0.01, but can also include ranges below and above that example. 
     Example operations in processes for optimized distributing of SE priority traffic across the  FIG. 4  multiple NRSCs, and dynamic partitioning of each NRSC&#39;s BW, will be described in reference to  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a logic flow  500  of example operations in one process within methods according to one or more aspects. Assuming a start-up instance, flow  500  can begin at an arbitrary start  502  and proceed to  504  where the BW manager  402  can perform an initialization. The initialization operations can include initializing its enablement rules, which can designate, or define, for each of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 , which of the first priority users SE are enabled to access that controller  406 . One example of such initializing can form the enablement rule according to an eligibility matrix, such as the following Equation (16), or an equivalent thereof: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     E 
                     NxK 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       { 
                       
                         e 
                         
                           n 
                           , 
                           k 
                         
                       
                       } 
                     
                     = 
                     
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                               11 
                             
                           
                           
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                   Eqn 
                   . 
                   
                       
                   
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     ( 
                     16 
                     ) 
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     Referring to the eligibility matrix of Equation (16), one configuration can be the following: if SE_n,k is eligible to use OTR-n, then e n,k =1; if SE_n,k is not eligible, e n,k =0. 
     The initialization operations at  504  can also include initializing the reserved bandwidths, maximum bandwidths, and minimum bandwidths, for each NRSC, for each of the K SEs that are designated or enabled for that NRSC.  FIG. 5  illustrates the operations at  504  also setting initial values for CE,n,k, and CC(n). These initializing operations may be done locally at the NRSCs, by their respective BW allocation controllers, and therefore omitted at the NRSC BW manager. The flow  500  can proceed from  504  to  506 , where the BW manager  402  (or another system  400  resource) can provide, to each n th  of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 , the reserve bandwidth (CR_n,k), maximum bandwidth (CEmax_n,k), and minimum bandwidth (CEmin_n,k), if any, for each of the first priority users SE enabled to access that controller  406 . Operations at  506  can include, for example, loading the first NRSC BW allocation controller  406 - 1  with CR_1,k, CEmax_1,k, CEmin_1,k, by K iterations, then loading a second NRSC BW allocation controller (not visible in  FIG. 4 ), and continuing until the Nth NRSC BW allocation controller  406 -N is loaded. Upon completion of  506 , the N independent NRSC bandwidth allocation operations, can begin, for example, at a corresponding one of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 . In addition, each can be in accordance with the  FIG. 2  flow  200 . 
     The flow  500 , by communications represented by logic block  508 , can receive certain information regarding the state of the N NRSC, for example by the BW manager  402  performing an active query of the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 , or by receiving periodic reports from the controllers  406 . The information can include VR_n,k(t), CNRT_n, H_n,k(t), and H_N,K(T). The flow  500  can proceed from  508  to  510  and perform, by operations at the BW manager  402 , an update of SE bandwidth parameters used by the NRSC BW allocation controllers  406  in allocating bandwidth, namely, CR_n,k, CEmax_n,k, and CEmin_n,k, n=1 to N, k=1 to K. When complete, the BW manager  402  can effectuate updates at the NRSCs by returning to  506 , where it can send the updates of CR_n,k, CEmax_n,k, and CEmin_n,k, n=1 to N and k=1 to K, to the NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 . 
     As will be understood, features provided by operation of the flow  500  can include, but are not limited to:
         During intervals where an NRSC-n utilization is low, CR_n,k, CEmax_n,k for SE_n,k, k=1 to K, can be in proportion to the total plan rate, total plan rate, H_n,k, of SE_n,k.   During intervals where an NRSC-n utilization is relatively high, CR_n,k, and CEmax_n,k for SE_n,k, k=1 to K, can be in proportion to the SE&#39;s total active plan rate, h_n,k.       

     By dynamically providing CR (SE reserved bandwidths) and CEmax (SE maximum bandwidths), for each SE according to these features, the BW manager  402  can drive multi-NRSC bandwidth sharing for each SE, using NRSC bandwidth allocation processes independently run by each of the NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 . 
     Additional features can include:
         CEmin_n,k can be consistent across all NRSCs, while the proportion may be unnecessary.   During intervals where few SEs are actively transmitting, default reserved bandwidth can be used for all NRSCs.       

     Referring to  FIG. 5 , at block  508 , the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406  can send to the BW manager  402 , for every SE enabled on each NRSC-n, a total plan rate, H_n,k, and an active plan rate h_n,k, n=1 to N and k=1 to K, each in kilobits per second (kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps). Concurrently or sequentially in time with sending H_n,k and h_n,k, to the BW manager  402 , the N NRSC BW allocation controllers  406  can send the manager  402  updated values for each respective NRSC&#39;s total estimated capacity, CNRT_n, for n=1 to N, and average utilization UL_n. The updating period for these values can be multiples of the flow control interval, t, that is applied by the NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 . To fit the updating interval, the values H_n,k, h_n,k, CNRT_n, and UL_n can be averaged. The averaging operations can be performed at the NRSC BW allocation controllers  406 . For example, the total plan rate H_n,k and active plan rate h_n,k, can be averaged according to Equations (17) and (18):
 
 EMA [( H _ n,k )( t+ 1)=α1· H _ n,k ( t+ 1)+(1−α1) EMA ( H _ n,k )( t )  Eqn. (17)
 
 EMA [( h _ n,k )( t+ 1)=α1· h _ n,k ( t+ 1)+(1−α1) EMA ( h _ n,k )( t )  Eqn. (18)
         where α1 is the smoothing factor.       

     Likewise, CNRT_n, and UL_n can be averaged according to Equations (19) and (20):
 
 EMA [(CNRT_ n )( t+ 1)=α2·CNRT_ n ( t+ 1)+(1−α2) EMA (CNRT_ n )( t )  Eqn. (19)
 
 EMA [(UL_ n )( t+ 1)=α2·UL_ n ( t+ 1)+(1−α2) EMA (UL_ n )( t )  Eqn. (20)
         where α2 is the smoothing factor.       

     Preferably, each OTR partitioning controller  406  send all averaged values, or all non-averaged values, as opposed to a mixing of the two. 
     With the updated information described above, the BW manager  402 , during its operations at  FIG. 5  block  510 , can generate the updated CR_n,k and CEmax_n,k values by operations according to Equations (21)-(25), or equivalents thereof. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                       
                   
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             where β_upper is the upper limit of the portion of an NRSC&#39;s capacity 
             being used for an SE user.
 
 CE max_ n,k =max{ CE min_ k ,min[ W _ nk·CE max_ k ,β_upper·CNRT_ n )]  Eqn. (25)
 
           
         
       
    
     Exemplary systems and methods above, and features and aspects thereof provide, as described, a dynamic allocation and sharing of NRSC capacity, with efficient maximized utilization of that capacity, to K first priority users, SE_k, k=1 to K. As also described above, one or more of such first priority users SE can be a group of users, for example, multiple Virtual Network Operators (VNOs), aggregated as an SE to be allocated NRSC bandwidth in accordance with the features and aspects of the present disclosure. In a multi-tiered aspect, NRSC bandwidth assigned to such an SE can then, through subscriptions or other arrangements that presently disclosed systems and methods need have no knowledge, be dynamically shared by and allocated among the multiple VNOs aggregated as an SE. 
     According to an aspect, one or more multi-tiered systems and methods can be implemented, that can provide a group of VNOs with allocation of NRSC bandwidth, e.g., by operations according to the flow  200  or the flow  500 , in combination with dynamic sharing and allocation of that NRSC bandwidth amongst the multiple VNOs or other sub-groups, by operations independent from the flows  200  and  500 , but furthering the utilization of those flows, as well as the systems and methods applied in the second tier allocation. One example of such a combination of systems and methods can be implemented as a multi-tiered system or method, including a system or method according to the present disclosure, which can efficiently allocate NRSC bandwidth to an aggregate of VNOs or other sub-groups, and feeding that allocated bandwidth to a system or method such as, for example, those disclosed by U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2016/0072574, filed Sep. 8, 2014, (the &#39;574 publication) the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Such methods and systems can then, in tandem with the present disclosure, divide and allocate the aggregated NRSC bandwidth among its constituent VNOs, according to their respective bandwidth guarantees. 
     Technical features of multi-tiered systems and methods according to this aspect include aggregation of demands of multiple subgroups, e.g., multiple VNOs, into a single first priority user, with dynamic, efficient allocation of NRSC bandwidth to that aggregate first priority user, e.g., according to the  FIG. 2  flow  200  or  FIG. 5  flow  500 , coupled with feeding that bandwidth to systems and processes according to the &#39;574 publication, for independent second-tier allocation among the multiple subgroups (e.g., VNOs), based on their respective bandwidth commitments (peak and guarantees), as well as their respective demands. 
     In another aspect, systems and methods according to the present disclosure can be adapted and implemented to provide bandwidth commitment to first priority users not only within the same resource, e.g., network resources as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , but also across multiple distinct resources, for example, but not limited to, multiple beams, multiple gateways, and multiple satellite networks. One or more examples of such systems and methods can include allocation of bandwidth of one or more NRSCs, among SEs, in accordance with systems and processes as described above, e.g., in reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , in combination with another, longer cycle time operation, e.g., by another central bandwidth manager logic (not explicitly visible in  FIGS. 1-5 ). In one or more implementations, such longer cycle time operations can be in accordance with systems and methods disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/371,490, titled “Distribution of a Virtual Network Operator Subscription in a Satellite Spot Beam Network,” (the &#39;490 application”), and incorporating by reference U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/426,592 (“the &#39;592 application”) for “Distribution of a Virtual Network Operator Subscription in a Satellite Spot Beam Network,” filed Nov. 27, 2016, wherein the entirety of the &#39;490 application and its incorporated &#39;592 application are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     In one or more implementations, exemplary longer cycle time operations can include operations such as described in the &#39;490 application, e.g., in reference to the &#39;490  FIG. 4  process block  420 . In one general example, such operations can include receiving (e.g., by operations such as described in reference to the &#39;490  FIG. 4  block  422 ), average demands on each NRSC in which the first priority user operates, (e.g., sent by the present disclosure&#39;s  FIG. 1  NRSC BW allocation controllers  110 , or by two or more of the present disclosure&#39;s  FIG. 4  bandwidth managers  402 ). The longer loop central bandwidth manager logic can then, in an aspect, aggregate the overall allocations for each first priority user against a larger configured guaranteed and maximum bandwidth for that first priority user. In an implementation, the longer loop central bandwidth manager logic can determine, based on that aggregation and comparison to the larger configured and guaranteed and maximum bandwidth for that first priority user, an adjustment (up/down) to the guarantee and to the maximum bandwidth for that first priority user, in each NRSC in which that first priority user operates. In implementations according to this aspect, such adjustments can be a function of, or can be based on, for example, of demand per NRSC, allocations per NRSC, utilization per NRSC, and commitments to that first priority user, and other first priority users in each NRSC. In one or more such implementations, the longer loop central bandwidth manager logic can then feed the adjusted guarantee and maximum bandwidth for that first priority user back to each NRSC, for the NRSC to utilize, instead of a hard-coded set that may be run in operations as described herein, for example, in reference to the present disclosure&#39;s  FIGS. 2 and 5 . 
     Technical features of the above-described combination of the present disclosure&#39;s NRSC bandwidth allocation and sharing aspects, with a longer loop adjustment such as disclosed in the &#39;490 application, can include a central aggregating bandwidth manager logic increasing or decreasing the amount of bandwidth that a first priority user can be allocated in a given NRSC, in order to additionally ensure that a larger, aggregate bandwidth guarantee for that first priority user can be adequately met over time. 
     It will be understood that implementations of the above-described combination of NRSC bandwidth allocation and sharing, in accordance with the present disclosure&#39;s  FIGS. 1-5 , with a longer loop adjustment, such as disclosed in the &#39;490 application, of allocation among multiple distinct NRSCs that are available to a first priority user, can be done for each first priority user, e.g., for each SE_k, k=1 to K. In addition, it will be understood that this combination of NRSC bandwidth allocation and sharing, and a longer loop adjustment of each first priority user&#39;s allocation within multiple distinct NRSCs, can be further combined with a multi-tiered implementation as described above. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an example of a satellite network  600  in which various aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented. The satellite network  600  can include an SGW  602 , remote terminals  604   a - 604   f , two satellites  606   a  and  606   b , IPGWs  608   a - 608   n , and RF terminals  610   a  and  610   b.    
     SGW  602  may be connected to remote terminals, such as the example VSATs  604   a - 604   f  via satellites  606   a  and  606   b . Forward uplinks  612   a  and  616   a  may carry data between SGW  602  and satellites  606   a  and  606   b , respectively. Each of one or more of the VSATs  604   a - 604   f  can be associated with a respective network user who has been assigned (e.g., via subscription) a first priority access for sending dataReturn downlinks  614   a  and  618   a  can provide for transmitting data from satellites  606   a  and  606   b , respectively, to SGW  602 . Forward uplinks  612   a ,  616   a  and forward downlinks  612   b ,  616   b  may form an outroute, and the outroute can be an example NRSC having its current capacity shared and allocated among first priority user an NRSC), and return uplinks  614   b ,  618   b  and return downlinks  614   a ,  618   a  may form an inroute. SGW  602  may be part of satellite earth stations with connectivity to ground telecommunications infrastructure. RF terminals  610   a  and  610   b  may be the physical equipment responsible for sending and receiving signals to and from satellites  606   a  and  606   b , respectively, and may provide air interfaces for SGW  602 . 
     Satellites  606   a  and  606   b  may be any suitable communications satellites. Signals through satellites  606   a  and/or  606   b  in the forward direction may, for example, be according to the DVB-S2x standard. Signals passing through satellites  606   a  and/or  606   b  in the return direction may be based, for example, on the IPoS standard. Other suitable signal types may also be used in either direction. 
     The bandwidth of RF terminals  610   a  and  610   b  can be shared amongst IPGWs  608   a - 608   n . At each of IPGWs  608   a - 608   n , RT and NRT traffic flows may be classified into different priorities, and may be processed and multiplexed before being forwarded to priority queues at SGW  602 . Data from an internet intended for remote terminals  604   a - 604   f  (e.g., VSATs) may be in the form of IP packets, including TCP packets and UDP packets, or any other suitable IP packets. This data may enter SGW  602  from any one of IPGWs  608   a - 608   n . The received IP packets may be processed and multiplexed by SGW  602  along with IP packets from the other ones of IPGWs  608   a - 608   n . The IP packets may then be transmitted to satellites  606   a  and/or  606   b , and satellites  606   a  and/or  606   b  may then transmit the IP packets to the VSATs. Similarly, IP packets may enter the network via the VSATs, be processed by the VSATs, and transmitted to satellites  606   a  and/or  606   b . Satellites  606   a  and/or  606   b  may then send these inroute IP packets to SGW  602 . It should be noted that because the spectrum can be segmented for one beam, a particular satellite beam can carry one or multiple NRSCs 
     In various embodiments, a bandwidth manager  620  can be included to manage or coordinate bandwidth allocation on the shared network. Bandwidth manager  620  may be implemented, for example, as a centralized bandwidth manager configured to allocate available bandwidth among the various terminals. The bandwidth manager  620  can also be configured in accordance with the BW manager  402  described above. The bandwidth manager  620  can therefore be configured to interface with SGW  602  to receive information about traffic flows in the network, including the  FIG. 5  block  508  reception of VR_n,k(t), CNRT_n, H_n,k(t), and H_N,K(T), for n=1 to 2. The bandwidth manager  620  can also provide control messages, including the  FIG. 5  block  506  updated CR_n,k and CEmax_n,k values, to the NRSCs. 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a computer system  700  upon which aspects of this disclosure may be implemented, such as, but not limited to, particular logic blocks described in reference to  FIG. 1 . It will be understood that logic blocks illustrated in  FIG. 7  represent functions, and do not necessarily correspond to particular hardware on a one-to-one basis. The computer system  700  can include a data processor  702 , an instruction memory  704 , and a general-purpose memory  706 , coupled by a bus  708 . 
     The instruction memory  704  can include a tangible medium retrievably storing computer-readable instructions, that when executed by the data processor  702  cause the processor to perform operations, such as described in reference to  FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5 . 
     The computer system  700  can also include a communications interface  710 , configured to interface with a local network  712  for accessing a local server  714 , and to communicate through an Internet service provider (ISP)  716  to the Internet  718 , and access a remote server  720 . The computer system  700  can also include a display  722  and a user interface  724 , such as a touchscreen or keypad. 
     The term “machine-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operation in a specific fashion. Forms of machine-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punchcards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. 
     While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings. 
     Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. 
     The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracing of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed. 
     Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims. 
     It will be understood that terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning accorded to such terms and expressions in their respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     In the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any summary recitation requires more features than its expressly recites. The following summary paragraphs form a portion of this disclosure.