Method and device for communicating data within a network by combining different communication approaches

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the present invention overcome shortcomings in prior systems and satisfy a significant need for a technique for better optimizing communication between devices in a computer-based and/or communications network.
The embodiments of the present invention utilize existing communication techniques and make final decisions relating to the communication of data from a network device based in part upon the correctness of decisions by the existing techniques in previously communicating data.
In particular, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a device in a network in which data is communicated.
The device includes a plurality of different communication-related components or approaches, such as different data communication protocols.
Each is capable of being utilized by the device in communicating data with other devices in the network.
Each component generates, when an opportunity for communicating data occurs, a decision relating to the communication thereof.
A decision handler in the device is coupled to the components and generates a final decision relating to the communication of the data based upon each decision generated by the components and upon the correctness of prior decisions generated by the components.
The decision handler may determine the final decision by applying weight factors to each decision, whereby the value of each weight factor is based upon the correctness of prior decisions by the corresponding component.
The final decision, for example, may be computed by the decision handler as a weighted average of the decisions, whereby a distinct weight factor is applied to each decision generated by the components.
The decision handler may update the weight factors following learning of the outcome (correctness) of each final decision computed.
In this way, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is able to substantially optimally utilize known data communication techniques without knowing in advance the particular data communication approach that best matches potentially changing and oftentimes unpredictable network conditions