Improvements in dual connectivity communication systems

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to improvements in dual connectivity communication systems. In one embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method which comprises receiving a first measurement report from a first network and receiving a second measurement report from a second network. The first measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the first network and the second measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the second network. The method comprises determining current loads experienced by the first network and the second network based on the first and second measurement reports, and balancing load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined current loads experienced by the first network and the second network.

Description

[0001] IMPROVEMENTS IN DUAL CONNECTIVITY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0003]

[0001] This application claims priority to Indian non-provisional patent application 202441093217, filed on November 28. 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIELD

[0005]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to improvements in Dual Connectivity communication systems.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007]

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the disclosure and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0008]

[0004] Mobile telecommunications industry is experiencing tremendous growth, driven by ever-increasing demand for connectivity and data sendees. To meet the ever-increasing demand of connectivity and data services, the wireless communication technologies or Radio Access Technologies (RATs) are continually advancing. To meet the increasing demand of expanded connectivity and higher data capacity7, the existing wireless communication systems such as 4thGeneration (4G) or Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks are evolving into next generation wireless communication systems such as 5G or NR networks.

[0009]

[0005] Typically, the NR or 5G networks may provide lower latency and higher throughput compared to 4G or LTE netw orks. This makes NR netw orks ideal for applications requiring fast response times and high bandwidth, such as real-time gaming, Augmented Reality (AR), High-definition (HD) video streaming, but not limited thereto. However, coverage of an NR network is often limited compared to an LTE network because the NR network (especially at higher frequencies like millimeter wave) has a smaller cell radius and is more easily obstructed by buildings and other physical barriers. On the other hand, LTE network offers more stable and reliable coverage. Therefore, to leverage the benefits provided by both NR and LTE networks, Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) communication systems have emerged. One example of the MR-DC systems is E-UTRAN New Radio-Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) communication system in which a User Equipment (UE) utilizes strengths of both LTE and NR networks.

[0010]

[0006] However, the dual connectivity systems like EN-DC may have certain challenges e.g., related to power consumption, load balancing, but not limited thereto. For instance, maintaining simultaneous connections to both LTE and NR networks requires additional power, which can drain battery' of the UE faster compared to a single connection. This issue becomes especially problematic if the UE remains connected to the NR network, even when high-speed connectivity of the NR network is not necessary. Similarly, fixed switching mechanism of the EN-DC system may lead to inefficient load management between the LTE and NR networks, resulting in network congestion and inefficient resource utilization. For example, if the UE detects an NR signal, the UE may switch to NR network even if the NR netw ork is congested, which can drain NR resources unnecessarily while resources of LTE network remain underutilized. Therefore, there is a need for further enhancements in dual connectivity systems.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012]

[0007] The present disclosure discloses improvements in dual connectivity communication systems or improving communications within the dual connectivity communication systems. The improvements may include balancing load between NR and LTE networks, optimizing addition and release of NR Secondary Cells, and saving battery power of user equipment (UEs), but not limited thereto.

[0013]

[0008] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method which comprises receiving a first measurement report from a first network and receiving a second measurement report from a second network. The first measurement report comprises data related to resource utilization of the first network and the second measurement report comprises data related to resource utilization of the second network. The method further comprises detennining current loads experienced by the first network and the second network based on the first and second measurement reports and balancing load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined current loads experienced by the first network and the second network.

[0014]

[0009] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present disclosure discloses an apparatus which is configured to receive a first measurement report from a first network and receive a second measurement report from a second network. The first measurement report comprises data related to resource utilization of the first network and the second measurement report comprises data related to resource utilization of the second network. The apparatus is further configured to determine current loads experienced by the first network and the second network based on the first and second measurement reports and balance load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined current loads experienced by the first network and the second network.

[0015]

[0010] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a non-transitoiy computer readable media storing one or more computer executable instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to receive a first measurement report from a first network and receive a second measurement report from a second network. The first measurement report comprises data related to resource utilization of the first network and the second measurement report comprises data related to resource utilization of the second network. The instructions further cause the apparatus to determine current loads experienced by the first network and the second network based on the first and second measurement reports and balance load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined current loads experienced by the first network and the second network.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] [OH] Features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0018]

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture of an E-UTRAN New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) system 100.

[0019]

[0013] FIG. 2(a) is an exemplary architecture 200-1 of an Option 3 communications system.

[0014] FIG. 2(b) is an exemplary architecture 200-2 of an Option 3A communications system.

[0015] FIG. 3(a)-3(c) show exemplary signaling procedures 300 involving different network entities, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020]

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 400, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021]

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an example method 500 for improving communications within dual connectivity communication systems, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022]

[0018] The following detailed description of example embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Further, one or more features or components of one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with another embodiment (or one or more features of another embodiment). Additionally, the flowchart and description of operations provided below relate to one of the various embodiments. It should be noted that it is possible to make other embodiments that do not exactly match the flowchart and its description. It is understood that in other embodiments one or more operations may be omitted, one or more operations may be added, one or more operations may be performed simultaneously (at least in part).

[0023]

[0019] It will be apparent that systems and / or methods, described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code. It is understood that software and hardware may be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0024]

[0020] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0025] 1021] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Also, as used herein, the tenns “has,” “have,” “having,” “include,” “including.” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, expressions such as “at least one of [A] and [B],” “[A] and / or [B],” or “at least one of [A] or [B] ” are to be understood as including only A. only B, or both A and B.

[0026]

[0022] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0027]

[0023] In the present disclosure, the terms like “communication system”, “system”, “wireless communication system”, “network”, and “RAT” have been used interchangeably throughout the specification. The terms like “5G network”, “gNB”, “en-gNB”, “Secondary7Node”, “SN” may be used interchangeably throughout the description. The terms like “4G network” and “eNB”, “Master Node”, “MN” may be used interchangeably throughout the description.

[0028]

[0024] Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity7(MR-DC) is the general term covering a range of different Dual Connectivity7configuration options (or Dual Connectivity7systems), particularly relevant for 5G networks. In MR-DC, a dual connectivity7setup is established which enables a User Equipment (UE) to simultaneously connect to two Radio Access Technologies (RATs) or communication networks, where one RAT acts as a Master Node (MN) and the other as a Secondary Node (SN). The MN is responsible for controlling the connection and handling essential signaling (e.g., control signaling), while the SN primarily provides additional data throughput to enhance user experience. Such dual connectivity setup increases network capacity, provides a seamless transition between different RATs. and balances load across different networks.

[0029]

[0025] Examples of the MR-DC systems include E-UTRAN NR-Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) system where LTE and NR networks are combined, New Radio Dual Connectivity (NR-DC) system where two NR networks are combined, and NR-E-UTRA Dual Connectivity (NE-DC) system where NR acts as MN and LTE acts as SN, but not limited thereto. One of the most common MR-DC configurations is the EN-DC system in which the UE utilizes resources from both LTE and NR networks, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0030]

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture of an EN-DC system 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The EN-DC system 100 comprises an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 102 and a Radio Access Network (which is an evolved UMTS terrestrial RAN (E-UTRAN)) 104. The EPC 102 and the E-UTRAN 104 may be communicatively coupled with each other via various interfaces. The EPC 102 may include a Mobility Management Entity' (MME) for tracking and authentication, and a serving gateway (S-GW) for managing data flow. In one example, the MME may be referenced as the MME 106 and the S-GW may be referenced as the S-GW 108. In another example, the MME may be referenced as the MME 108 and the S-GW may be referenced as the S-GW 106. The E-UTRAN 104 includes one or more LTE / 4G nodes or LTE base stations 110 (referred to as “eNBs”) and one or more 5G / NR nodes or NR base stations 112 (referred to as “en-gNBs” or “gNBs”). Each of the eNBs 110 or gNBs 112 may be configured to serve a geographical area or cell. The cell may comprise at least one UE 114 and a base station (eNB and / or gNB) may be configured to provide wireless sendees to the at least one UE served by the associated cell.

[0031]

[0027] The at least one UE 114 may be any mobile or non-mobile computing device including, but not limited to, a phone (e.g.. a cellular phone or smart phone), a pager, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a wireless handset, a portable communication device, a portable computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant), an entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite radio), a global positioning system device, or any other suitable computing device including a wired or wireless communications interface. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one UE 114 may be Intemet-of-Things (loT)-enabled device including, but not limited to, vehicles configured to communicate with the base station or a core network.

[0032]

[0028] In the EN-DC system 100, cells served by the MN (i.e., eNBs 110) are called Primary Cells (PCells) which handle control plane communications. The cells served by the SN (i.e., gNBs 112) are called Secondary Cells (SCells) which typically handle user plane data. In the EN-DC system 100, the eNBs 110 are connected to the EPC 102 via an SI interface and to the gNBs via an X2 interface allowing coordination between the LTE and NR nodes to manage dual connectivity. In some deployments, the gNBs 112 may also be connected to the EPC 102 via an Sl-U interface and to other en-gNBs 112 via an X2-U interface.

[0033]

[0029] In this setup, the UE 114 is simultaneously connected to an eNB 110 and a gNB 112 and communicates with both the eNB 110 and the gNB 112, leveraging stable coverage of LTE network and high-speed data capabilities of NR network. After the UE 114 establishes the dual connections, the UE 114 accesses an LTE primary cell and an NR secondary7cell. The LTE primary7cell belongs to a Master Cell Group (MCG) that is controlled by the MN / eNB 110. The NR secondary7cell belongs to a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) that is controlled by the SN / gNB 112. This deployment is referred to as Non-Standalone (NSA) mode of deployment in which NR network is overlaid over the existing LTE infrastructure and the UE 114 supports dual connectivity in which the UE 114 is configured to connect to both the LTE and NR nodes simultaneously. The NR network leverages the existing LTE infrastructure for control functions so that the UE 114 maintains a connection to both networks as long as NR coverage is available. In the NSA mode of deployment, the LTE nodes 110 act as MNs for the UE 114 and the NR nodes 112 act as SNs.

[0034]

[0030] The EN-DC system 110 may support different configurations such as Option 3 / 3A / 3X for leveraging the existing LTE infrastructure for control signaling while utilizing high-speed data capabilities of NR network.

[0035]

[0031] FIG. 2(a) is an exemplary architecture 200-1 of an Option 3 communications system in which the eNB 110 is connected to the EPC 102 via the SI interface, which includes both user plane and control plane interfaces i.e., Sl-U (user plane) and Sl-C (control plane) interfaces. The eNB 110 acts as the MN which is responsible for managing UE connection, control signaling, and initial attachment to the EPC 102. Through the X2 interface, the eNB 110 is connected to the gNB 112 which acts as the SN. The eNB 110 provides an MN leg or a first communication path for the UE 114 for maintaining LTE connection, while the gNB 112 provides an SN leg or a second communication path for the UE 114 for providing high-speed capabilities of NR network.

[0036]

[0032] FIG. 2(b) is an exemplary architecture 200-2 of an Option 3A communications system which is similar to Option 3 communication system but with a key difference that the gNB 112 is directly connected to the EPC 102 using an Sl-U interface. This direct connection allows data traffic from the gNB 112 to reach EPC 102 independently. Such direct connection reduces latency by allowing user-plane data from the NR network to bypass the LTE network. In Option 3A, the eNB 110 still manages / routes the control signaling of the 5G network. In the architectures of FIG. 2(a) and 2(b), dashed lines illustrate control plane connections, while solid-lines represent user plane connections.

[0037]

[0033] The LTE-NR DC configurations such as the EN-DC system 100 enhances network performance and reliability by combining strengths of both LTE and NR networks. However, such systems have certain challenges specifically, in terms of increased power consumption in UEs, load balancing inefficiencies between the LTE and NR networks, network congestion, etc. For instance, when operating in the EN-DC mode, the UE 114 must power both LTE and NR radio links, which may quickly drain battery of the UE 114. Typically, the EN-DC mode is beneficial for data-intensive activities like video streaming, downloading large files, or using applications requiring high data throughput. For less demanding tasks, switching to LTE-only mode may save batten'. Almost all modem UEs 114 allow users to manually switch between different network modes (e.g., LTE only mode, EN-DC mode, etc.). Thus, when high data speeds are not needed, users may manually disable NR or EN-DC mode through device settings to save battery of the UEs 114. However, manual switching is both time-consuming and inconvenient, potentially degrading the user experience. Moreover, manual switching introduces delays that may impact both network performance and device efficiency.

[0038]

[0034] To address the challenges associated with manual switching, smart switching is implemented in modem UEs 114 which allows the UEs to automatically switch betw een LTE and EN-DC modes. For example, when a UE 114 detects that signal strength of NR network (or NR cell) exceeds a certain threshold, the UE 114 may switch to NR or EN-DC mode. Likewise, if the signal strength of the NR network falls below the certain threshold, the UE 114 may revert to LTE only mode. Such signal strength based switching mechanisms are ty pically controlled by one or more predefined and static parameters / thresholds which remain fixed throughout the lifetime of network deployment. However, the static approach may lead to unnecessary switching events or ping-pong effects, especially in scenarios where frequent switching between networks is not required. For example, when the UE 114 remains in EN- DC mode in a low network usage scenario (e.g., when a user is sleeping or working in office where smartphone is not frequently used), the battery power of the UE 114 is unnecessary wasted. Thus, the techniques utilizing static approaches may not account for actual user needs and device activity, thereby leading to unnecessary battery depletion of UEs 114.

[0039]

[0035] The techniques utilizing static approaches may also impact load balancing and resource utilization across LTE and NR networks / cells. For example, when a UE 114 (operating in LTE mode) detects an NR cell, the UE 114 may switch to the EN-DC mode even if the NR cell is congested, leaving LTE resources underutilized. Conversely, if the NR cell’s signal strength is weak, the UE 114 may remain on LTE network even if the LTE network is highly congested. Thus, even if a weak NR cell may provide better service compared to the overloaded LTE network, the UE 114 cannot switch to the EN-DC mode due to the static switching parameters which prevent the UE 114 from switching to EN-DC mode. These limitations show' that the fixed parameter-based switching techniques may lead to inefficient resource utilization, inefficient netw ork congestion management, and poor network performance.

[0040]

[0036] In LTE, various measurement events are defined by the 3GPP TS 36.331 specification such as such as Events Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, Bl, B2, VI, V2, etc.. Each event has a unique purpose in helping the UE 114 decide when to initiate measurements, switch cells, or switch radio access technologies. Event Bl is triggered when Inter RAT neighbor cell becomes better than a specified threshold i.e., when signal quality7of a cell in a different Radio Access Technology (RAT), such as 5GNR, becomes better than the specified threshold. In other words, entering condition for this event is satisfied when the condition in inequality7(Bl-1) is fulfilled. Mn + Ofn — Hys > Thresh (Bl-1)

[0041]

[0037] The Event Bl is deactivated when the signal quality of the cell in the different RAT, such as 5G NR, drops below the specified threshold for a specified duration. In other words, exit / leaving condition for this event is satisfied when the condition in inequality (Bl -2) is fulfilled.

[0042] Mn + Ofn + Hys < Thresh (Bl -2)

[0043] The variables in the above inequalities are defined as follows:

[0044] Mn is a measurement result of the inter-RAT neighbor cell, not taking into account any offsets. Of is the frequency specific offset of a frequency of the inter-RAT neighbor cell.

[0045] Hys is a hysteresis parameter for event Bl.

[0046] Thresh is a threshold parameter for event B 1.

[0047]

[0038] Event VI is triggered when Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to resources of a serving cell is above a high threshold (referred to as “a first threshold associated with the event VI” or Tl) indicating that the cell is experiencing heavy load or congestion. This event helps with load balancing by signaling that traffic offloading may be necessary. The UE 114 continuously monitors the CBR related to resources of the serving cell as an indicator of a current load on the serving cell. The CBR is a metric that indicates how many resources of a cell / network are currently in use. High CBR value indicates that the network / cell is heavily loaded or congested, while low CBR value indicates that there is available capacity. To fulfill the entering criteria for this event, the CBR must remain above the high threshold for a specific time period. In other words, the entering condition for the Event VI is satisfied when the condition in inequality7(Vl-1) is fulfilled.

[0048] Mn — Hys > Thresh (Vl-1)

[0039] The Event VI is deactivated when the CBR falls below the high threshold for a specified duration. The exit / leaving condition for this event is satisfied when the condition in inequality (V I -2) is fulfilled.

[0049] Mn + Hys < Thresh (VI -2)

[0050] The variables in the above inequalities are defined as follows:

[0051] Mn is a measurement result of CBR of a transmission resource pool, not taking into account any offsets.

[0052] Hys is a hysteresis parameter for event VI.

[0053] Thresh is a threshold parameter for event VI.

[0054]

[0040] Event V2 is triggered when Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to resources of a serving cell drops below a low threshold (referred to as “a second threshold associated wi th the event V2’’ or T2) indicating that the cell has available capacity and may accept more traffic, if required. This event also helps with load balancing by redirecting traffic to underutilized cells. The UE 114 continuously monitors the CBR related to resources of the serving cell as an indicator of a current load on the serving cell. To fulfill the entering criteria for this event, the CBR must remain below the low threshold for a specific time period. In other words, the entering condition for the Event V2 is satisfied when the condition in inequality' (V2-1) is fulfilled.

[0055] Mn + Hys < Thresh (Vl-1)

[0056]

[0041] The Event V2 is deactivated when the CBR becomes higher than the low threshold for a specified duration. The exit / leaving condition for this event is satisfied when the condition in inequality' (V2-2) is fulfilled.

[0057] Mn — Hys > Thresh (V2-2)

[0058] The variables in the above inequalities are defined as follows: Mn is a measurement result of CBR of a transmission resource pool, not taking into account any offsets.

[0059] Hys is a hysteresis parameter for event V2.

[0060] Thresh is a threshold parameter for event V2.

[0061]

[0042] It may be noted that the hysteresis parameter prevents unnecessary switching or event activation / deactivation due to minor fluctuations in signal quality (for event Bl) or load (for events V 1 and V2). By enforcing the various thresholds, these inequalities help avoid the “ping- pong" effect where the UE 114 may continuously toggle between LTE and NR cells due to minor variations in network conditions. However, as explained earlier, conventionally the values of these thresholds and the hysteresis parameter remain static during the lifetime of the deployment, which may lead to inefficient resource utilization, inefficient network congestion management, and poor network perfonnance.

[0062]

[0043] The present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned and other related challenges and improves dual connectivity by providing dynamic and intelligent switching mechanisms, as discussed in the forthcoming paragraphs. Specifically, the present disclosure optimize network resource allocation in the EN-DC system 100 by utilizing the CBR and the LTE measurement events such as VI and V2 to dynamically adjust hysteresis and threshold values based on real-time network conditions, thereby ensuring efficient network congestion management and user experience.

[0063]

[0044] The techniques of the present disclosure utilize RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) for managing the dual connectivity between LTE and NR networks in the EN-DC system 100. The RIC is a software-defined component which controls functions of the Radio Access Network (RAN) in the Open-RAN (0-RAN) architecture. The RIC enables onboarding of third-party applications that automate and optimize RAN operations at scale while supporting innovative use cases. In the current O-RAN architecture, the RIC is divided into two types- a Non-Real-

[0064] Time RIC (Non-RT RIC) and a Near-Real-Time RIC (Near-RT RIC). In general, the Non-RT RIC provides the policies, data, and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (Al / ML) models enforced and used by the Near-RT RIC to perform RAN optimization. In the present disclosure, the RIC monitors various network metrics such as signal strengths, user locations, traffic loads, PRB utilization, and network congestion in both LTE and NR cells and accordingly modifies the one or more parameters / thresholds. In the forthcoming paragraphs, 4G LTE network or eNB 110 is referred to as a first network or MN 110 and 5GNR network or gNB 112 is referred to as a second network or SN 112.

[0065]

[0045] The RIC is configured to periodically gathering detailed measurement reports from both LTE network 110 and NR network 112. These reports provide real-time visibility into available capacity and current load conditions of each network. The measurement reports include various metrics related to resource utilization such as Physical Resource Block (PRB) utilization which is a metric in cellular networks that indicates how much of the total PRB capacity is being used in the network. The PRB utilization is a metric of a network which reflects traffic load and congestion levels in the network.

[0066]

[0046] Specifically, the RIC receives / obtains a first measurement report from a first network 110 (e.g., a4G LTE network). Similarly, the RIC receives / obtains a second measurement report from a second network 112 (e.g., 5G NR network). Specifically, the first measurement report comprises data related to resource utilization of the first network 110 and the second measurement report comprises data related to resource utilization of the second network 112. The resource utilization of any network indicates PRB utilization in that network.

[0067]

[0047] The RIC may determine current loads experienced by the first network 110 and the second network 112 based on the first and second measurement reports. Specifically, using the PRB utilization data from the measurement reports, the RIC may accurately determine current load experienced by each network. For instance, high PRB utilization (e.g., higher than a PRB utilization threshold) in the first network 110 may indicate congestion, whereas low PRB utilization (e.g., lower than the PRB utilization threshold) in the first network 110 may suggest spare capacity in the first network 110. In this manner, the RIC assesses loading condition of the first and second networks and also assesses relative load differences between the first network 110 and the second network 112 in real-time. With this information, the RIC may identify which network has underutilized resources which may support additional traffic and determine if any network is about to experience congestion (e.g.. when the PRB utilization is higher than the threshold by a certain amount / value).

[0068]

[0048] Depending on the assessment of PRB utilization (i.e., depending on the determined current loads experienced by the first network 110 and the second network 112), the RIC may dynamically modify one or more network parameters. Such modification of parameters may help in balancing load between the first and second netw orks. The one or more parameters that the RIC may modify include values of thresholds associated with netw ork measurement events VI and V2 which serve as indicators of network load. The network measurement events correspond to LTE measurement events VI and V2, and the one or more parameters may comprise the first and second threshold values Tl, T2 (which are associated with the LTE measurement events VI, V2) and the hysteresis parameters associated with the events VI and V2. The RIC may communicate the modified one or more netw ork parameters to at least one of the first network 110 and the second network 112.

[0069]

[0049] Consider that a resource utilization threshold associated with the first netw ork (referred to as “first resource utilization threshold”), which is a threshold for declaring the eNB 110 as overloaded depending on the PRB utilization, is denoted as TeNBand a resource utilization threshold associated with the second network (referred to as ‘'second resource utilization threshold7’), which is a threshold for declaring the gNB 112 as overloaded depending on the PRB utilization, is denoted as T9NB. Consider that an offload threshold from the eNB 110 to the gNB 112 which indicates that offloading is required from the eNB 110 to gNB 112 is referred as '‘first offload threshold” and is denoted as offloadenb2anb. Further, consider that an offload threshold from the gNB 112 to the eNB 110 which indicates that offloading is required from the gNB 112 to the eNB 110 is referred as “second offload threshold” and is denoted as offloadanb2enb.

[0070]

[0050] Consider that low data threshold for gNB PRB utilization which indicates low PRB utilization of gNB resources is denoted as low_dataanband consider that low data threshold for eNB Utilization which indicates low PRB utilization of eNB resources is denoted as low_dataenb. Consider in one example that the values of different thresholds are TeNB= 50%; TaNB= 50% ; offloadenb2anb= 10% ; offloadanb2enb= 20% ; low_dataanb= 5% ; low_dataenb= 5%.

[0071]

[0051] In one example, when the load on the first network 110 is high, load on the second network 112 is low, and the difference between their loads exceeds the first offload threshold, the RIC may decrease the values of both first and second thresholds. Specifically, the RIC may decrease the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that following condition (A) is fulfilled.

[0072] Condition (A): eNB PRB Utilization > TeNBand gNB PRB Utilization^ TaNBand eNB PRB Utilization- gNB PRB Utilization > of floadenb2anb.

[0073]

[0052] In other words, the RIC may decrease the values of the first and second thresholds (Tl, T2) when the resource utilization of the first network 110 is higher than the first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network 112 is lower than the second resource utilization threshold, and an absolute value of difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than the first offload threshold. In one example, when condition (A) if fulfilled, the RIC may decrease the values of T1 and T2, as follows:

[0074] Tl= max (Tl-0.01, 0.10); T2= max(T2-0.01. 0.05).

[0075]

[0053] In another example, when the load on the first network 110 is low, load on the second network 112 is high, and the difference between their loads exceeds the second offload threshold, the RIC may increase the values of both first and second thresholds Tl, T2. Specifically, the RIC may increase the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that following condition (B) is fulfilled.

[0076] Condition (B): gNB PRB Utilization > T9NBand eNB PRB Utilization < TeNBand gNB PRB Utilization- eNB PRB Utilization^ offloadanb2enb.

[0077]

[0054] In other words, the RIC may increase the values of the first and second thresholds (Tl, T2) when the resource utilization of the first network 110 is lower than the first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network 112 is higher than the second resource utilization threshold, and an absolute value of difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than the second offload threshold. In one example, when condition (B) if fulfilled, the RIC may increase the values of Tl and T2, as follows:

[0078] Tl= min (Tl+0.01,0.40); T2= min (T2+0.01, 0.35).

[0079]

[0055] In yet another example, when the load on both the first and second networks is high, the RIC may not change the values of the first and second thresholds Tl, T2. Specifically, the RIC may keep the values of the first and second thresholds unchanged in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network 110 is higher than the first resource utilization threshold and the resource utilization of the second network 112 is higher than the second resource utilization threshold, as per condition (C).

[0080] Condition (C). gNB PRB Utilization > TgNB, eNB PRB Utilization > TeNB.

[0081]

[0056] In yet another example, when the load on both the first and second networks is low, the RIC may fix the values of the first and second thresholds Tl, T2. Specifically, the R1C may fix the values of the first and second thresholds as static values in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network 110 is lower than the first resource utilization threshold and the resource utilization of the second network 112 is lower than the second resource utilization threshold. In one example, the RIC may fix the value of Tl as 0.40 and the value of T2 as 0.35.

[0082]

[0057] It may be noted that the dynamic threshold adjustment helps in offloading traffic between LTE and NR networks based on real-time traffic load, thereby reducing congestion and improving utilization of available resources across both networks. Further, by balancing the load effectively, users experience better Quality of Service (QoS) with lower latency and higher data throughput. The adjustments of threshold and hysteresis reduces unnecessary handovers and signaling exchanges, thereby minimizing overheads and prolonging battery life of the UEs 114.

[0083]

[0058] In one aspect, the RIC may perform the real-time adjustments of the parameters using AI / ML models that predict load trends and suggest optimal thresholds. The AI / ML models in the RIC may analyze historical data on network usage, such as traffic volumes (uplink and downlink data usage), active user count, device types, user mobility7patterns within the coverage area, usage patterns, etc. For example, in a cell covering a corporate office area, the models may observe that 5G usage is low during office hours (since office workers are primarily using Wi-Fi) and 5G usage increases after office hours (when users leave work and use mobile data for personal activities). Such data is collected over a period of time and the

[0084] AL / ML models are trained to recognize recurring patterns specific to particular location / network deployment. Once the Al / ML models identify patterns, the identified patterns may be fed into the RIC to modify the one or more network parameters.

[0085]

[0059] The techniques of the present disclosure are now explained in connection with an exemplary signaling procedure 300 involving different network entities, as shown in FIG. 3(a)- 3(c). Specifically, FIG. 3(a) shows a scenario in which a UE 114 is performing a fresh attach to the LTE network or eNB 110 after a restart, and the process of adding a 5G NR secondary cell (SCell) is initiated for dual connectivity (EN-DC). Here, the PCell or MN refers to the eNB 110, and SN or SCell refers to the gNB 112. The steps below describe the sequence followed by the UE 114 and network entities in a SCell addition procedure, as described in the 3GPP specification TS 37.340, section 10.2.1.

[0086]

[0060] In step SOI, the UE 114 sends Bl Measurement Report to the eNB 110. The UE 114 monitors radio conditions and sends a Bl measurement report to the eNB 110. This report is triggered by Event Bl, which was configured during the initial LTE attach process. Event Bl is typically configured to report NR signal strength when the signal strength crosses a threshold, indicating that an NR cell is available for connectivity. In step S02, after receiving the Bl measurement report, the eNB 110 decides to allocate resources for a specific Evolved Radio Access Bearer (E-RAB), which is an LTE bearer that can be enhanced with NR resources through dual connectivity.

[0087]

[0061] In step S02, the eNB 110 sends the SCell or ‘SN addition request’ to the gNB 112 to initiate the process of adding the NR cell as the secondary node. This request may contain information about the E-RABs that need resources from the NR cell. In step S03, a Radio Resource Management (RRM) entity in the gNB 112 evaluates whether it can admit the resource request from the eNB 110 based on current resource availability. If the gNB 112 can accommodate the request, it allocates the required radio resources for the specified E-RAB and sends an 'SN addition Request acknowledgement’ back to the eNB 110.

[0088]

[0062] In step S04, the eNB 110 sends RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to the UE 114. This message includes NR RRC configuration details needed for the UE 114 to configure itself for dual connectivity with the gNB 112. In step S05, UE 114 applies the NR configuration and replies to eNB 110 with RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message. In step S06, the eNB 110 informs the SN / gNB 112 that the UE 114 has completed the reconfiguration procedure successfully via SN Reconfiguration Complete message, including the encoded NR RRC response message, if received from the UE 114.

[0089]

[0063] In step S07, the UE 114 performs synchronization with the Primary SCell of the gNB 112. If the UE 114 has bearers that require Secondary' Cell Group (SCG) radio resources and the SCG is not deactivated, the UE 114 performs synchronization towards the Primary' SCell of the gNB 112. This synchronization is needed to establish a stable link with the NR cell. The UE 114 may perform a Random Access (RA) procedure towards the SCG to synchronize. It is important to note that the order of sending the RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message and performing the RA procedure is not strictly defined, and successful RA completion is not mandatory' for completing the RRC Connection Reconfiguration procedure.

[0064] In step SOS, if a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) termination point is moved to the gNB 112 for bearers using RLC Acknowledged Mode (AM), and a full RRC configuration is not used, the eNB 110 may send an SN Status Transfer message to the gNB 112. In step S09 and S09a, data forwarding may be performed. Specifically, for SN terminated bearers that have been moved from the eNB 110, dependent on the bearer characteristics of the respective E-RAB, the eNB 110 may take actions to minimize service interruption due to activation of EN-DC. This data forwarding is crucial in the EN-DC systems 100 to ensure that ongoing sessions are not disrupted when the bearer is moved to the gNB 112. In steps S10- S13, for SN terminated bearers, update of the User Plane (UP) path towards the EPC 102 is performed. Specifically, in step S10, the eNB 110 initiates the bearer modification procedure by sending an E-RAB modification indication message to the MME 106 of the EPC 102 informing the MME 106 about the changes required to support addition of the gNB 112. In step Sil, the MME 106. upon receiving the E-RAB modification request, processes the received request and communicates with the SGW 108 to update path. In step S12, the SGW 108 sends an end marker message to the eNB 110 to signal termination of existing UP path for the affected bearers and in step S12a, the eNB 110 forwards the end marker message to the gNB 112 completing the path update. In step S13, the MME 106 sends an E-RAB modification confirmation message back to the eNB 110 indicating that the bearer modification process is successfully completed and the updated UP path through the gNB 112 is now active. This completes the gNB or SN 112 addition procedure.

[0090]

[0065] After the successful addition of the SN or gNB 112 via the SN Addition procedure, the MN or the eNB 110 may configure Event V2 in a RRC Connection Reconfiguration Request message, as shown in the signaling procedure 300 shown in FIG. 3(b). This configuration will help monitor activity' of the UE 114 and determine when it may be optimal to release the NR cell. In step S14, the RRC Connection Reconfiguration Request message is sent by the eNB 110 to the UE 114 after successful gNB addition, the message may comprise necessary parameters to configure Event V2. The Bl event, which monitors the signal strength of NR cells, will no longer be needed as Event V2 will be used for UE activity monitoring. This, event V2 replaces the Event Bl reporting for managing SCell retention.

[0066] Typically, operators may be provided with the flexibility to control the triggering of step S14 (i.e., Event V2) based on the network load on both the eNB 110 and gNB 112. If the gNB 112 is under heavy load, it may be beneficial to release underutilized UEs from EN-DC mode. The operator can decide to keep users in the EN-DC mode during peak hours (e.g., daytime) when high throughput is required. During off-peak times (e.g., nighttime or during office times), Events VI and V2 may be configured to optimize resource usage. Once Event V2 is triggered (indicating potential inactivity or low load), only then should Event VI be configured. Event VI can help in efficiently determining when to shift the UE 114 back to the gNB 112 if network load conditions change.

[0091]

[0067] In step S15, UE 114 applies the new event V2 configurations received from the eNB 110 and replies to eNB 110 with RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message indicating successful application of the Event V2. In step S16, when user is not doing any activity then to prevent unnecessary wastage of battery', event V2 may be triggered and the UE 114 may send an event V2 measurement report to the eNB 110. The event V2 measurement report indicates that the UE 114 may not require gNB / EN-DC resources anymore.

[0092]

[0068] Upon receiving the event V2 measurement report, the eNB 110 may initiate the SN Release procedure as per 3GPP TS 37.340 section 10.4.1, Specifically, in step S17, the eNB 110 initiates the SN Release Procedure by sending the SN Release Request message to the gNB 112. In step S18, the gNB 112 confirms the gNB release by sending the SN Release Request Acknowledge message to the eNB 110. If appropriate, the gNB 112 may reject the SN Release Request.

[0093]

[0069] In step S19, the eNB 110 indicates in the RRC Connection Reconfiguration message towards the UE 114 that the UE 114 shall release the entire configuration / bearer of the gNB 112. In accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure, the eNB 110 may configure Event VI and remove event Bl in the RRC Connection Reconfiguration Request message.

[0094] This configuration will help monitor activity of the UE 114 and determine when it may be optimal to add the NR cell. The Bl event, which monitors the signal strength of NR cells, will no longer be needed as Event VI will be used for UE activity monitoring.

[0095]

[0070] In step S20, the UE 114 applies the new Event VI configurations and removes the configurations of Event Bl and replies to eNB 110 with RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message indicating successful application of the Event VI and removal of Event Bl. In step S21, if the released bearers use RLC AM, the gNB 112 sends SN Status transfer message. In step S22, data forwarding from the gNB 112 to the eNB 110 takes place. In step S23, if applicable, the path update procedure is initiated. In step S24, upon reception of a UE Context Release message, the gNB 112 may release radio and C-plane related resource associated to the UE context. This completes the SN release procedure.

[0096]

[0071] Typically, eNB 110 and gNB 112 periodically report their available capacity to the RIC 302, enabling the RIC 302 to dynamically adjust one or more parameters related to the event VI and V2 based on real-time network load, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In steps S25 and S26, the eNB 110 and the gNB 112 periodically send their measurement reports comprising data related to resource utilization such PRB utilization, CBR, etc. These metrics provide information related to load on both LTE and NR cells. In step S27, the RIC 302 determines current loads experienced by the eNB 110 and the gNB 112 based on the first and second measurement reports. The RIC may then dynamically modify the one or more network parameters based on the determined current loads to balance the load between the eNB and gNB. The one or more parameters may comprise the first and second threshold values (which are associated with the measurement events VI, V2) and the hysteresis parameters associated with the events VI and V2. In step S28, the RIC 302 may communicate the updated one or more network parameters to various network entities including the eNB 110 and the gNB 112.

[0097]

[0072] Refernng now to the signaling procedure 300 shown in FIG. 3(c), the HE 114 keeps continuously monitoring user activities based on the event V 1 which was configured in step S14. When the UE 114 starts consuming more data, the UE 114 triggers Event VI. which indicates that the gNB 112 may be beneficial to support the increased data load. In step S29, when the UE's data consumption exceeds a threshold level, event V 1 is triggered and UE sends measurement report of event VI to the eNB 110. In step S30, upon receiving the measurement report of event VI report, the eNB 110 may transmit an RRC Reconfiguration message to the UE 114. The message may instruct the UE 114 to configure Event Bl to monitor signal quality of the SCell or gNB 112 and reconfigure Event V2 to continue monitoring user activity and enable conditional NR release based on future load. Here, by configuring Event Bl in response to increased data consumption, the eNB 110 allows the UE 114 to measure and report gNB cell conditions. This ensures that gNB resources are added only when they are beneficial for the UE 114. Further, configuring Event V2 prepares the UE 114 for release of SCell or gNB 112 if the UE activity decreases in future.

[0098]

[0073] In step S31, the UE accepts the RRC Reconfiguration message from the eNB 110 and applies new events Bl and V2 configurations and replies to the eNB 110 with RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message indicating successful application of the Events V2 and Bl. With Event Bl configured, the UE 114 may now measure and report cell quality or signal strength of gNB 112, in step S32. In step S33, based on these measurements, if the NR cell meets quality' thresholds, the eNB 110 proceeds with the SN Addition Procedure as explained in steps S1-S13 and as outlined in 3GPP TS 37.340, Section 10.2.1. In steps S34-S37, the periodic procedure of updating the one or more parameters is performed which was explained in steps S25-S28.

[0099]

[0074] In summary, in the signaling procedures described in FIG. 3(a)-3(c), during the initial attach process. Event Bl is configured first, followed by Event V2 after successful addition of the SN 112. Configuring Event Bl is essential to avoid restricting users from accessing NR, as this may negatively impact their experience by reducing QoS. If the CBR indicating network load of eNB 110 is low, the eNB 110 may release the NR cell and instead configure Event VI to monitor the LTE load without maintaining unnecessary 5G resources. When users begin data activity, the eNB 110 can reconfigure Event Bl to allow use of 5G resources when needed.

[0100]

[0075] To facilitate efficient resource allocation and enhance the user experience, both the eNB 110 and the gNB 112 are configured to periodically report their available capacity to the RIC 302 and based on these reports the RIC 302 is configured to tune the one or more parameters associated with the events VI and V2 based on real-time network load. This adaptive tuning of parameters helps to balance LTE and NR usage more effectively. The periodic reports from the eNB 110 and gNB 112 may include PRB resource utilizations of the two networks. In one embodiment, the periodic reports may also include CBR, user count, and throughput statistics, but not limited thereto. The RIC 302 may collect and analyze these reports, potentially using AI / ML algorithms to predict trends in network load. Based on these trends, the RIC 302 may adjust the thresholds, hysteresis, and other parameters for Events VI and V2 to align as per current load conditions of the networks.

[0101]

[0076] For instance, during high-load periods, the RIC 302 may increase the first threshold of event VI, delaying gNB addition until the data consumption of the UE 114 reaches a higher level. Conversely, during low-load periods, the RIC 302 may lower the first threshold, allowing more UEs to access NR resources to improve user experience. In this manner, the techniques of the present disclosure prevents the issues like premature switching, ping-pong effects (frequent back and forth switching), reducing network congestion, or staying connected to NR even when it is not beneficial, which can reduce power consumption and improve user experience. Thus, the techniques of the present disclosure enhance overall performance in LTE-NR dual connectivity systems.

[0102]

[0077] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus or device 400, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4. the apparatus 400 may include a processor 410, a memory 420, a storage component 430, an input component 440, an output component 450, a communication interface 460, a bus 470, but not limited thereto.

[0103]

[0078] The processor 410. as used herein, means any type of computational circuit that may comprise hardware elements and software elements. The processor 410 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and / or one or more single core processors, a distributed processing system, or the like. The processor 410 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component.

[0104]

[0079] The memory 420 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium. The memory' 420 includes a random-access memory' (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., a flash memory', a magnetic memory, and / or an optical memory') that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 410. The memory' 420 comprises machine-readable instructions which are executable by the processor 410. These machine-readable instructions when executed by the processor 410 cause the processor 410 to perform one or more method steps of an embodiment described in the present disclosure.

[0080] The storage component 430 stores information and / or software related to the operation and use of the apparatus 400. For example, the storage component 430 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, and / or a solid-state disk), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

[0105]

[0081] The input component 440 is configured to receive information, such as user input. For example, the input component 440 may include, but not be limited to, a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, and / or a microphone. Additionally, or alternatively, the input component 440 may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or an actuator).

[0106]

[0082] The output component 450 is configured to provide output information from the apparatus 400. For example, the output component 450 may be, but not limited to, a display, a speaker, an instruction device to an external device, and / or one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0107]

[0083] The communication interface 460 is an interface that provides a communication connection to other devices, such as external devices and internal devices. The connection by the communication interface 460 can be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections, and can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via a communication network that exists between the apparatus 400 and other devices. In other w ords, the standard of the communication interface 460 is not limited.

[0108]

[0084] The bus 470 acts as an interconnect between the processor 410, the memory 420, the storage component 430, the input component 440, the output component 450, and the communication interface 460 of the apparatus 400. The bus 470 may include a wired interconnection or a wireless interconnection.

[0109]

[0085] The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 4 are provided as an example. In practice, the apparatus 400 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the apparatus 400 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the apparatus 400. Further, one or more method steps described in any of the embodiments may be performed utilizing a plurality of apparatuses 400 in communication with one another.

[0110]

[0086] In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus 400 may be used to implement some or all functions of any entity including UEs, various network entities of the RAN, various entities of the core network, but not limited thereto. Specifically, the apparatus 400 may implement the functionalities of the RIC 302.

[0111]

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart is described illustrating an example method 500 performed by the RIC 302 for improving communications within dual connectivity communication systems, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operations of the RIC 302 may be implemented with the help of the apparatus 400 (and particularly, with the help of the at least one processor 410).

[0112]

[0088] The method 500 may include, at block 502, receiving a first measurement report from a first network 110, the first measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization (or available capacity indicated by PRB utilization) of the first network 110. At block 504, the method 500 may include receiving a second measurement report from a second network 112, the second measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization (or available capacity indicated by PRB utilization) of the second network 112.

[0113]

[0089] At block 506, the method 500 may include determining current loads experienced by the first network 110 and the second network 112 based on the first and second measurement reports. At block 508, the method 500 may include balancing load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined current loads experienced by the first network 110 and the second network 112.

[0114]

[0090] Embodiments:

[0115]

[0091] Embodiment 1. A method comprising: receiving a first measurement report from a first network, the first measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the first network; receiving a second measurement report from a second network, the second measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the second network; determining current loads experienced by the first network and the second network based on the first and second measurement reports; and balancing load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined current loads experienced by the first network and the second network.

[0116]

[0092] Embodiment 2. The method of embodiment 1, further comprising communicating the modified one or more network parameters to at least one of the first network and the second network.

[0117]

[0093] Embodiment 3. The method of embodiment 1, wherein dynamically modifying the one or more network parameters comprises adjusting one or more of: a value of a first threshold associated with a network measurement event VI, wherein the network measurement event VI occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to resources of the first network is higher than the first threshold; a value of a second threshold associated with a network measurement event V2, wherein the network measurement event V2 occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio

[0118] (CBR) related to the resources of the first network is lower than the second threshold; and hysteresis parameters associated with the network measurement events V 1 and V2.

[0119]

[0094] Embodiment 4. The method of embodiment 3. wherein adjusting the values of the first and second thresholds comprises: decreasing the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than a first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is lower than a second resource utilization threshold, and an absolute value of difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a first offload threshold; increasing the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is lower than the first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold, and the absolute value of the difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a second offload threshold; and keeping the values of the first and second thresholds unchanged in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than the first resource utilization threshold and the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold.

[0120]

[0095] Embodiment 5. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the first netw ork comprises a Fourth Generation (4G) network and the second netw ork comprises a Fifth Generation (5G) network in a Dual Connectivity architecture where a User Equipment (UE) is connected to both a 4G base station (eNB) and a 5G base station (gNB) simultaneously.

[0121]

[0096] Embodiment 6. The method of embodiment 5, wherein the Dual Connectivity architecture comprises an Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Netw ork (E-UTRAN) New Radio (NR) Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) architecture.

[0097] Embodiment 7. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the method is implemented at a Radio Access Network (RAN) Intelligent Controller (RIC).

[0122]

[0098] Embodiment 8. An apparatus configured to: receive a first measurement report from a first network, the first measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the first network; receive a second measurement report from a second network, the second measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the second network; determine current loads experienced by the first network and the second network based on the first and second measurement reports; and balance load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined cunent loads experienced by the first network and the second network.

[0123]

[0099] Embodiment 9. The apparatus of embodiment 8, further configured to: communicate the modified one or more network parameters to at least one of the first network and the second network.

[0124]

[0100] Embodiment 10. The apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein to dynamically modify the one or more network parameters, the apparatus is configured to adjust one or more of: a value of a first threshold associated with a network measurement event VI, wherein the network measurement event V 1 occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to resources of the first network is higher than the first threshold; a value of a second threshold associated with a network measurement event V2, wherein the network measurement event V2 occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to the resources of the first network is lower than the second threshold; and hysteresis parameters associated with the network measurement events VI and V2.

[0125]

[0101] Embodiment 11. The apparatus of embodiment 10, wherein to adjust the values of the first and second thresholds, the apparatus is configured to: decrease the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than a first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is lower than a second resource utilization threshold, and an absolute value of difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a first offload threshold: increase the values of the first and second thresholds in response to detennining that the resource utilization of the first network is lower than the first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold, and the absolute value of the difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a second offload threshold; and keep the values of the first and second thresholds unchanged in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than the first resource utilization threshold and the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold.

[0126]

[0102] Embodiment 12. The apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein the first network comprises a Fourth Generation (4G) network and the second network comprises a Fifth Generation (5G) network in a Dual Connectivity architecture where a User Equipment (UE) is connected to both a 4G base station (eNB) and a 5G base station (gNB) simultaneously.

[0127]

[0103] Embodiment 13. The apparatus of embodiment 12, wherein the Dual Connectivity architecture comprises an Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) New Radio (NR) Dual Connectivity7(EN-DC) architecture.

[0128]

[0104] Embodiment 14. The apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein the apparatus comprises a Radio Access Network (RAN) Intelligent Controller (RIC).

[0129]

[0105] Embodiment 15. A non-transitory computer readable media storing one or more computer executable instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to: receive a first measurement report from a first network, the first measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the first network; receive a second measurement report from a second network, the second measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the second network; determine current loads experienced by the first network and the second network based on the first and second measurement reports; and balance load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined current loads experienced by the first network and the second network.

[0130]

[0106] Embodiment 16. The non-transitory computer readable media of embodiment 15, wherein the one or more computer executable instructions further cause the apparatus to: communicate the modified one or more network parameters to at least one of the first network and the second network.

[0131]

[0107] Embodiment 17. The non-transitory computer readable media of embodiment 15, wherein to dynamically modify the one or more network parameters, the one or more computer executable instructions cause the apparatus to adjust one or more of: a value of a first threshold associated with a network measurement event VI, wherein the network measurement event VI occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to resources of the first network is higher than the first threshold; a value of a second threshold associated with a network measurement event V2, wherein the network measurement event V2 occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to the resources of the first network is lower than the second threshold; and hysteresis parameters associated with the network measurement events VI and V2.

[0132]

[0108] Embodiment 18. The non-transitory computer readable media of embodiment 17, wherein to adjust the values of the first and second thresholds, the one or more computer executable instructions cause the apparatus to: decrease the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than a first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is lower than a second resource utilization threshold, and an absolute value of difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a first offload threshold; increase the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is lower than the first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold, and the absolute value of the difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a second offload threshold; and keep the values of the first and second thresholds unchanged in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than the first resource utilization threshold and the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold.

[0133]

[0109] Embodiment 19. The non-transitory computer readable media of embodiment 15, wherein the first network comprises a Fourth Generation (4G) network and the second network comprises a Fifth Generation (5G) network in a Dual Connectivity architecture where a User Equipment (UE) is connected to both a 4G base station (eNB) and a 5G base station (gNB) simultaneously.

[0134] [HO] Embodiment 20. The non-transitory computer readable media of embodiment 19, wherein the Dual Connectivity architecture comprises an Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) New Radio (NR) Dual Connectivity7(EN-DC) architecture.

[0135] [Hl] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more non-transitoiy computer-readable media may be utilized for implementing the embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable media refers to any ty pe of physical memory (such as the memory 420) on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable media may store one or more instructions for execution by the apparatus or by the at least one processor 410, including instructions for causing the at least one processor 410 to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. Certain nonlimiting embodiments may comprise a computer program product for performing the operations presented herein. For example, such a computer program product may comprise a computer readable media having instructions stored (and / or encoded) thereon, the instructions being executable by one or more processors to perform the operations described herein.

[0136]

[0112] It may be noted here that the subject matter of some or all embodiments described with reference to Figures 1-3 may be relevant for the method 500 and the same is not repeated for the sake of brevity. The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure, which is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM1. A method comprising: receiving a first measurement report from a first network, the first measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the first network; receiving a second measurement report from a second network, the second measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the second network; determining current loads experienced by the first network and the second network based on the first and second measurement reports; and balancing load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined cunent loads experienced by the first network and the second network.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1. further comprising: communicating the modified one or more network parameters to at least one of the first network and the second network.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein dynamically modifying the one or more network parameters comprises adjusting one or more of: a value of a first threshold associated with a network measurement event VI, wherein the network measurement event VI occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to resources of the first network is higher than the first threshold; a value of a second threshold associated with a network measurement event V2, wherein the network measurement event V2 occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to the resources of the first network is lower than the second threshold; andhysteresis parameters associated with the network measurement events V 1 and V2.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein adjusting the values of the first and second thresholds comprises: decreasing the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than a first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is lower than a second resource utilization threshold, and an absolute value of difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a first offload threshold; increasing the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is lower than the first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold, and the absolute value of the difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a second offload threshold; and keeping the values of the first and second thresholds unchanged in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than the first resource utilization threshold and the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first network comprises a Fourth Generation (4G) network and the second network comprises a Fifth Generation (5G) network in a Dual Connectivity architecture where a User Equipment (UE) is connected to both a 4G base station (eNB) and a 5G base station (gNB) simultaneously.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the Dual Connectivity architecture comprises an Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) New Radio (NR) Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) architecture.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1. wherein the method is implemented at a Radio Access Network (RAN) Intelligent Controller (RIC).

8. An apparatus configured to: receive a first measurement report from a first network, the first measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the first network; receive a second measurement report from a second network, the second measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the second network; determine current loads experienced by the first network and the second network based on the first and second measurement reports; and balance load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined current loads experienced by the first network and the second network.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further configured to: communicate the modified one or more network parameters to at least one of the first network and the second network.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein to dynamically modify the one or more network parameters, the apparatus is configured to adjust one or more of:a value of a first threshold associated with a network measurement event VI, wherein the network measurement event VI occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to resources of the first network is higher than the first threshold; a value of a second threshold associated with a network measurement event V2, wherein the network measurement event V2 occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to the resources of the first network is lower than the second threshold; and hysteresis parameters associated with the network measurement events VI and V2.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein to adjust the values of the first and second thresholds, the apparatus is configured to: decrease the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than a first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is lower than a second resource utilization threshold, and an absolute value of difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a first offload threshold; increase the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is lower than the first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold, and the absolute value of the difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a second offload threshold; and keep the values of the first and second thresholds unchanged in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than the first resource utilization threshold and the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first network comprises a Fourth Generation (4G) network and the second network comprises a Fifth Generation (5G) network in a Dual Connectivity architecture where a User Equipment (UE) is connected to both a 4G base station (eNB) and a 5G base station (gNB) simultaneously.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12. wherein the Dual Connectivity architecture comprises an Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) New Radio (NR) Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) architecture.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8. wherein the apparatus comprises a Radio Access Network (RAN) Intelligent Controller (RIC).

15. A non-transitory computer readable media storing one or more computer executable instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to: receive a first measurement report from a first network, the first measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the first network; receive a second measurement report from a second network, the second measurement report comprising data related to resource utilization of the second network; determine current loads experienced by the first network and the second netw ork based on the first and second measurement reports; and balance load between the first and second networks by dynamically modifying one or more network parameters based on the determined current loads experienced by the first network and the second network.

16. The non-transitory computer readable media as claimed in claim 15, wherein the one or more computer executable instructions further cause the apparatus to: communicate the modified one or more network parameters to at least one of the first network and the second network.

17. The non-transitory computer readable media as claimed in claim 15, wherein to dynamically modify the one or more network parameters, the one or more computer executable instructions cause the apparatus to adjust one or more of: a value of a first threshold associated with a network measurement event VI, wherein the network measurement event VI occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to resources of the first network is higher than the first threshold; a value of a second threshold associated with a network measurement event V2, wherein the network measurement event V2 occurs when a Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) related to the resources of the first network is lower than the second threshold; and hysteresis parameters associated with the network measurement events VI and V2.

18. The non-transitory computer readable media as claimed in claim 17, wherein to adjust the values of the first and second thresholds, the one or more computer executable instructions cause the apparatus to: decrease the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than a first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is lower than a second resource utilizationthreshold, and an absolute value of difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a first offload threshold; increase the values of the first and second thresholds in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is lower than the first resource utilization threshold, the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold, and the absolute value of the difference between the resource utilizations of the first and second networks is higher than a second offload threshold; and keep the values of the first and second thresholds unchanged in response to determining that the resource utilization of the first network is higher than the first resource utilization threshold and the resource utilization of the second network is higher than the second resource utilization threshold.

19. The non-transitory computer readable media as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first network comprises a Fourth Generation (4G) network and the second network comprises a Fifth Generation (5G) network in a Dual Connectivity architecture where a User Equipment (UE) is connected to both a 4G base station (eNB) and a 5G base station (gNB) simultaneously.

20. The non-transitory computer readable media as claimed in claim 19, wherein the Dual Connectivity architecture comprises an Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network(E-UTRAN) New Radio (NR) Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) architecture.

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