Access Node Handover Triggering for Wireless Network Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In telecommunications networks with multiple access technologies, terminals often connect to networks that do not provide the best service quality for their specific needs due to varying load conditions and coverage strengths across different radio access networks (RANs).

Innovation Solution

A system that dynamically controls terminal attachment to access networks based on real-time radio environment conditions, load, and service requirements, allowing for handovers between different access networks (e.g., 5G to LTE) to ensure superior service quality for streaming media sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a terminal connects to a higher-generation access network (e.g., 5G), then network speed and throughput are improved, but network load increases and service quality deteriorates when the network is overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork speedVSAvoidservice quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network selection by continuously monitoring network load conditions and terminal service requirements. The terminal dynamically switches between 5G and LTE networks based on real-time conditions, transforming the static network connection into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes both speed and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the network selection parameter from fixed (always prefer 5G) to variable (based on load conditions and service type). By adjusting the network selection decision based on changing parameters such as network load threshold and service requirement matching, the system resolves the contradiction between speed and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a terminal connects to a lower-generation access network (e.g., LTE), then network load is reduced and service quality is maintained, but network speed and throughput are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidnetwork speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts network selection based on terminal service requirements. When high-speed services are needed and 5G capacity is sufficient, the terminal connects to 5G for optimal speed. When services have lower speed requirements or 5G is overloaded, the terminal switches to LTE, maintaining service quality while reducing network load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces variable parameters including service requirement matching and network load threshold to determine network selection. This transforms the static lower-speed connection into a dynamic solution that achieves optimal speed-quality balance by changing connection parameters based on real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the network always prefers higher-generation access networks, then network capacity utilization is improved, but network overload occurs and service quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacity utilizationVSAvoidservice quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the terminal monitors network load conditions and adjusts its network selection accordingly. When 5G network load exceeds a threshold, the terminal receives feedback to switch to LTE, preventing network overload and maintaining service quality while still utilizing 5G capacity when available

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary network assessment by evaluating service requirements against available network capacity before establishing connections. This preliminary action prevents network overload by anticipating capacity constraints and selecting appropriate networks in advance, maintaining both capacity utilization and service quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3804401B1Triggering terminal handover after session-request message
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 T MOBILE US INC
  • EP3804401B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3804401B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3804401B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A first access node of a first wireless access network receives, via a first entry node of the first network, a service-request message from a terminal registered with the first network. The first access node requests first network-capacity information associated with the first wireless access network from the first entry node, and second network-capacity information associated with a second wireless access network from a second access node of the second network. The first access node selects a target access network based on the service-request message and the first and second network-capacity information. The first access node, in response to a selection of the first wireless access network, sends a service-reply message to the first entry node. The first access node, in response to a selection of the second wireless access network, triggers a handover of the terminal to the second wireless access network.