Access Point Load Balancing via Mobility Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face challenges in load balancing due to overloaded access points, leading to connection issues and service disruptions, especially when new devices enter areas with maximum capacity, and existing solutions do not effectively distribute load across neighboring access points.
Innovation Solution
A method for load balancing that determines the load level of access points based on service parameters, uses mobility data to predict future load, and initiates handovers to neighboring access points with lower loads, ensuring even distribution and reliable connections by selecting the access point with the lowest current load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access points are arranged to create overlapping coverage areas to ensure sufficient coverage and uninterrupted connections, then connection reliability is improved, but load distribution becomes unbalanced causing some access points to become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load balancing by continuously monitoring load levels at access points and dynamically determining handover decisions based on current conditions. The system adapts to changing network conditions by evaluating mobility data, predicted future positions, and real-time load levels to make optimal handover decisions, ensuring both connection reliability and balanced load distribution across the network
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring load levels at access points and using this information to make informed handover decisions. The load level monitoring provides continuous feedback about network conditions, enabling the system to adjust handover timing and target selection to prevent overload while maintaining coverage reliability
2Productivity
If handover is implemented to transfer connections between access points, then load balancing is achieved, but connection interruptions and service disruptions occur during the transfer process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining handover decisions in advance based on mobility data and predicted future positions of mobile devices. The system predicts when a device will enter or leave coverage areas and prepares handover decisions before the actual handover is needed, allowing for smoother transitions that maintain connection continuity while achieving load balancing objectives
3Productivity
If access points operate at maximum capacity to maximize network utilization, then resource efficiency is improved, but new devices cannot establish connections and service quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from load level monitoring to determine when handovers should occur. By continuously monitoring load levels and comparing them against thresholds, the system can identify when an access point is approaching maximum capacity and initiate handovers proactively, maintaining both high network utilization and acceptable service quality
4Device complexity
If conventional load balancing methods are used without considering mobility data, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but future load conditions cannot be predicted leading to suboptimal handover decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates mobility data and predicted future positions into handover decision-making, enabling the system to anticipate future load conditions and make optimal handover decisions in advance. This preliminary action based on predicted device movements significantly improves handover optimization while maintaining reasonable implementation complexity through structured data processing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for load balancing in a communication network, comprising: determining (310) a load level of a first access point (AP1) of the communication network at least on the basis of parameters of the services provided by the access point to terminal devices (D1, D2, D3); and, if (320) the load level of the first access point (AP1) is above a predetermined first threshold, preparing (350, 360) a transfer of at least one service to a second access point from one or more neighboring access points (AP2, AP3), wherein the coverage areas (120, 130) of the neighboring access points (AP2, AP3) overlap at least partially with the coverage area (110) of the first access point (AP1) and thus form an overlap area (140).