ACDC Voluntary Access Barring for Wireless Network Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless telecommunications networks face congestion issues during large events, where non-priority applications consume network resources, leading to inadequate capacity for essential services like disaster message boards, necessitating effective congestion management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Application Specific Congestion Control (ACDC) mechanisms that allow operators to dynamically configure and bar non-priority applications, with the option for User Equipment (UE) to voluntarily bar access to specific application classes in exchange for incentives, thereby managing network resources more efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-priority applications are allowed to access network resources, then application versatility and user freedom are improved, but network congestion increases and priority service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments applications into different priority classes (priority and non-priority applications) and applies different access control policies to each class. This segmentation allows the network to differentiate between critical services that require guaranteed quality and non-critical services that can tolerate congestion, thereby maintaining priority service quality while still allowing versatile access for non-priority applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by implementing application-specific congestion control where different quality parameters (access barring, resource allocation) are applied to different application classes based on their priority. Non-priority applications receive stricter local control measures while priority applications receive preferential treatment, resolving the contradiction between overall versatility and specific service reliability.
2Reliability
If network access is restricted for non-priority applications, then network congestion is reduced and priority service reliability is improved, but application versatility and user freedom deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the network can flexibly adjust congestion control parameters based on current network conditions and application priorities. The system dynamically configures access barring settings, resource allocation policies, and congestion control mechanisms to match real-time demands, allowing versatility to be maintained when network capacity is sufficient while ensuring reliability when congestion occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key network parameters (access barring factors, congestion control thresholds, resource allocation ratios) based on application priority and network load conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can shift between allowing broad application access and restricting non-priority applications, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability through parameter optimization.
3Quantity of substance
If ACDC control is activated to bar non-priority applications, then network resource availability for priority services is improved, but device complexity and control mechanism complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where UEs autonomously determine whether their applications are priority or non-priority based on pre-configured criteria, and automatically apply appropriate access control rules without requiring continuous network intervention. This self-service approach reduces the complexity of network-side control mechanisms while still achieving effective resource allocation and maintaining high network resource availability for priority services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring UEs with application priority classifications, access control policies, and congestion control parameters before network congestion occurs. This advance configuration allows the system to quickly enforce resource availability controls when needed without complex real-time decision-making, reducing operational complexity while ensuring network resources remain available for priority services.
4Productivity
If voluntary access barring is implemented for user incentive, then network congestion management is improved, but ease of operation and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where users receive information about network congestion conditions, the impact of voluntary access barring on network performance, and any incentives offered for participating. This feedback loop allows users to make informed decisions about whether to voluntarily bar their non-priority applications, maintaining ease of operation by giving users control while improving congestion management efficiency through aggregated user participation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for communicating in a wireless network including provision of a user equipment for use in a wireless communication system, the user equipment comprising a communication module configured to obtain an indication of application specific congestion control for data communication (ACDC) activation, the indication of ACDC activation including an indication of at least one allowed application class, and control logic configured to voluntarily bar access for an application requesting network access wherein the application is associated with an allowed application class.