Adaptive Hysteresis for UE Network Selection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-RAT HetNet architectures face suboptimal performance due to self-optimizing decisions by UEs that lead to excessive switching between radio networks, causing a gap between actual and optimal performance, and instability in network selection, especially with the presence of rogue WiFi nodes degrading network performance.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive hysteresis mechanisms are introduced to stabilize load-aware UE-centric network selection by adjusting for unreliability in throughput estimation, limiting excessive switching, and incorporating cooperation between nodes and UEs to optimize system performance, using equations to determine optimal switching thresholds and reliability metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UEs make self-optimizing network selection decisions based on local radio link conditions, then network selection flexibility is improved, but excessive switching between radio networks occurs causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides information about radio link conditions, throughput estimates, and load status to UEs. This feedback enables UEs to make more informed network selection decisions while the network monitors and adjusts parameters to prevent excessive switching, thus achieving both flexibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts selection thresholds and hysteresis parameters based on network conditions and UE behavior. By changing these parameters in response to observed switching patterns and network load, the system prevents excessive switching while maintaining adaptability to changing radio conditions.
2Productivity
If UEs frequently switch between radio networks to optimize throughput, then individual user performance is improved, but network load balancing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary actions by providing advance information about expected throughput and load conditions before UE switching occurs. This allows UEs to make more considered switching decisions that benefit both individual performance and network load distribution, rather than reacting impulsively to momentary conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms such as network-assisted selection functions and modified selection algorithms that mediate between UE throughput optimization needs and network load balancing requirements. These intermediaries coordinate switching decisions to achieve both objectives simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If hysteresis values are fixed for network selection, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but unreliability in throughput estimation cannot be accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed hysteresis values to dynamic, adaptive hysteresis parameters that automatically adjust based on observed network conditions, UE behavior patterns, and throughput estimation reliability. This dynamic approach maintains implementation simplicity while significantly improving reliability by allowing the system to learn from past performance and adjust thresholds accordingly.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for a user equipment (UE) to communicate in a multiple radio access technology (multi-RAT) heterogeneous network (HetNet) is described. A radio-link-selection hysteresis threshold can be determined at the UE for a radio link between the UE and a node in the multi-RAT HetNet. A reliability value of a throughput estimate can be measured for the radio link in the multi-RAT HetNet. The radio-link-selection hysteresis threshold can be adjusted at the UE based on the reliability value to increase network stability in the multi-RAT HetNet.