Backhaul Capacity Management via Control Data Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular wireless communication systems, the backhaul link often becomes overloaded with control and bearer data, leading to blocked or dropped calls due to insufficient capacity, as it is not necessary for wireless communication devices (WCDs) to send/receive control data in all active set coverage areas simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to evaluate the ratio of control data to bearer data on each backhaul link for a WCD's active set and limit control data communication to occur via only the base station with the lowest ratio, while allowing bearer data communication to occur via all active set base stations, thereby managing backhaul capacity and reducing the control data load on heavily loaded links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control data is transmitted through all active set base stations simultaneously, then communication reliability is improved, but backhaul link capacity is exceeded causing call drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control data transmission by identifying a subset of base stations (first subset) versus a second subset of base stations. Control data is transmitted only through the first subset, while bearer data can be transmitted through all active set base stations. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by limiting control data traffic to manageable levels on backhaul links while maintaining communication reliability through the selected subset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of control data versus bearer data across different base stations. The system determines which base stations should handle control data based on local conditions (backhaul capacity, signal strength) and assigns control data transmission accordingly, while allowing bearer data transmission through all base stations without restriction.
2Productivity
If control data is limited to a subset of base stations, then backhaul capacity is conserved, but communication reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network continuously monitors backhaul link conditions, signal strength, and data transmission status. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts which base stations are assigned to handle control data, ensuring that reliable communication is maintained while conserving backhaul capacity. The feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters such as the set of active base stations, data transmission ratios, and quality thresholds to optimize the balance between backhaul capacity utilization and communication reliability. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on network conditions, the system can shift the trade-off point to maintain reliability while improving capacity utilization efficiency.
3Speed
If bearer data is transmitted through all active set base stations, then data transmission speed is improved, but control data load on backhaul links increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data types (control data versus bearer data) and applies different transmission strategies to each. Bearer data can be transmitted through all active set base stations to maximize speed and redundancy, while control data is restricted to a calculated subset of base stations to minimize backhaul load. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for speed without proportionally increasing control data burden on backhaul links.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for managing backhaul capacity between radio access network (RAN) infrastructure and a plurality of base stations providing coverage areas in the active set of a wireless communication device (WCD), where each base station has a respective backhaul link with the RAN infrastructure. An example implementation of the method involves determining separately for each base station a ratio of a quantity of control data to bearer data on the base station's backhaul link, determining that a given one of the base stations has the lowest determined ratio of the determined ratios, and responsively transitioning to a restricted mode where control data communication with the WCD occurs via just that base station and not via the other base stations, but bearer data communication with the WCD occurs via all of the base stations.