Backhaul Node Dynamic Rate Allocation for Small Cell Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for wireless communication systems, driven by network-enabled mobile devices, leads to a need for higher network capacity and connectivity, which is challenging due to the limitations of existing backhaul networks in supporting the data traffic generated by small cells, particularly in dense urban areas where real estate and spectrum availability are constrained.
Innovation Solution
A backhaul node system that allocates rate-restricted backhaul data rates to small cells, allowing the sum of these rates to be limited by a threshold, and dynamically adjusts these rates based on the activity level of each small cell, potentially setting one or both rates to zero if the activity falls below a certain threshold, thereby optimizing network performance and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If more small cells are deployed to increase network capacity, then the network capacity and connectivity are improved, but the backhaul network becomes overwhelmed and cannot support the data traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic backhaul data rate allocation that adapts to changing network conditions. The system continuously monitors the activity levels of small cells and adjusts their allocated backhaul rates in real-time, transitioning from static to dynamic resource allocation to match actual traffic demands and prevent backhaul overload
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the backhaul data rate parameter based on observed network state and small cell activity levels. By adjusting this critical parameter dynamically, the system optimizes backhaul utilization while maintaining adequate support for deployed small cells, resolving the contradiction between capacity expansion and backhaul support
2Area of stationary object
If backhaul data rates are allocated to all small cells, then network coverage is improved, but the sum of data rates exceeds the backhaul capacity threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating different backhaul data rates to different small cells based on their individual activity levels and network contributions. Instead of uniform allocation, each small cell receives a tailored data rate that reflects its local network conditions and importance, allowing coverage maintenance while controlling total backhaul utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by setting backhaul data rates to zero for low-activity small cells while maintaining higher rates for active cells. This selective allocation ensures that backhaul capacity is concentrated on cells that actually need it, preventing the sum of allocated rates from exceeding threshold while maintaining necessary coverage
3Adaptability or versatility
If backhaul data rates are dynamically adjusted based on activity levels, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the backhaul node continuously monitors small cell activity levels and uses this information to adjust data rate allocations. This closed-loop control enables adaptive resource allocation without requiring complex predictive models, balancing efficiency improvement with manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows small cells to effectively self-regulate their resource allocation by having their backhaul rates automatically adjusted based on their own activity levels. The backhaul node simply responds to observed states rather than requiring complex coordination protocols, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a concept for a backhaul node (120) of a wireless communication system. The backhaul node (120) provides rate restricted backhaul connectivity between a core network (130) and a plurality of small cells (140) of the wireless communication system. The plurality of small cells (140) includes at least a first and a second small cell. A first backhaul data rate (R1) is allocated for the first small cell (140-1) and a second backhaul data rate (R2) is allocated for the second small cell (140-1). A sum of the first backhaul data rate and the second backhaul data rate is limited to a rate restriction threshold.