Dynamic Capacity Boost Cell Reallocation for Network Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular network deployment scenarios fail to optimize return on investment (ROI) due to inefficient utilization of spectrum and infrastructure resources, particularly during off-peak times, as operators are forced to dimension for peak demands, leading to poor resource utilization and varying capacity needs across different times and locations.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically reallocating capacity boost cells between operators sharing the same carrier, automatically transferring the cells from one operator to another based on load thresholds, allowing for improved resource utilization during low load periods while maintaining availability during high load periods, without the need for costly infrastructure investments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators dimension network capacity for peak demands, then service availability during high load periods is ensured, but resource utilization during off-peak times deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reallocation of capacity boost cells between operators based on real-time load conditions. The system automatically transfers cell ownership from one operator to another when load thresholds are met, enabling the network to adapt capacity distribution dynamically rather than statically provisioning for peak demands. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining service availability when needed while optimizing resource utilization during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state of capacity boost cells by altering their assigned operator based on load parameters. When the load on a primary operator's cells exceeds a threshold, the cell's operator assignment parameter is changed to a secondary operator, effectively transferring capacity. This parameter change enables flexible resource utilization without compromising service availability.
2Ease of manufacture
If operators share network infrastructure and spectrum, then deployment costs are reduced, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared network infrastructure into operator-specific capacity boost cells that can be independently allocated and managed. Each cell maintains distinct operator associations and configuration parameters, allowing shared physical infrastructure to be logically divided into manageable segments. This segmentation reduces configuration complexity by treating each cell as an independent unit with clear ownership boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated self-service mechanisms where capacity boost cells automatically reallocate between operators based on pre-defined load thresholds without requiring manual intervention. The automated reallocation process, triggered by load monitoring, reduces operational complexity while maintaining cost-effective infrastructure sharing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacity boost cells are statically allocated to one operator, then operator control and service differentiation are maintained, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static cell allocation into a dynamic system where cell ownership automatically changes based on load conditions. Operators maintain control through pre-configured thresholds and authorization settings, while the system dynamically transfers cells to maximize utilization. This dynamic approach preserves operator adaptability while dramatically improving resource utilization efficiency during varying demand conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operator assignment parameter of capacity boost cells based on load measurements. When load conditions meet predefined criteria, the cell's operator parameter is automatically changed, enabling flexible resource distribution while maintaining operator control through configurable thresholds and authorization mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual reallocation of capacity boost cells is performed, then operator authorization and control are ensured, but reallocation responsiveness and automation level deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring authorization rules and load thresholds before reallocation events occur. Operators define advance criteria for cell transfer, and the system automatically executes reallocation when these pre-set conditions are met. This preliminary configuration approach ensures operator authorization is maintained while achieving rapid automated response without manual intervention during actual reallocation events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of cell load conditions and automatically triggers reallocation when thresholds are exceeded. The feedback loop continuously monitors load metrics and automatically initiates cell transfer when predefined conditions are met, ensuring both operator authorization (through pre-configured rules) and high automation responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Reallocation of a capacity boost cell between first and second operators in a cellular radio communications network is carried out by detecting a drop in load for the first operator, in the area of coverage of the capacity boost cell, below a first threshold, and reallocating automatically the capacity boost cell to the second operator in response to the detected drop in load, if the first operator has authorised a reallocation. The capacity boost cell can be reallocated automatically back to the first operator in response to detecting a subsequent increase in load above a second threshold for the first operator. This can improve utilisation of the capacity boost cell during low load periods while still having it available for the first operator for high load periods, and can provide access to additional capacity for the second operator without need for costly additional infrastructure.