Capacity Utilization Determination in Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular operators face challenges in determining the capacity utilization of macro base stations in heterogeneous networks, where small cells and Wi-Fi access points are deployed to offload traffic, as existing methods lack insight into the efficient execution of offload processes and provision of additional capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a base station receives broadcast/unicast messages from user equipment, generates and updates a capacity utilization list based on cluster identifiers, and determines capacity utilization using uplink and downlink data to assess both cluster and base station capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If small cells and Wi-Fi access points are deployed to offload traffic from macro base stations, then network capacity is improved, but the ability to accurately determine capacity utilization deteriorates due to lack of insight into offload execution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the macro base station receives capacity utilization information from small cells and Wi-Fi access points. This feedback loop enables the macro base station to accurately determine overall capacity utilization by aggregating data from all network entities, including offloaded traffic metrics, thereby resolving the information loss problem while maintaining improved network capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement and reporting mechanism between small cells/Wi-Fi access points and the macro base station. This intermediary system collects capacity utilization data from heterogeneous network entities and relays it to the macro base station, enabling accurate determination of overall capacity utilization without requiring direct monitoring of all offloaded traffic
2Ease of operation
If aggregated capacity utilization of small cells is used to predict capacity expansion, then planning simplicity is improved, but prediction accuracy deteriorates as it does not reveal how much additional capacity is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments capacity utilization measurement into two levels: aggregated capacity utilization for overall network planning and granular capacity utilization for individual small cells and Wi-Fi access points. This segmentation allows operators to use aggregated data for high-level planning simplicity while accessing detailed granular data for precise prediction of additional capacity requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to capacity utilization measurement by providing both aggregated metrics and granular breakdowns. This multi-dimensional approach enables operators to view capacity utilization from different perspectives - overall network level for planning simplicity and individual entity level for precise capacity expansion predictions
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for determining a capacity utilisation of at least one of a cluster [104] and a base station [102]. More particularly, the embodiments may disclose a method for determining the capacity utilisation by receiving at least one message from at least one user equipment [110], wherein the at least one user equipment [110] belongs to the at least one cluster [104] having at least one cluster identifier and the at least one message includes uplink data and downlink data of the at least one user equipment [110]; generating a capacity utilisation list for said at least one cluster [104]; updating the capacity utilisation list with the uplink data and the downlink data; and determining a capacity utilisation for at least one of the cluster [104] and the base station [102] based on the uplink data and the downlink data.