Capillary Network Gateway Selection Using Cell Load Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current capillary network gateway selection mechanisms in wireless communication systems for machine-to-machine (M2M) devices are sub-optimal, relying solely on propagation conditions, leading to inefficient traffic processing and network degradation, with a need for external control and reduced control signaling in the cellular network.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating radio base station cell-related information, such as traffic load, into the capillary network gateway selection process to enable more efficient traffic processing and communication, allowing the network to control the selection of capillary network gateways through explicit instructions, policies, and contextual parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If MTC devices select CGW based only on propagation conditions (SNR), then the selection process is simple and autonomous, but network traffic processing becomes sub-optimal and network performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegateway selection simplicityVSAvoidnetwork traffic processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network entity provides cell-related information (traffic load, priority levels) to MTC devices. This feedback loop allows devices to make informed gateway selections based on current network conditions, transforming the purely autonomous selection into a guided process that optimizes traffic distribution while maintaining device autonomy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary network entity that mediates between the MTC devices and the capillary network gateways. This intermediary collects cell-related information, processes it, and provides guidance to devices for optimal gateway selection, thereby improving traffic processing efficiency without requiring direct complex interactions between devices and gateways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If MTC devices autonomously select CGW without external control, then device independence is maintained, but network control and optimization are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice autonomyVSAvoidnetwork control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network entity pre-calculate and provide cell-related information (traffic load, priority levels) to MTC devices before the actual gateway selection occurs. This allows devices to make autonomous decisions based on pre-provided network conditions, maintaining device independence while ensuring network-optimized outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters available to MTC devices for gateway selection, transitioning from only propagation conditions to include network-provided parameters such as traffic load and priority levels. This parameter enrichment enables devices to maintain autonomy while making selections that align with network optimization goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If more control signaling is implemented for CGW selection, then network control and traffic optimization improve, but control signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic processing efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol signaling volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential control information needed for optimal gateway selection (cell-related information such as traffic load and priority levels) and provides it to MTC devices. This selective extraction approach improves traffic processing efficiency without transmitting unnecessary control data, thereby minimizing signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Speed

If CGW selection considers only local propagation conditions, then selection process is simple and fast, but overall network load balancing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection speedVSAvoidnetwork load balancing
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the gateway selection process from a single-dimension approach (only local propagation conditions) to a multi-dimensional approach by incorporating network-provided parameters such as traffic load and priority levels. This dimensional expansion enables faster selections that simultaneously consider both local conditions and overall network state, achieving both speed and load balancing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3108700B1Selection of capillary network gateway to a cellular network
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3108700B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3108700B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3108700B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the capillary network gateway selection in a capillary network. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a methods and arrangements for selecting a capillary network gateway, CGW, for linking of a machine device, MD, arranged to operate in a capillary network, to a cellular network. The cellular network is arranged to operate according to a radio access technology different from the radio access technology of the capillary network, the capillary network including a plurality of CGWs, each of which CGWs being adapted to forward traffic between the capillary network and a radio base station, RBS, of the cellular network. The method comprises, for at least two CGWs of the plurality of CGWs, to gather (S51) data related to cells of RBSs having a cellular radio connection to the respective CGW in the capillary network, and to control (S52) selection of at least one CGW out of the at least two CGWs based on the gathered data.