Carrier Aggregation Load Distribution in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load management in wireless networks using carrier aggregation overlooks the carrier aggregation capabilities of user equipment, leading to inefficient load distribution and suboptimal performance, particularly in scenarios where user equipment has varying carrier aggregation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that determines the traffic load and carrier aggregation properties of both source and target cells, allowing for the selection of user equipment to be moved between cells based on their carrier aggregation capabilities, optimizing load distribution by matching carrier aggregation capable users with supporting cells and non-capable users with non-supporting cells, thereby improving network performance and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carrier aggregation is activated with multiple serving cells, then network capacity and data rates are increased, but load management becomes inefficient when UE carrier aggregation capabilities are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating load management approaches based on UE-specific carrier aggregation capabilities. The source network node identifies individual UEs with CA capabilities and selectively applies load distribution only to those UEs, rather than applying uniform load management to all UEs. This targeted approach optimizes load distribution efficiency while preserving network capacity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the load management parameter by incorporating UE carrier aggregation capability as a new dimension for decision-making. The source network node retrieves UE CA capabilities and uses this parameter alongside traditional load metrics to determine whether to initiate load distribution. This parameter change enables more precise and efficient load management in carrier aggregation scenarios.
2Device complexity
If load distribution is performed without considering UE carrier aggregation capabilities, then implementation is simple, but network performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the source network node retrieve UE carrier aggregation capabilities in advance, before performing load distribution decisions. The UE CA capabilities are stored and made available for subsequent load management operations. This preliminary retrieval avoids the need for complex real-time capability assessment during load distribution, maintaining implementation simplicity while ensuring reliable performance.
3Measurement precision
If carrier aggregation properties are included in load reports, then load distribution accuracy is improved, but information exchange complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by extending the existing load report mechanism to serve multiple functions: traditional load indication and carrier aggregation property communication. The source network node retrieves and utilizes UE CA capabilities that are already available in the system, avoiding the need for separate dedicated signaling for capability exchange. This multi-functional use of existing information structures improves load distribution accuracy without significantly increasing information exchange complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and network nodes of supporting load distribution from a source cell to a target cell in a wireless network using carrier aggregation. When performed in the source network node, the method comprises determining (S31) source traffic load and carrier aggregation properties of the source cell and receiving (S32), from a target network node, a load report comprising target traffic load and carrier aggregation properties for the target cell. Carrier aggregation capabilities of user equipments, UEs, served by the source cell are retrieved in the source network node. One or more UEs served by the source cell are selected (S33) for moving to the target cell based on a combination of the retrieved UE carrier aggregation capabilities and the carrier aggregation properties of the source cell and target cell.