Load Balancing in Cellular and WLAN Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network systems face inefficiencies in load balancing across parallel communication networks, leading to potential overutilization of faster networks like WLANs and underutilization of cellular networks, resulting in decreased performance and disruptions due to the lack of real-time data load information sharing among mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is implemented to provide mobile devices with data load information from both cellular and WLAN networks, allowing them to efficiently select the least congested network for attachment, using a central node that collects and delivers relevant data load information without disrupting ongoing communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mobile devices always attach to the faster WLAN network, then data transmission speed is improved, but network overload occurs causing service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where access points continuously monitor and report network load conditions to a central controller. The controller processes this feedback information and dynamically guides mobile devices to select appropriate networks (WLAN or cellular) based on real-time load conditions, thereby preventing overload while maintaining high transmission speeds when possible
Solution Approach 2:
The network selection mechanism transitions from static preferences to dynamic decision-making. Mobile devices adapt their network attachment behavior in real-time based on changing load conditions, allowing the system to optimize between speed and reliability depending on current network states
2Productivity
If mobile devices attach to the least congested network, then network resource utilization is optimized, but requires real-time data load information sharing infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
A central controller acts as an intermediary between access points and mobile devices. The controller collects load information from access points, processes this data centrally, and provides guidance to mobile devices, thereby simplifying the information sharing infrastructure while enabling optimized network resource utilization across the heterogeneous network
3Ease of operation
If parallel communication networks operate independently, then network operation simplicity is maintained, but load balancing between networks is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of parallel communication networks through a central controller that coordinates both WLAN and cellular networks. This combining approach maintains operational simplicity from the user perspective while enabling efficient load balancing across networks through centralized management
Data Source
AI summary
Network operators are striving to find ways to provide stable video services amid a rapid increase in video data traffic. In order to provide stable video services with constrained network resources, network operators attempted to deploy multiple communication networks in parallel. However, network operators failed to effectively balance data traffic across parallel communication networks. This disclosure provides systems and methods for effectively balancing data traffic across parallel communication networks.