Centralized Load Management in Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handover processes in cellular networks, particularly in heterogeneous networks, often result in inefficient load balancing due to complex and resource-consuming negotiations between base stations from different vendors, leading to suboptimal operations and a 'ping pong' effect where mobile devices are repeatedly transferred between neighboring cells.
Innovation Solution
A centralized management entity monitors traffic load across cells, determines necessary handovers, and negotiates operating parameter changes with base stations to prevent back-and-forth handovers, ensuring efficient load balancing by managing groups of mobile devices based on matched operating parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If base stations from different vendors perform complex negotiations to determine handover parameters, then the network can adapt to different vendor equipment, but the resource consumption increases and the handover process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized management entity as an intermediary that mediates between base stations from different vendors. This entity collects information from all base stations, determines optimal handover parameters centrally, and coordinates the handover process, thereby eliminating the need for complex direct negotiations between base stations while maintaining adaptability to different vendor equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the handover decision-making function from individual base stations to a centralized management entity. By combining the information collection and decision-making processes in one location, the system reduces the overall resource consumption while maintaining the ability to handle diverse vendor equipment through centralized coordination
2Productivity
If base stations continuously monitor and negotiate handover parameters, then load balancing can be optimized, but the network stability decreases due to repeated handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized management entity performs preliminary actions by collecting information from all base stations and pre-determining optimal handover parameters before actual handovers occur. This allows the network to prepare coordination strategies in advance, reducing reactive adjustments and preventing ping-pong effects while maintaining load balancing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the centralized management entity monitors network conditions and adjusts handover parameters based on actual performance. This feedback loop allows the network to learn from previous handover outcomes and make more stable decisions, reducing repeated handovers while maintaining optimization
3Productivity
If handover parameters are frequently adjusted to balance load, then network resource utilization improves, but the complexity of managing these parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the parameter management function from individual base stations and concentrates it in a centralized management entity. This extraction simplifies the overall system architecture by removing the complexity of coordinated parameter adjustments between multiple base stations, while the centralized entity can still optimize resource utilization through comprehensive information access
4Productivity
If mobile devices are repeatedly transferred between neighboring cells, then load balancing can be achieved, but the user experience deteriorates due to ping pong effects
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized management entity performs preliminary coordination by determining optimal target cells and parameters before handovers occur. This prevents devices from being sent to cells that will immediately push them back, thereby eliminating ping-pong effects while maintaining load balancing and improving user experience
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized management entity acts as an intermediary that coordinates handovers between multiple cells, ensuring that devices are transferred to appropriate target cells rather than being bounced between neighboring cells. This mediation approach maintains load balancing while preventing the ping-pong effect that degrades user experience
Data Source
AI summary
One example method for reducing load is provided that includes monitoring traffic load within at least two wireless cells by a central management entity associated with the cellular communication network; determining by the central management entity that at least one of the at least two wireless cells being monitored, should hand over at least one of the mobile devices being currently serviced by a base station associated with that at least one cell; determining by the central management entity to which of the other cells from among the at least two wireless cells being monitored, should the at least one of the mobile devices be handed over to; and notifying each of the base stations associated with the other cells from among the at least two wireless cells being monitored, to affect a change in their respective one or more operating parameters.