Core Network Load Balancing via Dynamic Weighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load balancing methods in radio telecommunications networks, such as those using Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) in pools, fail to dynamically adjust priorities effectively, leading to uneven distribution of traffic load and potential service disruptions due to geographical factors and processing capacity limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that periodically determine the load of network elements in a pool, adjusting relative weighting values to redistribute traffic load by reducing the weighting of overloaded elements and increasing that of underloaded ones, using counters to track consecutive overload and underload situations, thereby preventing service disruptions and ensuring even load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If periodic load balancing is implemented, then load distribution becomes more even, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load balancing by periodically determining network element loads and adjusting relative weighting values based on current conditions. The system transitions from static weighting to dynamic adjustment, where weighting values are modified when overload/underload thresholds are exceeded, enabling the system to adapt to changing traffic patterns and maintain even load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring network element loads continuously and using this information to adjust weighting values. When a network element's load exceeds thresholds, the system feeds back this information to modify the relative weighting, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically balances load without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If relative weighting values are dynamically adjusted, then overload situations are prevented, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of relative weighting values dynamically based on network element performance. By adjusting these parameters in response to load conditions (increasing weighting for underloaded elements, decreasing for overloaded ones), the system prevents overload situations while maintaining simple threshold-based control logic rather than complex algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent takes preliminary action by setting threshold values for overload and underload conditions in advance. These pre-configured thresholds guide the automatic adjustment of weighting values, allowing the system to prevent overload situations proactively rather than reactively, simplifying the control mechanism through predetermined decision criteria.
3Productivity
If load balancing operations are performed frequently, then load distribution improves, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic load balancing operations rather than continuous adjustments. By determining loads at regular intervals and only adjusting weighting values when threshold conditions are met, the system achieves effective load distribution while minimizing unnecessary signaling operations and reducing overhead associated with frequent updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing load balancing operations only when necessary - specifically when network element loads exceed predefined thresholds. This selective approach avoids the excessive signaling overhead of continuous balancing while maintaining effective load distribution through targeted adjustments at critical moments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of balancing load of an individual network element operating in a pool in a radio telecommunications network. In said network a user equipment is assigned to a network element from said pool of network elements based on relative weighting values associated with said network elements. Said relative weighting value indicates the capacity of a network element relative to other network elements in the pool. The method comprises: periodically determining load of said network element (204, 206); reducing the relative weighting value (212) if said network element is overloaded for a predefined number of periods (210), exceeding a limit of allowed consecutive overloads.