Hierarchical Core Network Node Allocation for Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large cellular networks, the use of large pool areas can result in users being allocated to remote core network nodes, leading to increased latency in control procedures and high transport costs due to long distances between user terminals and core network nodes, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A method of allocating users to core network nodes that prioritizes geographic proximity by grouping nodes into local and larger pool areas, allowing initial allocation to a geographically close node and maintaining this allocation unless the user moves out of the local pool area, while also allowing for load balancing and redundancy through re-allocation within the same pool area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If large pool areas are used to reduce core network update traffic, then network traffic is reduced, but users are allocated to remote core network nodes causing increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pool area into multiple local pool areas, each associated with a specific core network node. This segmentation allows users to be allocated to geographically close core network nodes while still benefiting from the pool area structure. The local pool areas are further grouped into larger pool areas, creating a hierarchical structure that balances proximity and traffic reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different levels of pool area granularity - local pool areas for proximity-based allocation and larger pool areas for traffic reduction. Each local pool area has its own core network node association, allowing localized user allocation while the broader pool area structure maintains the benefits of reduced update traffic across larger geographical regions.
2Loss of time
If users are allocated to geographically close core network nodes, then latency is reduced, but network traffic for handovers and updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical pool area structure segments the network into local pool areas (for low latency) and larger pool areas (for traffic reduction). Users are initially allocated to local pool areas for proximity, but the larger pool area structure allows for reduced update traffic when users move between local pool areas within the same broader pool area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where local pool areas are grouped into larger pool areas. This nesting allows the system to operate at multiple levels - using local pool areas for immediate proximity-based allocation to minimize latency, while the broader pool area context enables reduced update traffic by allowing users to remain registered across multiple local pool areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single large pool area is used, then load balancing and redundancy are simplified, but users are allocated to extremely remote core network nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single large pool area into multiple local pool areas, each with its own core network node. This segmentation prevents users from being allocated to extremely remote nodes while still maintaining the load balancing and redundancy benefits at the broader pool area level. The hierarchical structure allows distributed node allocation across multiple local areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the pool area structure, organizing nodes into local pool areas that are grouped into larger pool areas. This dimensional change allows the system to simultaneously achieve proximity-based allocation at the local level and load balancing at the broader level, resolving the contradiction between distance and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of allocating users to core network nodes of a cellular telecommunications System, where users access the core network via a radio access network and where the nodes of the core network are grouped into a plurality of local pool areas and the local pool areas are further grouped into one or more pool areas, and each local pool area corresponds to a geographic area covered by the access network. The method comprises allocating a user to a core network node of a local pool area corresponding to the geographic area within which the user is located, maintaining the core network node while the user moves within the local pool area, and, in the event that the user moves out of the local pool area but remains in the same pool area, maintaining said allocation at least temporarily.