Distributed Load Sharing in Cellular Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular networks face challenges in efficiently distributing load and managing resources due to computational limitations in radio access control circuitries, making it difficult to implement advanced load sharing mechanisms effectively.

Innovation Solution

The method involves distributing load sharing action determination between two processing units, allowing for more advanced calculations and joint determination of load sharing strategies, including secondary cell activation/deactivation and MIMO scheduling, to improve load sharing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If advanced load sharing mechanisms are implemented, then load sharing efficiency is improved, but computational capacity requirements increase beyond what is available in radio access control circuitries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload sharing efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational capacity requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the load sharing mechanism into two parts: a simplified component that can be implemented in radio access control circuitries with limited computational capacity, and an advanced component that operates with sufficient computational resources. This segmentation allows the system to achieve improved load sharing efficiency while respecting the computational limitations of the radio access control circuitries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If advanced load sharing mechanisms are implemented, then load sharing efficiency is improved, but implementation difficulty increases due to challenges in combining with coordinated resource management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload sharing efficiencyVSAvoidimplementation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the load sharing mechanism into simplified and advanced components, where the simplified component can be easily implemented and coordinated with resource management, while the advanced component provides enhanced functionality. This segmentation reduces implementation difficulty by allowing the core system to operate with the simpler mechanism while optionally enabling advanced features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3008947B1Load sharing in cellular networks
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3008947B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3008947B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3008947B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

There is provided load sharing performed by a first processing unit device and a second processing unit device. The load sharing is achieved by the first processing unit device determining a distinct subset of user equipment, UE, from a set of UEs, where the UEs of the distinct subset of UEs are candidates for load sharing. Information identifying the UEs in the distinct subset and information of load of a first cell in which the distinct subset of UEs are served and information of load of a second cell being a candidate cell for serving the distinct subset of UEs is transmitted to the second processing unit device. Based on evaluating the information received from the first processing unit device the second processing unit device determines a load sharing action for use by the first processing unit device.