Distributed Radio Access Network Control Means for Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile telecommunications networks face challenges in managing increasing data traffic volumes, leading to service degradation and high operational costs due to hierarchical and expensive architectures, proprietary platforms, and inefficient use of capacity, with current solutions failing to effectively address network capacity and revenue imbalances.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a control means that can intelligently select and allocate functions, applications, and bandwidth across access nodes and gateway sites, allowing for intelligent offloading of data traffic directly to the internet, caching, and optimizing content delivery, thereby reducing the burden on the core network and enhancing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hierarchical network architecture with proprietary platforms is used, then network control and management are simplified, but device complexity and cost increase, and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture into distributed access nodes with embedded control functions rather than a centralized hierarchical structure. Each access node operates semi-autonomously, making local routing and resource allocation decisions, which reduces overall system complexity while maintaining operational control through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal standardized interfaces and protocols that enable different manufacturers' devices to interoperate seamlessly. The access nodes are designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various traffic types and services through common architecture, reducing the need for proprietary specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If centralized core network routing is used, then network security and control are improved, but data traffic efficiency decreases and backhaul costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables access nodes to perform intelligent local routing decisions based on real-time network conditions, traffic patterns, and service requirements. This distributed intelligence allows traffic to be routed optimally at the network edge without constantly traversing the core network, improving efficiency while maintaining security through standardized control planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces standardized interface protocols and control mechanisms that act as intermediaries between distributed access nodes and the core network. These intermediaries enable autonomous local decision-making while maintaining centralized security policies and coordination, resolving the conflict between distributed efficiency and centralized control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flat-rate unlimited data pricing is used, then customer satisfaction and data usage increase, but network capacity is overwhelmed and revenue cannot cover costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation and bandwidth management at access nodes that can adapt to varying traffic demands in real-time. The system dynamically adjusts quality of service parameters, prioritizes critical traffic, and manages capacity allocation based on current network conditions, enabling sustainable high-volume data transmission without overwhelming the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where access nodes continuously monitor network utilization, traffic patterns, and resource consumption. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of pricing models, capacity allocation, and traffic management policies to balance customer demand with network sustainability and revenue requirements.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional base stations without intelligent processing are used, then device cost is reduced, but network intelligence and local routing capability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables base stations to perform intelligent local routing, caching, and traffic management functions autonomously without requiring complex centralized control for every decision. The access nodes self-manage local traffic optimization, content caching, and resource allocation, reducing the intelligence burden on the core network while maintaining advanced capabilities at lower cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile telecommunications network includes a core and a radio access network having radio means for wireless communication with mobile terminals registered with the network, wherein the radio access network includes control means 700 operable to control the use of network resources by the mobile terminals. The control means may include an application programming interface, API, which provides a consistent interface to a multiplicity of applications hosted on the control mean. The control means may be provided at an access node site 800 and/or a gateway site 802.