Dynamic Active-to-Dormant Timer Control in Radio Access Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing approaches to managing the active-to-dormant timer in radio access networks are inadequate, leading to suboptimal user experience due to frequent disconnections during low activity periods and resource competition during high load times.

Innovation Solution

Dynamically varying the active-to-dormant timer based on current access-channel occupancy levels, increasing the timer when occupancy is high and decreasing it when occupancy is low to optimize resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the active-to-dormant timer is fixed for all access terminals, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but user experience deteriorates due to frequent disconnections during low activity periods and resource competition during high load times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the active-to-dormant timer based on real-time access-channel occupancy measurements. The timer value is modified according to current network conditions, allowing it to adapt between different operational states rather than remaining fixed, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and user experience quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timer parameter dynamically based on measured occupancy levels. When occupancy exceeds a threshold, the timer is extended to prevent premature disconnections; when occupancy is low, the timer returns to its original value. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting system behavior according to actual conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the active-to-dormant timer is extended to reduce disconnections during low activity, then user experience is improved, but resource competition increases during high load times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously measures access-channel occupancy and uses this information to adjust the active-to-dormant timer. This closed-loop control ensures the timer is extended only when necessary (high occupancy) and reduced when resources are abundant (low occupancy), resolving the contradiction between user experience and resource efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The timer parameter is dynamically changed based on real-time occupancy measurements. The system transitions between different timer values according to network conditions, allowing optimal resource allocation while maintaining user experience quality under varying load conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the active-to-dormant timer is reduced to minimize resource competition during high load, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but user experience deteriorates due to unnecessary disconnections during low activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the timer dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adapt its value based on current network conditions. This dynamic behavior enables the system to optimize resource allocation during high load while protecting user experience during low activity periods, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the active-to-dormant timer is dynamically adjusted based on access-channel occupancy, then resource management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource management efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through autonomous measurement and adjustment of the timer based on occupancy conditions. The system automatically detects when dynamic adjustment is needed and executes the appropriate timer modification without external intervention, achieving improved resource management while minimizing the operational complexity burden on network operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9215746B1Systems and methods for dynamically controlling active-to-dormant timers in radio access networks

Publication Date: 2015.12.15 SPRINT SPECTRUM LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for dynamically controlling active-to-dormant timers in radio access networks (RANs). One embodiment takes the form of a method that involves a system detecting a triggering event, and responsively identifying a current access-channel occupancy (ACHO). The method further involves the system increasing an active-to-dormant timer for at least one access terminal when the identified current ACHO exceeds a first threshold, and decreasing an active-to-dormant timer for at least one access terminal when the identified current ACHO is less than a second threshold.