Dynamic AMBR Configuration for Relay User Equipment Throughput

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) acting as a relay (UE-R) faces limitations in data throughput due to predefined Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate (AMBR) parameters, which can lead to deteriorated user experience for both the UE-R and relayed user communication devices, as these parameters may be insufficient to support both relayed and normal traffic, and prioritization of non-relayed traffic over relayed traffic.

Innovation Solution

A core network node generates distinct configuration data for AMBR settings based on whether the UE-R has an active relaying connection, adjusting the AMBR to account for both non-relayed and relayed data throughputs, ensuring fair and sufficient data usage by calculating updated AMBR parameters using specific equations that consider active access points and relayed data throughputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the UE-R prioritizes non-relayed traffic over relayed traffic, then the UE-R's own data throughput is improved, but the relayed user communication devices experience deteriorated user experience due to insufficient bit rates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE-R data throughputVSAvoidrelayed traffic quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the AMBR parameter based on traffic type (relayed vs. non-relayed). The network node modifies the AMBR value assigned to the UE-R depending on whether the traffic is for the relay device itself or for relayed devices, enabling differentiated rate control that ensures sufficient bit rates for relayed traffic while maintaining UE-R productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic AMBR adjustment where the AMBR parameter is not fixed but changes based on real-time conditions. The network node continuously monitors traffic patterns and adjusts the AMBR parameter dynamically to balance between UE-R own traffic and relayed traffic, preventing both traffic types from being starved of resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the AMBR parameter is increased to support both relayed and normal traffic, then the data throughput for both traffic types is improved, but the network fairness deteriorates as general AMBR values must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal data throughputVSAvoidnetwork fairness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different AMBR parameter values to different traffic types (local quality differentiation). Instead of uniformly increasing AMBR for all traffic, the system applies specific AMBR values tailored to whether traffic is relayed or non-relayed, ensuring each traffic type receives appropriate resources without compromising overall network fairness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments traffic into distinct categories (relayed traffic and non-relayed traffic) and applies separate AMBR parameter control to each segment. This segmentation allows the network to manage resources independently for each traffic type, improving total throughput while maintaining fairness through differentiated parameter assignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the AMBR parameter remains at predefined values, then the network configuration simplicity is maintained, but traffic discard occurs due to insufficient bit rates for relayed devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoiddata throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary determination of traffic type (relayed or non-relayed) before rate enforcement. By identifying the traffic type in advance, the system can apply the appropriate AMBR parameter proactively, preventing traffic discard due to insufficient bit rates while maintaining straightforward configuration through automated classification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2954726B1Communication system
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 NEC CORP
  • EP2954726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2954726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2954726B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication system (1) is disclosed in which a core network node (11) generates configuration data including a first parameter for controlling data throughput (such as an aggregate maximum bit rate value) for a relaying user device (3-2) in dependence on whether or not the relaying user device (3-2) has a relaying connection with another user communication device (3-1, 3-3). The core network node (11) transmits the generated configuration data to another network node (5, 14) for managing communications with the relaying user device (3-2).