Dynamic Load Balancing in Non-Standalone Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high capital investment required for standalone 5G deployments and the need for efficient load management in non-standalone 5G cellular networks to balance traffic and reduce operational costs for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
Innovation Solution
A method and network node configuration that dynamically switches User Equipment (UE) between different non-standalone deployment modes based on load thresholds, adjusting the handling of control and user plane traffic between 4G and 5G base stations and core networks to optimize resource utilization and reduce load on overloaded components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standalone 5G deployment is implemented, then full 5G benefits and network performance are achieved, but capital expenditure and deployment cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic deployment mode switching between NSA Option 3 and NSA Option 7 based on real-time load conditions. The network can transition from EPC-based control plane (Option 3) to 5GC-based control plane (Option 7) to balance performance and cost, allowing operators to optimize between full 5G capabilities and reduced capital expenditure requirements
2Device complexity
If non-standalone deployment with EPC is used, then capital expenditure is reduced, but control plane traffic handling capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches control plane architecture from EPC to 5GC based on traffic load thresholds. When load exceeds threshold, the network transitions from NSA Option 3 (EPC-based) to NSA Option 7 (5GC-based), enabling the control plane to scale with demand while maintaining cost efficiency during lower load periods
3Ease of operation
If all UEs are connected in the same non-standalone mode, then network configuration is simplified, but load balancing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different deployment modes (NSA Option 3 or Option 7) to different UEs based on their specific load conditions and service requirements. The network node determines individual UE deployment modes dynamically, allowing localized optimization of control plane traffic routing while maintaining overall network simplicity through standardized switching mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a method of balancing load in a cellular telecommunications network, the cellular telecommunications network having a first transceiver, a second transceiver, a first core network and a plurality of User Equipment (UE) the method including connecting a UE of the plurality of UEs to the first transceiver and second transceiver in a first non-standalone deployment mode in which the UE communicates control plane traffic and user plane traffic with the first transceiver and communicates user plane traffic only with the second transceiver; monitoring a load of one of more of the first transceiver, second transceiver and the first core network; determining whether the load satisfies a trigger threshold; and, if it does, responding by, connecting the UE to the first transceiver and second transceiver in a second non-standalone deployment mode in which the UE communicates control plane traffic and user plane traffic with the second transceiver and communicates user plane traffic only with the first transceiver.