Dynamic Policy Control for Integrated Small Cell Wi-Fi Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated small cell/Wi-Fi network architectures lack dynamic management capabilities, failing to efficiently adapt to changing network conditions and reconcile conflicting management preferences among multiple actors, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and quality of service.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an integrated small cell/Wi-Fi policy function (ISW-PF) that collects network management parameters, observes local conditions, and dynamically adjusts configurations of small cells and Wi-Fi access points, including quality of service, transmit power, and offloading policies, to optimize network resource utilization based on current conditions and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static management configurations are used in integrated small cell/Wi-Fi networks, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates and resource utilization becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
An integrated small cell/Wi-Fi policy function (ISW-PF) is introduced as an intermediary component that collects network management parameters, observes local conditions, and dynamically adjusts configurations. This mediator handles the complexity of dynamic adaptation centrally, allowing individual network elements to remain relatively simple while achieving overall system adaptability through coordinated policy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic management by enabling the policy function to continuously monitor network conditions and automatically adjust configurations of small cells and Wi-Fi access points in real-time. This transforms the static management approach into a dynamic system that adapts to changing traffic patterns, congestion levels, and network conditions without requiring manual intervention.
2Productivity
If centralized control is implemented to dynamically manage network parameters, then resource allocation and quality of service are improved, but device complexity and control overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated small cell/Wi-Fi policy function serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects network management parameters from various sources, observes local network conditions, determines optimal configurations, and sends control commands to multiple network elements. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single versatile controller, improving resource allocation while managing complexity through functional integration.
3Productivity
If manual configuration management is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but responsiveness to network conditions and reconciliation of conflicting preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The policy function operates autonomously to self-manage network configurations by collecting parameters, observing conditions, and making adjustment decisions without manual intervention. This self-service capability enables rapid response to changing network conditions while automatically reconciling conflicting management preferences among different actors, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration while maintaining operational simplicity for network administrators.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments are described herein for controlling policy in integrated small cell and Wi-Fi networks (ISWNs). It is recognized herein that multiple actors within an ISWN may have needs or preferences that conflict with each other, and that the best way of reconciling those conflicting needs is not always to simply give one actor preference over another. As described herein, optimum management decisions may be dynamically based on current network conditions and preferences of multiple actors.