Wireless Network Capacity via Dynamic Radio Access Technology Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication networks face capacity limitations and service interruptions as the number of connected devices increases, leading to undesirable user experiences, and existing expansion methods are costly and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow wireless devices to switch between first and second radio access technologies, with a controller node selecting an access node capable of using a second radio access technology and adjusting bandwidth allocation based on device and service requirements, enabling efficient resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If network infrastructure is expanded by deploying more carriers or purchasing additional hardware, then network capacity increases, but implementation cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidimplementation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of existing network infrastructure by dynamically adjusting radio access technology selection and bandwidth allocation. Instead of adding physical infrastructure, the system modifies communication parameters (RAT type, bandwidth allocation) to increase network capacity and reduce implementation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic management of communication links where the system continuously monitors network conditions and automatically adjusts the radio access technology and bandwidth allocation. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to changing demands without requiring physical expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If more hardware is deployed to increase network capacity, then network capacity improves, but implementation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidimplementation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing network infrastructure multi-functional by enabling access nodes to operate with different radio access technologies and dynamically allocate bandwidth. This allows a single piece of hardware to serve multiple functions and adapt to different network conditions, eliminating the need for additional specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves increased network capacity by changing operational parameters (RAT selection, bandwidth allocation) rather than adding hardware. This parameter-based approach increases capacity while avoiding the costs associated with manufacturing and deploying additional physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the number of simultaneous cellular communication links increases, then network capacity improves, but service interruptions occur due to hardware limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of simultaneous linksVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic monitoring and adjustment of communication links. The system continuously monitors network conditions and automatically manages active links to prevent overload, thereby maintaining service continuity while supporting more simultaneous connections through efficient resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor network status and adjust bandwidth allocation and radio access technology selection in real-time. This feedback loop allows the network to respond to changing conditions and prevent service interruptions before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3039905B1Method of reducing active cellular connections in a wireless network
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 SPRINT SPECTRUM LP
  • EP3039905B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3039905B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3039905B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method of providing wireless communications to a wireless device is provided. A scanning report can be received from each of a plurality of wireless devices (102, 104, 106) in communication with a first access node (108) using a first radio access technology. A second access node (110) can be selected from among one or more second access nodes to initiate communications with the first access node (108) over a communication link (128) based on the scanning report from each of the plurality of wireless devices (102, 104, 106). The plurality of wireless devices can be instructed to establish communications with the second access node (110) using a second radio access technology different from the first radio access technology. A bandwidth allocation of the communication link (128) can be adjusted based on the plurality of wireless devices.