Dynamic Traffic Channel Assignment Based on Network Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing channel assignment into soft handoff (CASHO) technique in wireless networks can lead to a scarcity of traffic channels during high traffic channel utilization, affecting call quality and user satisfaction, as it may not optimally manage traffic channel allocation based on network load and signal strength.
Innovation Solution
A Radio Access Network (RAN) dynamically adjusts the number of traffic channels assigned to a wireless communication device (WCD) during call establishment by considering aggregate traffic channel utilization and signal strength across multiple wireless coverage areas, selecting a first or second extent of channels based on utilization thresholds and signal strength criteria to balance network load and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple traffic channels are assigned to a WCD during call establishment (CASHO), then initial call quality is improved, but traffic channel scarcity occurs during high utilization periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of traffic channels assigned during CASHO based on real-time aggregate traffic channel utilization measurements. When utilization is below a threshold, more channels are assigned to improve call quality; when utilization exceeds the threshold, fewer channels are assigned to preserve availability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining high call quality and ensuring channel availability under varying network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of traffic channel assignment quantity based on the measured aggregate traffic channel utilization. By monitoring utilization metrics and adjusting the number of assigned channels accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between call quality and resource availability, transforming a static assignment approach into a variable one that responds to network state.
2Quantity of substance
If traffic channel utilization is reduced during heavy load, then channel availability is improved, but initial call quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different traffic channel assignment strategies to different WCDs based on local network conditions. Each WCD receives a number of channels appropriate to the current aggregate utilization level, allowing the system to optimize overall network performance by distributing resources according to actual demand and availability rather than applying a uniform assignment policy.
3Productivity
If aggregate traffic channel utilization measurement is used for channel assignment, then network load balancing is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RAN component performs multiple functions: it measures aggregate traffic channel utilization, determines whether utilization exceeds a threshold, and assigns appropriate numbers of traffic channels to WCDs. By consolidating these related functions into a single integrated process, the system achieves effective load balancing without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same infrastructure supports measurement, evaluation, and decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple traffic channels may be assigned to a wireless communication device (WCD) at the beginning of the call in order to improve initial call quality. However, doing so when traffic channels are scarce can lead to traffic channel overuse. Therefore, methods, devices, and systems for assigning multiple traffic channels to a WCD based on traffic channel utilization are presented. During call establishment, a radio access network (RAN) may assign fewer traffic channels to a WCD when traffic channel utilization is high. On the other hand, the RAN may assign more traffic channels to the WCD when traffic channel utilization is low.