eNB-WLAN Interface for Coordinated Radio Resource Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular and WLAN networks operate separately, lacking effective coordination and control, which hinders optimal radio resource management and user experience, especially in integrated networks where handovers between different radio access technologies need to be seamless.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a direct communications interface between access nodes operating under different radio access technologies, such as eNBs and WLAN APs, to enable the retrieval and coordination of radio resource management information, allowing for informed steering decisions and dynamic control of radio resources, including handover management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If cellular and WLAN networks operate separately without integration, then each network can be managed independently with simpler control, but radio resource management efficiency deteriorates and user experience suffers in integrated network scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a direct communication interface (X2-WLAN) between eNB and WLAN AP that acts as an intermediary channel. This interface enables direct exchange of resource management information without requiring complex core network involvement, thus improving RRM efficiency while keeping control mechanisms relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control planes of cellular and WLAN networks by establishing direct communication between eNB and WLAN AP. This combination allows coordinated resource management across different radio access technologies, improving overall network efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Productivity
If a direct communication interface is established between eNB and WLAN AP for coordinated resource management, then radio resource management efficiency improves through better information exchange, but device complexity increases due to additional interface and protocol requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The X2-WLAN interface is designed to handle multiple functions including resource management information exchange, handover coordination, and interference management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each function, thereby improving RRM efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes existing message structures and protocols from the X2 interface and adapts them for WLAN integration. By reusing and modifying existing parameters and message formats rather than creating entirely new protocols, the interface achieves efficient resource management while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If resource management information is exchanged between eNB and WLAN AP, then handover performance improves with more accurate and timely information, but information loss is reduced only at the cost of increased communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The direct communication interface enables bidirectional feedback between eNB and WLAN AP regarding resource availability, channel conditions, and handover status. This feedback mechanism ensures that resource management information remains complete and up-to-date, improving handover reliability without significant information loss despite the additional communication overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure presents method, network nodes and computer program for improving a dual band user equipment, UE/STA, mobility from a first access node, e.g. an eNB, arranged to operate according to a first radio access technology to at least one second access node, e.g. a WLAN AP, arranged to operate according to a second radio access technology. A communications interface is arranged for direct communication between the first access node and the respective second access node. The method, as performed in the first access node, comprises retrieving (S32) resource management related information of the second access node relevant for the user equipment UE/STA over the communications interface. Radio resources provided to the dual-mode user equipment, UE/STA, by both the first and the second access node, are coordinately controlled (S33), over the communications interface, based on the retrieved resource management related information and internal resource management related information for the first node.