eNodeB Scheduling for On-Time Throughput in Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-tier, multi-RAT heterogeneous networks, existing algorithms for assigning user equipment (UEs) to radio access technologies (RATs) do not account for time-sensitive applications, leading to delayed data packet delivery and reduced quality of service (QoS), especially when estimating on-time throughput is challenging across different RATs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing UE-based and eNodeB-assisted techniques to partition UEs between multiple RATs, such as Wi-Fi and LTE, by scheduling measurement periods and generating estimates of on-time throughput based on actual transmissions, ensuring data arrives before a delay threshold and at a target bit-rate, thereby optimizing on-time throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing algorithms are used to assign UEs to RATs based on throughput, then throughput is maintained at acceptable levels, but time-sensitive applications suffer from delayed packet delivery and QoS degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the assignment criterion from throughput-only to a composite parameter that includes both throughput and delay metrics. The base station now considers delay measurements from UEs alongside throughput data when making RAT assignment decisions, transforming the single-parameter optimization into a multi-parameter optimization that simultaneously addresses both throughput and QoS requirements for time-sensitive applications.
2Measurement precision
If on-time throughput metrics are determined using quality feedback indicators and UE load, then accurate metrics are obtained for some RATs, but metrics become difficult to obtain for other RATs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement approach where delay metrics are collected from UEs regardless of which RAT they are using. The base station receives delay measurements from UEs on different RATs and processes them through a unified algorithm to generate on-time throughput metrics. This multi-functional approach allows the system to obtain accurate on-time throughput metrics across diverse RAT types including Wi-Fi, LTE, and other wireless technologies.
3Device complexity
If UEs are assigned to RATs without considering time-sensitivity, then algorithm complexity is reduced, but data packets arrive after delay limits and are discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having UEs measure and report delay metrics to the base station before final RAT assignment decisions are made. The base station proactively collects delay measurements from UEs on different RATs and uses this advance information alongside throughput data to make informed assignment decisions. This preliminary measurement and reporting phase enables the system to prevent time-sensitive packet loss before it occurs, rather than reacting after delays have already happened.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and devices for optimizing on-time throughput in a wireless network. An enhanced node B (eNodeB) integrating two or more air interfaces schedules transmissions, for a measurement period, over at least one of the two or more air interfaces. The eNodeB estimates, based on the transmissions, a metric of on-time throughput for the user equipment (UE) within the cell, where on-time throughput is a measure of an amount of data that arrives at a destination before a delay threshold has been reached and at a bit-rate greater than or equal to a target bit-rate. The eNodeB then assigns UEs within the cell to an air interface of the two or more air interface to maximize the metric of on-time throughput for the UEs within the cell.