Inter-RAT Measurement Reporting for LTE-HSPA Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing connection handling and resource allocation when deploying multiple radio access technologies, such as LTE and HSPA, due to limited spectrum and the need for balanced peak data rates and load balancing, which leads to performance imbalances and congestion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing new inter-RAT measurement events that allow user equipment to report signal strength measurements across different radio access technologies, enabling network nodes to make informed decisions about serving cell changes and resource allocation between primary and secondary RATs, thereby supporting efficient connection handling and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spectrum is divided between HSPA and LTE, then both technologies can be deployed, but peak data rates are limited to around 50 Mbps each
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements carrier aggregation where a mobile terminal combines multiple carriers from different RATs (HSPA and LTE) to form an aggregated carrier. This allows the terminal to aggregate resources across technologies, achieving higher peak data rates than individual carriers can provide while maintaining deployment flexibility. The network node manages this aggregation by receiving measurement reports and controlling serving cell changes between RATs.
2Power
If HSPA carriers are allocated more bandwidth, then peak data rate for HSPA is improved, but LTE carriers experience congestion and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement event configuration where the network node can dynamically adjust measurement criteria for different RATs based on current network conditions. The system dynamically manages serving cell changes and carrier aggregation based on real-time signal strength measurements, allowing flexible resource allocation that adapts to changing traffic patterns and network conditions to prevent congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the mobile terminal reports measurement events (signal strength, carrier information) to the network node, which then uses this feedback to make informed decisions about serving cell changes and resource allocation. This closed-loop feedback system enables the network to balance loads between HSPA and LTE carriers effectively.
3Power
If LTE carriers are allocated more bandwidth, then LTE peak data rate is improved, but HSPA carriers experience congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages carrier aggregation and serving cell selection based on real-time network conditions. The network node can dynamically adjust which carriers are active and how resources are allocated between HSPA and LTE, allowing the system to adapt to changing traffic patterns and prevent congestion on any single carrier type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as measurement event thresholds, carrier aggregation configurations, and serving cell selection criteria based on network conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can optimize performance for both HSPA and LTE carriers and prevent congestion on either technology.
4Ease of operation
If measurement events are configured for both primary and secondary RATs, then connection handling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement event framework that can be applied across multiple RATs (HSPA and LTE) using similar measurement principles and procedures. The network node uses the same basic measurement event mechanism for both primary and secondary RATs, reducing the need for completely separate measurement systems and simplifying the overall architecture despite the multi-RAT capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method implemented in a user equipment 4 of a communication network 1 for reporting inter-radio access technologies measurements. The communication network 1 comprises a first radio access technology system 2 and a second radio access technology system 3. The user equipment 4 is connected to a primary serving cell of the first radio access technology system 2 and a secondary serving cell of the second radio access technology system 3. The method comprises: performing 110 signal strength measurements in the first radio access technology system 2; performing 120 signal strength measurements in the second radio access technology system 3; determining 130, 145, 230, 240, based on the signal strength measurements, whether a criterion for a measurement event relating to the second radio access technology system 3 is fulfilled, and transmitting 150, for a fulfilled criterion, a corresponding measurement report to the communication network 1. The invention also relates to a user equipment, network node and methods in a network node.