Network Controller Orchestrates Private LTE Offload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Private LTE/5G networks using the CBRS frequency band face challenges in maintaining quality of service during forced offloading due to higher priority users, requiring a method to ensure uninterrupted and deterministic performance for user equipment devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that orchestrates the offloading of user equipment devices from a private radio network by analyzing performance impact and prioritizing devices based on their requirements, using a network architecture that includes a Spectrum Access System, network controller, and software modules for data collection, analytics, and stage orchestrator to manage the offloading process within a 300-second timeframe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are offloaded from the CBRS private network to free spectrum for higher priority users, then spectrum availability for priority users is improved, but service continuity and quality of service for offloaded devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of device performance parameters and operational characteristics before offloading occurs. The network controller collects data on throughput, latency, and application requirements, then pre-determines offloading strategies and target networks for each device, ensuring service continuity is maintained throughout the transition process
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller acts as an intermediary between the CBRS private network and external networks (public LTE/5G, Wi-Fi). It orchestrates the offloading process by selecting appropriate target networks based on device requirements, managing handover procedures, and ensuring seamless connectivity transition, thereby maintaining service reliability during spectrum reallocation
2Productivity
If all devices are offloaded simultaneously to free CBRS spectrum quickly, then offload speed is improved, but performance degradation and service disruption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the offloading process into distinct phases: data collection phase, analysis phase, decision phase, and execution phase. Within the execution phase, devices are further segmented into priority groups based on their performance parameters and application requirements, allowing staged offloading rather than simultaneous termination, thus maintaining service quality while achieving timely spectrum release
Solution Approach 2:
The offloading strategy is dynamically adjusted based on real-time analysis of device performance data. The network controller continuously monitors throughput, latency, and application requirements, then adapts offloading decisions and timing for each device individually, optimizing the balance between offload speed and service quality maintenance
3Adaptability or versatility
If performance data is collected and analyzed for each device, then offloading optimization is improved, but system complexity and processing overhead worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller is designed as a multi-functional system that performs spectrum management, device monitoring, data analysis, decision-making, and orchestration of offloading procedures. By consolidating these functions in a single controller, the system achieves sophisticated offloading optimization without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes existing network infrastructure and protocols to collect performance data from devices during normal operation. The network controller processes this data using analytical algorithms to automatically generate offloading decisions, reducing the need for additional complex hardware or manual intervention while maintaining high-level optimization
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided in which devices vulnerable to performance degradation during a network offload process are identified and handled accordingly. In these methods, a network controller obtains data associated with operational performance of devices in a radio network during one or more offload procedures in which the devices are to be transitioned off of the radio network. The network controller further analyzes the data to determine impact to at least one performance parameter of the devices during the one or more offload procedures, and during a subsequent offload procedure, the network controller orchestrates offloading of the devices according to the impact determined to the at least one performance parameter based on the analyzing.