LTE Resource Management for CSFB Handover Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid wireless communication systems, there is a delay when a UE transitions back to the LTE network after using a legacy network for CSFB, as the LTE network needs to reallocate resources, and resources may be unnecessarily tied up if they are suspended instead of released, and there is a risk of retaining resources for areas where the LTE network has no coverage.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method to detect whether the UE has moved into a coverage area where the first access network has no corresponding coverage, and release resources accordingly, rather than waiting for a timer to expire, to conserve network resources and improve resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the LTE network suspends resources for a UE that transitions to legacy network for CSFB, then the UE can quickly resume service when returning to LTE, but the resources are unnecessarily tied up and cannot be allocated to other UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource management by transitioning from static suspension to conditional release. The network dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on real-time UE location and coverage availability, releasing resources when the UE moves to areas without LTE coverage while maintaining suspension in areas where LTE coverage exists. This resolves the contradiction by making resource management adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the network continuously monitors UE location and coverage status to determine appropriate resource management actions. This feedback loop allows the network to distinguish between UEs that need resource retention for quick resumption versus UEs that should have resources released to conserve network capacity, thereby resolving the contradiction between service resumption speed and resource utilization.
2Ease of operation
If the LTE network retains resources for a UE that transitions to legacy network, then the UE can quickly resume service, but resources are wasted when the UE moves to areas where LTE has no coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating resource management based on local coverage conditions. Instead of uniformly retaining resources for all UEs, the network assesses local LTE coverage availability in each UE's current and historical locations. Resources are retained only in areas where LTE coverage exists and released when the UE moves to coverage-less areas, eliminating resource waste while preserving quick resumption capability where applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively releasing resources before the UE actually needs to resume service, based on predicted movement patterns and coverage maps. The network anticipates when a UE will move to an area without LTE coverage and releases resources in advance, preventing waste while ensuring resources are available when the UE returns to covered areas. This resolves the contradiction by acting preemptively rather than reactively.
3Extent of automation
If the LTE network uses a timer to release resources after a fixed period, then resource management is automated, but delays occur when the UE returns to LTE network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static timer-based automation with dynamic coverage-based automation. Instead of uniformly waiting for a fixed timer period, the network dynamically determines resource retention based on real-time coverage status and UE location. This dynamic approach automatically releases resources when coverage is unavailable while maintaining retention when coverage exists, eliminating delays without sacrificing automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances automation through feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor UE location and coverage status. This feedback enables the network to automatically adjust resource allocation in real-time based on actual conditions rather than relying on fixed timers. The system automatically detects when a UE should have resources released or retained, eliminating transition delays while maintaining high levels of automation through intelligent decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and corresponding system to help manage resources in a wireless communication system. When a first access network has allocated a resource for use in serving a UE and the UE has then transitioned from being served by the first access network to being served by a second access network, a determination may be made that (i) the UE has then moved into particular coverage of the second access network and (ii) the first access network does not have a coverage area that corresponds with that particular coverage area of the second access network. In response, the first access network may then release the resource that it had allocated for use in serving the UE. In a scenario where the first access is configured to normally release the resource upon expiration of a resource-release timer, the release in response to the determination may advantageously occur before the timer expires.