M2M Communication Scheduling for Network Overload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network architectures face overloading issues due to synchronized resource requests from Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices, leading to inefficient resource usage and energy wastage, as they do not effectively manage traffic patterns or provide proactive scheduling, resulting in arbitrary 'back-off' times that do not consider network capacity or energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implement a communication scheduling method that determines scheduling priorities based on real-time resource utilization statistics and traffic patterns, allowing delay-tolerant M2M devices to be rescheduled to low-traffic time slots, thereby reducing overloading risks and energy consumption, and providing a priority system for network access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If M2M devices are allowed to request network access at any time, then network accessibility is improved, but network overload increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork accessibilityVSAvoidnetwork overload

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity proactively assigns communication time slots to M2M devices before they actually need to communicate. Based on historical traffic patterns and device behavior, the system predicts future communication needs and schedules them in advance during low-traffic periods, preventing congestion before it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling system dynamically adjusts communication time slots based on real-time network conditions and device behavior patterns. The network entity continuously monitors traffic patterns and modifies schedules to optimize resource utilization while preventing overload, making the system adaptable to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If network dimensioning is increased to handle peak traffic, then network capacity is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidnetwork cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system proactively schedules M2M communications during predicted low-traffic periods, allowing the network to operate at optimal capacity during peak hours without requiring excessive dimensioning. By pre-coordinating access times, the network can handle peak demand with existing resources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling system ensures continuous utilization of network resources by filling in communication slots during traditionally underutilized periods. This continuous optimization of resource usage reduces the need for peak-capacity dimensioning throughout the entire network infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If arbitrary back-off times are assigned to terminals, then network congestion is reduced, but signaling capacity is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecongestion controlVSAvoidsignaling capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of reactive back-off mechanisms, the system proactively assigns optimal communication times before congestion occurs. The network entity calculates and communicates scheduled access times to devices in advance, eliminating the need for repeated signaling attempts and back-off messages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network entity continuously monitors actual network conditions and device communication patterns, using this feedback to optimize future scheduling decisions. This closed-loop approach ensures congestion control while minimizing unnecessary signaling by adjusting schedules based on real performance data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If terminals continuously ping the network during back-off periods, then network access is ensured, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork accessVSAvoidterminal energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network provides proactive scheduling information to terminals in advance, allowing them to enter low-power states during scheduled idle periods. Devices know exactly when to wake and communicate, eliminating continuous pinging and enabling efficient power management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Terminals use the scheduled communication times provided by the network to autonomously manage their power states. Devices can independently transition to hibernation during unscheduled periods and wake only at assigned communication times, reducing energy consumption without requiring continuous network interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9220111B2Communication scheduling

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method and device for network communication request scheduling is presented. Example embodiments are directed towards the dynamic scheduling of communications based on real time network resource utilization and associated stored statistics.