Macro Node Data Rate Coordination for Dual-Connectivity QoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining quality-of-service (QoS) control and data rate control in wireless communications with user equipment (UEs) that have dual connections to both macro and small cells is challenging, particularly in enforcing data rate thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A macro wireless access network node sets and coordinates data rates with a local wireless access network node using proportional allocation of aggregate maximum bit rates (AMBR) based on APN-AMBRs, loading conditions, and traffic statistics to manage data communication between the UE and both network nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a UE is concurrently connected to both macro and small cells to increase data communication capacity, then the data communication capacity is improved, but the QoS control and data rate control become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS control function by introducing a dedicated QoS control node that operates independently from the data communication nodes. This QoS control node separately manages data rate thresholds and QoS parameters for each UE, allowing complex QoS control to be decoupled from the dual-connection data transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between increased capacity and control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The QoS control node acts as an intermediary between the UE and the network infrastructure. It receives QoS requirements, determines appropriate data rate thresholds, and communicates these constraints to the macro and small cells. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by centralizing QoS management rather than requiring each access node to independently handle complex QoS decisions
2Reliability
If data rate thresholds are enforced for UEs with dual connections, then QoS is maintained, but the coordination between multiple network nodes increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the QoS control node continuously monitors data communication rates for each UE and compares them against predetermined thresholds. When thresholds are exceeded or violated, the QoS control node adjusts data rate allocations and communicates updated constraints to the access nodes. This closed-loop feedback system ensures QoS reliability while automating the coordination process, reducing manual intervention complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes QoS parameters such as data rate thresholds, priority levels, and allocation ratios based on network conditions and UE requirements. The QoS control node adjusts these parameters in real-time to maintain reliability while adapting to changing traffic patterns, thereby managing coordination complexity through flexible parameter optimization rather than rigid fixed allocations
Data Source
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AI summary
A first wireless access network node sets a data rate for communication of data between a second wireless access network node and a user equipment (UE) that is concurrently connected to the first wireless access network node and the second wireless access network node. The first wireless access network node sends information relating to the data rate to the second wireless access network node for use by the second wireless access network node in controlling data communication between the second wireless access network node and the UE.