Macro Node Data Offload Control via Small Cell Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless access service providers face challenges in meeting capacity demands in high-user-density regions due to limitations in small cell performance, such as congestion and poor link quality, which can lead to degraded data communication.
Innovation Solution
A method where a macro wireless access network node receives feedback information from small cells regarding radio resource usage, buffer conditions, and link quality, allowing it to control data offload by pausing, reducing, or rerouting data communication to maintain optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data offload to small cells is performed to increase capacity, then data communication capacity is improved, but small cell congestion and poor link quality occur leading to degraded communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the small cell sends feedback information (including buffer status, radio resource usage, and link quality) to the macro cell. The macro cell uses this feedback to dynamically adjust data offload decisions, pausing or resuming offload based on current small cell conditions. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by enabling capacity optimization while maintaining communication quality through continuous monitoring and adaptive control.
2Productivity
If data offload to small cells is performed to meet capacity demands, then data communication capacity is improved, but small cell congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the small cell proactively report buffer status and resource availability to the macro cell before congestion occurs. The macro cell uses this advance information to prevent offload to congested small cells, thereby avoiding the harmful effect of congestion while still maintaining high data communication capacity through selective offload to available small cells.
3Reliability
If data offload control is implemented to maintain small cell performance, then communication quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the small cell to autonomously monitor its own buffer status, radio resource usage, and link quality, then report this information to the macro cell. The macro cell uses this self-reported data to make offload decisions without requiring complex centralized control or intricate coordination protocols. This self-service approach maintains communication quality while minimizing system complexity by leveraging the small cell's own monitoring capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first wireless access network node receives feedback information from a second wireless access network node that performs data offload for the first wireless access node. The feedback information relates to one or more of a radio resource usage, a buffer condition, a hardware resource usage or a link quality. In response to the feedback information, the first wireless access network node performs control of the data offload.