Dynamic Load Balancing in Mobile Networks via Virtual Server Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile communication networks face congestion issues due to unpredictable traffic patterns, leading to inefficient facility use and difficulty in connecting communications during peak times, as facility design is typically based on average traffic estimates rather than peak demands, and the mobility of mobile communication terminals further complicates processing load distribution.

Innovation Solution

A control node and communication control method that dynamically allocates process resources across areas by utilizing a network manager to monitor and manage virtual call processing servers, allowing for the redistribution of processing loads between physical servers, including those in other areas, to ensure necessary resources are secured and facility use efficiency is maximized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If facilities are designed based on average traffic estimates, then facility cost is reduced, but congestion occurs during peak times causing communication connection difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefacility resourcesVSAvoidcommunication connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where virtual call processing servers are not statically assigned to physical servers but are dynamically migrated based on real-time traffic conditions. The load balancing apparatus continuously monitors traffic volumes and migrates virtual servers between physical servers to match actual demand, transforming the static facility design into a dynamic system that adapts to peak and off-peak conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Physical servers are designed to handle multiple functions by hosting different virtual call processing servers that can be migrated between them. Instead of dedicating specific physical servers to specific areas or functions, the system allows any physical server to host any virtual server, maximizing the utilization of existing facility resources across different traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If facilities are expanded to handle peak traffic, then communication connection reliability is improved, but facility use efficiency at non-busy times is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication connection reliabilityVSAvoidfacility use efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the allocation of virtual call processing servers to physical servers based on real-time traffic monitoring. During peak times, additional virtual servers are activated and migrated to physical servers with available capacity. During off-peak times, virtual servers are consolidated onto fewer physical servers, allowing those physical servers to remain available but not over-provisioned, thus maintaining reliability while improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple virtual call processing servers onto fewer physical servers during low-traffic periods. By consolidating virtual servers onto shared physical infrastructure, the system reduces the number of active physical servers needed, thereby improving facility use efficiency without compromising the ability to handle peak traffic when servers are redistributed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If virtual call processing servers are fixed in specific areas, then area-specific processing is optimized, but load balancing across the network is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea-specific processingVSAvoidload balancing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic migration of virtual call processing servers between physical servers located in different areas. The load balancing apparatus monitors traffic volumes across areas and migrates virtual servers from congested areas to areas with available capacity, enabling the system to maintain area-specific processing capabilities while achieving effective load balancing across the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The load balancing apparatus acts as an intermediary that manages the migration of virtual call processing servers between different geographical areas. It monitors traffic conditions across areas and coordinates the movement of virtual servers to balance loads, thereby decoupling the fixed physical infrastructure from the flexible service delivery and enabling both area-specific optimization and network-wide load balancing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2852202B1Apparatus and method for load balancing in a mobile communications network
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP2852202B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2852202B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2852202B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Process resources necessary for an area in a mobile communication network are secured and facility use efficiency is increased. A network manager 40 is included in a mobile communication system 1 including one or more virtual call processing servers 21 realized on any of one or more physical servers 20 in association with an area in which a mobile communication terminal 50 is present, and performing a communication process of the mobile communication terminal 50. The network manager 40 includes a detection unit 41 that detects processing load of a communication process of each physical server 20, a node generation unit 42 that generates a virtual call processing server 21 for each area that is realized on the physical server 20 based on the detected processing load of the communication process, and a control unit 43 that performs control to transmit a signal related to the communication process from the mobile communication terminal 50 to the virtual call processing server 21 generated in association with the area in which the mobile communication terminal is present.