Mobile RAN Robot Workload Handover Under Backhaul Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Edge networks face reliability and performance issues due to intermediate nodes that can disconnect from servers, leading to degraded service quality and increased latency, especially for mobile devices that move out of range, and existing architectures either compromise on reliability or scalability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that can receive workloads from client devices, forward them when connected, and process locally if the backhaul connection fails, using virtual machines and containers, and a learning agent to identify new connection locations, maintaining quality of service agreements without central entity guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous mobile robots process workloads locally when backhaul connection fails, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the workload processing capability across multiple components: the AMR node contains virtual machine infrastructure and container environments, while the edge server provides backup processing capacity. This segmentation allows local processing when needed while maintaining overall system simplicity through distributed functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (virtual machine and container infrastructure) that enables the AMR node to act as both a mobile edge computing device and a local processing unit. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of dual-mode operation (connected vs. disconnected) from the core robot control system.
2Reliability
If autonomous mobile robots move to improve network connectivity, then service quality is maintained, but loss of time occurs during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the AMR node in locations with adequate signal strength before workload arrival. The learning agent continuously monitors signal conditions and proactively relocates the robot to optimal positions, preventing service degradation rather than reacting to it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic operation where the AMR node continuously adjusts its position based on real-time signal conditions and workload requirements. The system transitions between mobile and stationary modes, moving only when necessary to maintain service quality, thereby minimizing time loss while ensuring reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous mobile robots operate in areas of low signal strength, then adaptability is improved, but network reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The AMR node provides self-service by processing workloads locally using its onboard virtual machine and container infrastructure when backhaul connection is unavailable. This self-sufficiency mechanism allows the system to operate adaptively in low-signal areas while maintaining service reliability through local execution of critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically: when signal strength is adequate, the AMR node operates in connected mode with centralized control; when signal strength deteriorates, it transitions to disconnected mode with local processing. This parameter change enables operation across varying signal conditions while maintaining reliability through appropriate mode selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods are disclosed. A first example apparatus disclosed herein is an autonomous mobile radio access network (RAN) node that includes communication circuitry, instructions, and programmable circuitry to cause the communication circuitry to transmit a workload to a server via a network, initiate local processing of the workload after a loss of connectivity with the server, and move the autonomous mobile RAN node from a first location to a second location. A second example apparatus disclosed herein is an autonomous mobile RAN node that includes communication circuitry, instructions, and programmable circuitry to cause communication of a workload from a client device to a server to process the workload, identify a second location relative to a first location of the compute device based on network performance, and cause the autonomous mobile RAN node to move from the first location to the second location.