Multi-Access Resource Reservation for Call Blocking Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network architectures, such as 3GPP EPS, limit resource allocation to a single access technology at a time, leading to call blocking during high load situations in new networks with limited capacity, as they do not support simultaneous use of multiple accesses, which delays network revenue generation and increases operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that enable resource reservation across multiple access technologies by a resource reservation device and policy control node, which receive instructions to reserve dedicated resources and report the selected access that can support the requested resources, allowing for either sequential or parallel reservation strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If resource allocation is limited to a single access technology at a time, then network architecture complexity is reduced and control is simplified, but call blocking probability increases during high load situations in new networks with limited capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall blocking probabilityVSAvoidresource reservation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource reservation process by introducing a dedicated resource reservation device that operates independently from the policy control node. This device is specifically responsible for managing resources across multiple accesses, dividing the complex multi-access resource management into specialized components that handle different aspects separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resource reservation device acts as an intermediary between the policy control node and the multiple accesses. It receives resource allocation requests from the policy control node and manages the actual resource reservation across different accesses, shielding the upper layers from the complexity of multi-access resource management while enabling reliable call establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple access technologies are supported simultaneously, then network adaptability and service continuity are improved, but resource allocation complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-access support capabilityVSAvoidresource allocation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resource reservation device is designed as a universal component that can manage resources across multiple different access technologies (e.g., WLAN, cellular networks). It provides multi-functional capability to handle resource allocation, modification, and release requests regardless of which access technology is involved, enabling the system to support diverse accesses simultaneously.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The resource reservation device serves as an intermediary layer between the policy control node and various access technologies. It abstracts the complexity of different access-specific resource management mechanisms, presenting a unified interface to the policy control node while handling access-specific details internally, thus simplifying control despite supporting multiple accesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If resource reservation is attempted across multiple accesses, then call blocking probability is reduced and service reliability is improved, but the time and signaling overhead for resource allocation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidresource allocation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The resource reservation device performs preliminary resource checks and reservations across multiple accesses before final service establishment. By proactively identifying suitable accesses and reserving resources in advance, it prevents call blocking and service interruptions, ensuring service continuity while minimizing the time required during actual service deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the resource reservation device continuously monitors resource availability and allocation status across multiple accesses. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of resource allocation strategies, allowing the system to learn from previous allocations and optimize future decisions, thereby improving service reliability while reducing allocation time over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2491685B1Resource reservation in multiple accesses
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2491685B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2491685B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2491685B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for enabling resource allocation for a service data flow between a user equipment (14) and a gateway in a multiple access environment. The method comprises the steps of: - A resource reservation device (10,19) receives reservation instructions from a policy control node (13). The reservation instructions require dedicated access resources to be reserved for the service data flow. - The resource reservation device (10,19) reports the result of the resource reservation required by the reservation instructions to the policy control node (13). What particularly characterize the method are the steps of: - The resource reservation device (10,19) requests reservation of the resources required by the reservation instructions in a plurality of accesses (11,12). - The resource reservation device (10,19) reports the selected single access (11,12) that enables the requested resources to the policy control node (13). This is reported when the access (11,12) is selected.