Multi-band Scheduler Context Transfer for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless networks are limited in their ability to effectively utilize multiple frequency bands, leading to inefficiencies in coverage and data transmission across different frequency ranges.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a multi-band wireless network architecture that allows wireless nodes to transmit and receive signals across multiple frequency bands, using a multi-band scheduler to balance traffic loads and perform context transfers between bands for improved coverage and quality of service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-band operation is implemented in wireless devices, then network coverage and service capability are improved, but device complexity and operational limitations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-band operation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-band operation by enabling wireless devices to function across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2.0 GHz, 3.5 GHz) using a unified device architecture. The base station and user equipment are designed with multi-band transceivers and controllers that can operate on different bands, allowing a single device to serve multiple frequency ranges without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each band, thus achieving universality while managing complexity.

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

2Reliability

If multiple frequency bands are used for data transmission, then network coverage and quality of service are enhanced, but traffic management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of serviceVSAvoidtraffic management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic traffic management through a multi-band scheduler at the base station that continuously monitors network conditions, user equipment capabilities, and quality of service requirements. The scheduler dynamically assigns data units to appropriate frequency bands based on real-time conditions, and performs context transfers when users move between bands. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high quality of service across multiple bands without requiring static, overly complex traffic management configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If context transfer between frequency bands is performed, then data transmission reliability is improved, but transmission time and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements context transfer mechanisms that prepare for band transitions in advance. When a user equipment is served on one frequency band, the base station maintains context information (data units, control data, transmission state) ready for potential transfer to another band. This preliminary preparation of context information allows for faster execution of context transfers when needed, reducing the actual time loss during band switching while maintaining data transmission reliability across frequency band transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3823335B1Context transfers and multi-band operation for wireless networks
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3823335B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3823335B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3823335B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, a corresponding apparatus and a computer program product are disclosed comprising: transmitting, from a wireless node, one or more first data units of a first data transmission queue via a first channel of a first frequency band of a plurality of frequency bands; selecting a second frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands; performing a context transfer at the wireless node from the first frequency band to the second frequency band; wherein the performing of the context transfer comprises reassigning or transferring of one or more subsequent data units and associated control data of the first data transmission queue to a second data transmission queue associated with the second frequency band; the reassigning or transferring of the one or more subsequent data units and associated control data comprising: providing an indication in a memory or in the data transmission queues that at least the one or more subsequent data units have been reassigned to the second frequency band., or transferring at least the one more subsequent data units of the first data transmission queue to a second data transmission queue associated with the second frequency band; and transmitting, from the wireless node, the one or more subsequent data units via the second channel of the second frequency band.