Multi-RAT Heterogeneous Carrier Aggregation Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current base stations face challenges in maximizing backhaul network capacity due to saturated connections, as these connections are shared among all devices and may not efficiently utilize multiple radio interfaces like LTE and Wi-Fi simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A network node with a routing module that receives network link capacity information and utilizes both LTE and Wi-Fi radios to provide increased throughput by routing packets through a virtual radio interface, enabling multi-RAT aggregation and disaggregation across multiple radio interfaces based on channel characteristics and quality of service requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If base stations use shared backhaul connections for all devices, then network infrastructure complexity is reduced, but backhaul network capacity becomes saturated and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backhaul connection into multiple independent radio interfaces (LTE and Wi-Fi radios) that can operate simultaneously. Each radio interface provides a separate backhaul path, dividing the single saturated connection into multiple parallel connections that collectively increase backhaul network capacity while maintaining manageable infrastructure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple radio interfaces (LTE and Wi-Fi) into a unified backhaul system that operates simultaneously. The base station combines the throughput of both radio interfaces to provide aggregated backhaul capacity, merging separate communication paths into a coordinated multi-RAT system that delivers enhanced network performance
2Productivity
If base stations equip multiple radio interfaces (LTE and Wi-Fi), then backhaul network capacity and throughput are increased, but device complexity and interference management become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual radio interface as an intermediary layer that manages traffic between the physical LTE and Wi-Fi radio interfaces. This virtual interface abstracts the complexity of multi-RAT management, providing a unified interface for packet routing while handling the coordination and interference management between different radio access technologies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic packet routing that adapts traffic distribution between LTE and Wi-Fi interfaces based on real-time channel characteristics and quality of service requirements. The routing module dynamically adjusts which radio interface handles which packets, optimizing performance while managing the complexity of multiple radio interfaces through adaptive, context-aware decision-making
3Productivity
If packets are routed through a virtual radio interface using multiple radio interfaces, then throughput is increased beyond single interface capability, but routing complexity and quality of service management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the routing parameters dynamically based on channel characteristics and quality of service class identifiers. The routing module adjusts traffic distribution parameters in real-time, changing which radio interface handles which packets based on current network conditions, QoS requirements, and channel quality metrics. This parameter-based dynamic routing increases throughput while managing routing complexity through systematic, rule-based decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
A network node for facilitating data transfer is disclosed, comprising: a routing module configured to receive network link capacity information; a first radio interference operating on a first radio access technology and coupled to the routing module; and a second radio interface operating on a second radio access technology and coupled to the routing module, wherein the routing module is configured to receive packets directed to a third virtual radio interface and route the packets to one or both of the first and the second radio interfaces to provide throughput at the third virtual radio interface that is greater than throughput available via either the first or the second radio interfaces independently.