Multi-RAT Scheduler for Volatile Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-RAT wireless communication networks, the volatility of user traffic and variability of radio resources pose challenges for efficient radio resource management, particularly in dense deployments where low-power RATs handle fewer flows, leading to unpredictable load and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing radio resources in multi-RAT wireless communication networks that involves creating incoming queues for mobile terminals, collecting queue information, defining system constraints, and executing a resource scheduling algorithm to allocate Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs), assign modulation levels, and activate/deactivate RATs dynamically based on instantaneous measurements and system constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spatial densification is implemented by deploying multiple low-power RATs, then the distance between users and RATs is shortened and quality of wireless links is improved, but the load each individual RAT has to manage becomes highly volatile and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple RATs (e.g., LTE and Wi-Fi) into a unified multi-RAT system where a single controller manages resource allocation across all RATs. This merging allows the system to aggregate capacity from multiple low-power RATs while maintaining centralized control, thereby reducing load volatility at each individual RAT and improving overall reliability through diverse transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the controller continuously adjusts PRB assignment, modulation levels, and RAT activation/deactivation based on real-time channel conditions and traffic demands. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to respond to volatile load conditions by redistributing traffic across available RATs, maintaining link quality while managing load volatility effectively.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If low-power RATs are deployed for spatial densification, then operational costs are lowered through aggressive energy-saving features, but the load each individual RAT has to manage becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scheduling where the controller allocates resources in discrete time intervals (TTIs - Transmission Time Intervals). Within each TTI, the controller assesses current load conditions and makes optimization decisions about PRB allocation and RAT activation. This periodic control mechanism allows low-power RATs to remain energy-efficient while the system as a whole handles unpredictable load through coordinated switching and resource redistribution across RATs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors channel conditions, queue states, and traffic demands from all RATs. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts resource allocation and RAT activation decisions. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain energy efficiency by keeping unused RATs deactivated while ensuring predictable load management through real-time adjustments based on actual system state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a resource scheduling algorithm jointly determines PRB allocation, modulation levels, and RAT activation, then flexible and adaptive control of radio resources is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that handles multiple functions including PRB allocation, modulation selection, power control, and RAT activation/deactivation decisions. Rather than having separate control mechanisms for each parameter, a single multi-functional scheduling algorithm manages all these aspects jointly. This universal approach increases adaptability by considering interactions between all parameters simultaneously while managing complexity through a unified control architecture rather than multiple independent systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing radio resources in a multiple radio access technology (multi-RAT) wireless communication network, which includes one or more orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA)-based base stations that implement different radio access technologies (RATs), includes the step of creating, for each of a plurality of mobile terminals, an incoming queue where data destined to the respective mobile terminal is buffered. Queue information of each mobile terminal is collected and provided to the multi-RAT wireless communication network. System constraints of the multi-RAT wireless communication network are defined and network constraint information is provided. Based on the queue information and the network constraint information, a resource scheduling algorithm is executed that jointly determines: an allocation of physical resource blocks (PRBs) to each link between a RAT and a mobile terminal, an assignment of modulation levels to each of the allocated PRBs, and an activation/deactivation of each of the RATs.