Multipath Traffic Distribution Controller for Hybrid Access Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic distribution control methods in hybrid access networks face challenges in achieving high reliability and low latency, as they require network performance indicators from operators, which are not always available, and handovers can lead to significant latency interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method where a multipath traffic distribution controller in higher layers of a device, such as a UE or IoT device, uses direct communication methods to control traffic distribution by acquiring and evaluating radio mobility level information from integrated or attached modems, allowing for efficient subflow management without relying on network operator-provided metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network performance indicators are exposed to traffic distribution controller, then traffic distribution efficiency is improved, but network complexity and operator commitment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device autonomously measures and evaluates radio mobility level information using its own modems and processing capabilities, without requiring network operators to expose performance indicators. The device independently determines subflow changes and manages traffic distribution, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on network-provided metrics.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic distribution control functionality is extracted from the network domain and relocated to the device domain. By taking out the control logic from network infrastructure and embedding it in device higher layers, the invention eliminates the need for network operator commitment and indicator exposure, while maintaining efficient traffic distribution.
2Reliability
If handover is performed to maintain connectivity, then network availability is improved, but latency interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device proactively monitors radio mobility level information and evaluates potential subflow changes before handover becomes necessary. By detecting mobility events in advance and preemptively adjusting traffic distribution, the system prepares alternative paths or configurations, thereby avoiding the latency interruptions associated with reactive handover execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors radio mobility level information from modems and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust traffic distribution. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to changing radio conditions in real-time, maintaining connectivity and optimizing performance without triggering unnecessary handovers that would cause latency interruptions.
3Reliability
If multiple access networks are combined for hybrid access, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The higher layer traffic distribution controller is designed to work universally with multiple communication methods and access networks (3GPP and non-3GPP). By creating a unified control mechanism that can handle diverse network types through a common interface and evaluation framework, the invention enables hybrid access without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the traffic distribution control into modular components: information acquisition from modems, evaluation by higher layer controller, and subflow management. This segmentation allows each component to be independently implemented and optimized, reducing overall device complexity while supporting multiple access networks for improved reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus which is able to communicate based on at least two communication methods, wherein each communication method is configured to communicate with access networks by using at least one subflow, acquires (S41) information from at least one of the communication methods for at least one of the subflows and provides (S42) the information to a subflow control entity at a higher layer of the apparatus. Based on the information, the subflow control entity evaluates (S43) whether a change will occur in the at least one of the subflows. In case the change is evaluated to occur in the at least one of the subflows, the subflow control entity evaluates (S44) when the change will occur, and evaluates (S45) whether the change evaluated to occur impacts a specific requirement of delivering packets by using the at least one of the subflows. In case the change is evaluated to impact the specific requirement, the subflow control entity changes (S46) usage of the subflows for delivering packets.