Network Component Selection Using Link Load Analytics

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication networks like 5G, load distribution can become skewed, leading to computational resource scarcity in some components while others remain underutilized, as existing methods lack effective load balancing strategies for selecting network components.

Innovation Solution

A communication network arrangement and method that utilize link load analytics information to select network components, where an analytics component, such as the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), collects and provides load information to help the first network component choose a second network component based on link loads, ensuring balanced resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple network components provide the same service, then service availability is improved, but load distribution becomes skewed causing resource scarcity in some components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidload distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network components report their load status and service quality metrics back to the selection entity. This feedback loop enables the selection entity to make informed decisions about load distribution, selecting components based on real-time load information and service quality data to achieve balanced resource utilization while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the selection parameters from static availability checks to dynamic load-aware selection. By introducing load information as a selection criterion and adjusting selection weights based on service quality metrics, the system transitions from simple component availability-based selection to intelligent load-balancing selection that prevents resource scarcity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If existing selection methods are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but effective load balancing cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection method complexityVSAvoidload balancing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary selection entity that mediates between service consumers and network components. This intermediary collects load information from multiple components, processes selection criteria, and makes informed selection decisions. The intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex selection logic and providing a manageable interface for load-aware component selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If link load analytics are collected and used for selection, then load balancing is improved, but information collection and processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload balancingVSAvoidanalytics collection and processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the analytics component multi-functional by having it serve multiple purposes: collecting link load information, processing selection criteria, providing load-aware selection recommendations, and enabling both service consumer and network operator decision-making. This universal component reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single versatile element.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4135413B1Communication network arrangement and method for selecting a network component
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4135413B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4135413B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4135413B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a communication network arrangement is described comprising a first network component and a group of second network components, wherein each second network component provides multiple links wherein the first network component is configured to select a second network component from the group of second network components based on information depending on link loads of the links provided by the second network components.