Network-Controlled Cell Reselection for Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile radio communications networks lack effective load sharing between Radio Access Technologies (RATs) while User Equipment (UE) is in an inactive/idle state, leading to inefficiencies and performance issues, particularly in mixed environments like GERAN/UTRAN and expected in future E-UTRAN deployments.
Innovation Solution
A method for network-controlled cell reselection using a load sharing priority key that is broadcast within system information and processed with a cell-specific offset parameter, eliminating the need for dedicated RRC signaling, allowing for UE-specific offset calculation and subscriber differentiation during registration and re-registration procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UE-controlled cell reselection procedures operate independently without network control in idle mode, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but load sharing capability between different RATs deteriorates and system performance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-controlled offset parameter that modifies the cell reselection criteria. The network can dynamically adjust reselection offsets for different RATs based on load conditions, enabling load sharing while maintaining UE-controlled reselection. This changes the reselection parameter (offset) to achieve both ease of operation and improved load sharing.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated RRC signaling is used to provide UE-specific offset parameters, then subscriber differentiation and load sharing precision are improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the delivery of UE-specific offset parameters with existing system information broadcasting mechanisms. Instead of using separate dedicated RRC signaling, the offset parameters are combined with broadcast system information, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining subscriber differentiation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system information broadcast is made multi-functional by incorporating both general cell reselection parameters and UE-specific offset parameters for load sharing. This allows a single broadcasting mechanism to serve multiple purposes: general mobility control and subscriber-specific traffic steering.
3Extent of automation
If load sharing control is only available when UE is in connected state, then network control capability is improved, but productivity and system efficiency deteriorate due to inability to manage idle mode traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the network to perform preliminary load sharing control actions while UEs are in idle mode. By providing offset parameters in system information, the network pre-configures reselection behavior before UEs enter connected state, allowing proactive load management and improving overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of providing load sharing through network controlled cell reselection in a mobile radio communications network, including delivering an offset parameter to User Equipment within the network for biasing the said reselection, the method further including the step of broadcasting the offset parameter to the User Equipment within system information and so as to be cell-specific, further delivering load-sharing-priority-keys and subsequently processing the offset parameter with the load-sharing-priority-keys so as to become User Equipment specific.