Network-Controlled Network Selection for MTC Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular radio communications, particularly in LTE networks, Machine Type Communications (MTC) devices face challenges in selecting the optimal network for uplink communication due to differences in uplink and downlink channel quality, leading to congestion and inefficient load balancing, as they often select inappropriate networks, degrading overall system performance.
Innovation Solution
A radio network node estimates quality factors for both networks based on load, expected UE behavior, and uplink channel quality, determining network selection parameters to communicate to UEs, enabling them to select the best network for access, using parameters like power settings, back-off times, and thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If UEs select network based on downlink signal measurements, then downlink quality is optimized, but uplink communication quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network-configured parameters (such as offset values, thresholds, and selection criteria) as intermediaries that translate downlink measurements into uplink-oriented network selection decisions. These parameters act as a mediator between the UE's downlink capabilities and the network's uplink requirements, allowing the UE to select networks that optimize uplink performance based on network-provided guidance rather than raw downlink signal strength alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection parameters from pure downlink signal strength metrics to composite parameters that include network-configured offsets, thresholds, and uplink quality indicators. By modifying the selection criteria parameters, the system enables UEs to make network selection decisions that account for uplink quality differences between networks, even when downlink signals appear similar.
2Productivity
If network load balancing is implemented through UE instructions, then current network load is reduced, but network selection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network provides UEs with configured parameters based on current network conditions, load status, and uplink quality assessments. These feedback parameters (such as offset values and selection thresholds) continuously guide UE network selection decisions, ensuring that load balancing objectives are met while maintaining reliable network selection based on actual uplink communication requirements.
3Productivity
If MTC devices perform random access for each message, then message transmission is possible, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having UEs perform network selection and establish connections using network-configured parameters before message transmission occurs. This preliminary network selection process, guided by uplink quality parameters, ensures that UEs connect to networks with optimal uplink characteristics from the outset, reducing the need for retransmissions and additional signaling overhead for message delivery.
Data Source
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AI summary
A radio network node (12) communicates with user equipments, UEs, (10) over a radio interface and estimates one or more quality factors, associated with each of a first and second network, that depend on a load or an expected UE behavior or an uplink channel quality for one or both of first and second networks. The node (12) determines one or more network selection parameters based on the estimated one or more quality factors, and communicates the one or more network selection parameters to at least one UE (10) for enabling the UE to select one of the first and second networks for subsequent access by the at least one UE. The UE receives from the radio network node one or more network selection parameters. The UE uses the one or more network selection parameters to select one of first and second radio networks and then accesses the selected radio network.