Network Controller Configuring Access Devices for UE

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication technologies fail to flexibly establish data transmission or reception channels for user equipment (UE) based on its characteristics, leading to inefficient use of radio resources and suboptimal quality of service (QoS).

Innovation Solution

A network controller manages multiple access network devices, including macro and WiFi base stations, to configure appropriate radio resources for UE, enabling efficient data transmission or reception by determining the best access network device based on UE capabilities and service requirements, and facilitating peer-to-peer Wi-Fi communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UE selects radio resources based on general access procedures, then network access is achieved, but radio resources are wasted due to inability to flexibly establish channels according to UE characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in establishing data transmission channelsVSAvoidradio resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different access network devices (macro base station, WiFi base station, small base station) with different functions and characteristics to match specific UE requirements. Each access network device provides specialized service qualities, allowing UE to select the most appropriate device based on its specific service needs and characteristics, thereby avoiding waste of radio resources while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through the network controller's ability to dynamically configure and allocate different access network devices to UE based on real-time service requirements, UE characteristics, and network conditions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt flexibly to changing conditions and establish appropriate data transmission channels, preventing radio resource waste while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple access network devices supporting different standards are deployed, then radio resources become richer and coverage is extended, but the complexity of selecting and managing appropriate access devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage and radio resource availabilityVSAvoidaccess device selection and management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary between UE and multiple access network devices. The network controller manages the configuration and allocation of different access network devices (macro base station, WiFi base station, small base station), handling the complexity of device selection and coordination. This intermediary simplifies the UE's task to only needing to access the network controller, which then appropriately directs traffic to the most suitable access network device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network controller provides universal functionality by managing multiple types of access network devices with different characteristics and standards. It serves as a single point of contact for all UE access requests, regardless of which specific access network device would be most appropriate, thereby handling the complexity centrally while maintaining the benefits of having diverse access options available.

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

3Device complexity

If data transmission is routed through core networks, then network management is simplified, but communication delays increase and QoS deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork management simplicityVSAvoidcommunication delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network architecture by separating control plane functions (handled by the network controller) from user plane data transmission (handled directly between UE and access network devices). This segmentation allows control signaling to be managed centrally while data transmission occurs through optimized direct paths, reducing delays and improving QoS without sacrificing network management simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network controller performs preliminary configuration and setup actions, establishing appropriate data transmission channels and parameters before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary action includes configuring the UE and access network devices with necessary parameters for direct communication, ensuring that when data transmission occurs, it can proceed efficiently through the most appropriate path without delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3280186B1Communication method and device
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3280186B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3280186B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3280186B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a communication method and a device. A network controller receives a first message sent by a first access network device, where the first message is used to request the network controller to configure at least one access network device for first user equipment, to implement data transmission or reception between the first user equipment and the at least one access network device; the network controller configures a second access network device for the first user equipment. According to the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention, user equipment can select a more appropriate data channel for data transmission or reception.