Network Node Load Balancing for Cellular PS CS Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Combined cellular communication networks face challenges in providing reliable communication conditions for Packet Switched (PS) data while maintaining robustness for Circuit Switched (CS) data, especially with the emergence of heavy data usage and the need to prioritize PS services over CS services.

Innovation Solution

A method and network node configuration that monitor for congestion risks in PS data by tracking retransmissions and buffering delays, informing UEs, adjusting CS data communication settings, and reallocating transmission resources to ensure balanced resource utilization between PS and CS data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If PS services are prioritised over CS services to accommodate heavy data usage, then transmission capacity for PS data is improved, but reliability of CS communication deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission capacity for PS dataVSAvoidreliability of CS communication
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic load balancing that continuously monitors network conditions and automatically adjusts the allocation of transmission resources between PS and CS services. The network node dynamically changes communication settings for CS UEs based on real-time congestion levels, allowing the system to adapt resource distribution rather than using fixed prioritization rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes communication parameters (such as modulation schemes, coding rates, or resource allocation ratios) for CS services when congestion is detected. By adjusting these parameters, the system can reduce the resource consumption of CS traffic to make room for PS services while maintaining acceptable CS communication quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If CS services are prioritised over PS services, then reliability of CS communication is maintained, but transmission capacity for PS data deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of CS communicationVSAvoidtransmission capacity for PS data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static CS prioritization to dynamic resource allocation that responds to real-time network conditions. When PS traffic load is high, the system automatically adjusts to allocate more resources to PS services, thereby improving PS transmission capacity while maintaining CS reliability through parameter adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network node periodically monitors network congestion conditions and re-evaluates resource allocation between CS and PS services. This periodic assessment allows the system to switch resource distribution strategies based on current traffic patterns, ensuring PS services receive adequate capacity during high-data-usage periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If transmission resources are reallocated from CS to PS data during congestion, then transmission capacity for PS data is improved, but communication settings for CS data must be changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission capacity for PS dataVSAvoidcomplexity of communication settings adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network node automatically performs the complex task of adjusting CS communication settings without manual intervention. The system self-manages the parameter changes for CS UEs when resource reallocation is needed, using automated algorithms to determine appropriate setting adjustments based on congestion metrics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from congestion monitoring to trigger automatic adjustment of CS communication settings. When congestion indicators exceed thresholds, the feedback loop initiates parameter changes for CS services to free up resources for PS data, creating a closed-loop control system that manages complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If monitoring and control mechanisms are implemented to balance load, then transmission resource optimization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission resource optimizationVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring and control functions are integrated into the existing network node operations, allowing the system to self-manage load balancing without requiring separate complex control infrastructure. The network node uses its existing capabilities to monitor congestion and automatically adjust resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network node performs multiple functions including PS data transmission, CS data transmission, congestion monitoring, and automatic resource reallocation within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control mechanisms rather than requiring separate specialized components.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2661924B1Load balancing of data
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2661924B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2661924B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2661924B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and arrangement for controlling a balance between Packet Switched(PS) data, and Circuit Switched (CS) data in a cellular communication network. A network node is arranged in a cellular communication network to control communication of PS data between a first UE and a base station, and to control communication of CS data between a second UE and the base station. Both the first UE, the second UE and the base station are associated to the cellular communication network and are located in the cell. The network node comprises a controller 402 which is adapted to identify a risk of congested communication of data, and a transceiver 406 which is adapted to communicate PS data with the first base station, and to communicate CS data with the second base station. The controller is further adapted to request the second UE to change communication settings, and the controller is further adapted to reallocate transmission resources from the second UE, to the first UE.