Network Node Radio Resource Removal Based on Empty Data Flow Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for managing inactive User Equipments (UEs) in wireless communication networks are time-based and fail to adapt to varying traffic patterns, leading to inefficient radio resource utilization and poor performance, as all UEs are treated equally and additional resources are often allocated to the wrong users, resulting in underutilization and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A network node estimates a prediction of forthcoming empty data flows based on measured data flows and determines a threshold related to the number of UEs, dynamically deciding whether to remove allocated radio resources, thereby improving resource allocation and reducing power consumption by prioritizing non-empty flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If time-based methods are used to manage inactive UEs, then resource management is simplified, but radio resource utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the management parameter from time-based to traffic-pattern-based. The network node monitors data flow characteristics and identifies UEs with consistently low or zero traffic, then transitions these UEs to a reduced resource allocation state. This parameter change enables more efficient radio resource utilization by adapting to actual traffic needs rather than using fixed time thresholds.
2Device complexity
If additional radio resources are allocated to all UEs equally, then resource allocation is simplified, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating resource allocation based on individual UE traffic characteristics. Instead of uniform allocation, the network node identifies specific UEs with low traffic patterns and applies reduced allocation only to those cases. This enables precise resource optimization where resources are maintained for active UEs while being released from inactive ones, reducing overall waste without complicating the general allocation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation that adapts to changing traffic patterns. The network node continuously monitors data flows and adjusts resource allocation in real-time based on observed patterns. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond to varying UE needs, maintaining resources when necessary and releasing them when traffic becomes consistently low, thereby reducing waste while preserving service quality.
3Measurement precision
If UEs are monitored continuously for activity, then resource management accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring instead of continuous monitoring. The network node checks data flow activity at regular intervals and identifies UEs with consistently low or zero traffic over multiple measurement periods. This periodic approach maintains sufficient detection accuracy to identify inactive UEs while significantly reducing the energy consumption associated with constant monitoring, as the network node can enter lower-power states between measurement intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a network node for managing a radio resource between the network node and a first User Equipment, in a wireless communications network is provided. The network node serves a number of UEs, comprising the first UE and one or more second UEs. The first UE has a radio resource allocated for communication between the first UE and the network node. The network node estimates (203) a prediction of a forthcoming empty data flow related to the allocated radio resource, based on a measured data flow between the network node and the first UE. The network node further determines (205) a threshold related to the prediction, based on a measured data flow between the network node and the number of UEs. The network node then decides (206) whether or not to initiate a removal of the radio resource allocated to the first UE based on whether or not the prediction exceeds the threshold.