Network Resource Adaptation for Planned Event Congestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing network resources in communication networks, particularly in 5G environments, are not granular enough to accurately predict and adapt to the increased demands during planned events, leading to potential network congestion.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine the number of expected users at a planned event, adapt available network resources based on user profiles, historical data, and real-time usage, and utilize predictive models to adjust resources proactively, ensuring efficient network utilization while avoiding congestion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing network resource management mechanisms are used, then network operations continue with standard resource allocation, but network congestion occurs during planned events due to insufficient predictive capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork adaptability to planned events
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the number of expected users at planned events in advance and proactively adapting network resources before the events occur. The system identifies upcoming events, predicts user attendance, and pre-allocates network resources to prevent congestion, rather than reacting to congestion after it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If network resources are increased for all users at all times, then network congestion is avoided, but network resource efficiency decreases due to over-provisioning during low-demand periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork congestion avoidanceVSAvoidnetwork resource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by dynamically adapting network resources based on predicted user demand at planned events. The system adjusts resource allocation in real-time according to the determined number of expected users, increasing resources during high-demand events and reducing allocations during normal periods, thereby maintaining both reliability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying network resource parameters (such as bandwidth allocation, connection capacity) based on the determined number of expected users. The system changes resource parameters proactively in response to predicted event attendance, optimizing network performance for anticipated demand while avoiding over-provisioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If reactive congestion handling methods are used, then network congestion is managed after occurrence, but user experience deteriorates due to delayed response and priority-based treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecongestion handling simplicityVSAvoidresponse time to congestion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for reactive congestion handling by performing preliminary actions - determining expected user numbers and adapting resources before events occur. This proactive approach prevents congestion before it impacts users, eliminating delays and the need for priority-based traffic management during congestion events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3994854B1Dynamic network resource availability for planned events
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3994854B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3994854B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3994854B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method for managing network resources of a communication network. The method comprising determining a number of expected users to be physically present at a planned event. The expected users are associated with a network operator. The method also comprises adapting an amount of available network resources for the network operator in conjunction with the planned event based on the number of expected users. Also disclosed herein is a computer program product, an apparatus and a control node.