Network Slice Bias Optimization for Heterogeneous Cell Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous cellular networks with multi-RAT (multi-Radio Access Technologies), existing handoff mechanisms, such as CRE, lead to a degradation of the signal-to-noise plus interference ratio (SNIR) and fail to efficiently manage diverse quality of service (QoS) requirements for various use cases in 5G networks, including ultra-reliable low-latency communications and massive machine-type communications.
Innovation Solution
A method for associating a mobile terminal with cells in a cellular network that involves determining bias values to maximize quality of service metrics, allowing the terminal to choose between different types of cells based on received power and specific QoS constraints, ensuring optimal association with either macro or small cells, or sub-6 GHz or millimeter wave bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional handoff mechanisms like CRE are used to transfer users from macrocells to small cells, then cell load balancing is improved, but the SNIR at the terminal degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the bias value (offset) in the handoff decision criterion based on terminal category and QoS requirements. Instead of using a fixed bias value as in conventional CRE, the system modifies the handoff threshold parameter to differentiate between various terminal types and service requirements, thereby optimizing both load balancing and SNIR for different scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the handoff bias value adaptive rather than static. The bias value changes dynamically based on the terminal's category, QoS requirements, and network conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize handoff decisions in real-time, improving both load distribution and signal quality according to specific operational contexts
2Device complexity
If a single handoff mechanism is used for all terminals, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to manage diverse QoS requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the handoff bias value to specific terminal categories and QoS requirements rather than applying a uniform mechanism to all terminals. Each terminal type or service category receives a customized bias value appropriate to its specific needs, allowing differentiated QoS management while maintaining a relatively simple overall mechanism structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to manage diverse QoS requirements by adjusting the bias value parameter based on terminal category and service type. This approach allows the system to handle different QoS scenarios (e.g., URLLC, eMBB, mMTC) by modifying the handoff threshold parameter, providing versatility without requiring fundamentally different mechanisms for each case
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for associating a mobile terminal with a cell in a cellular network comprising at least cells of a first type and cells of a second type distinct from the first. Network slices are instantiated from the physical network resources, each slice being associated with a quality of service class defined by a set of constraints on quality of service metrics (110). The network determines sets of bias values that allow each slice to satisfy the constraints in question (120) and deduces an optimal bias value that maximizes a target function associated with that slice (130). The mobile terminal wishing to associate with the network and benefit from a given service class uses the bias value corresponding to that class to decide between associating with a cell of the first type or a cell of the second type (140-160).The present invention is particularly applicable to 5G generation multi-RAT HetNets networks.