Adaptive NR-LTE Leg Switching for Congestion-Aware Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in 5G networks face degradation in end-user throughput due to inappropriate switching between NR and LTE legs based solely on NR link quality, leading to poor performance when LTE networks are congested.
Innovation Solution
Implement adaptive communication channel leg switching by measuring and predicting throughput using machine learning models to determine optimal switching points between NR and LTE channels, considering LTE throughput and network conditions to maintain user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If switching between NR and LTE legs is based solely on NR link quality, then switching decisions are simple to make, but end-user throughput degrades when LTE network is congested
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by measuring both NR and LTE throughput continuously and using these measurements to dynamically adjust switching decisions. The network node monitors actual throughput performance on both legs and feeds this information back into the switching logic, enabling adaptive selection based on real-time network conditions rather than static link quality metrics alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the decision parameters from solely NR link quality metrics to a composite evaluation that includes both NR and LTE throughput measurements. By introducing throughput as a key parameter alongside traditional link quality indicators, the system can identify when LTE congestion occurs and make informed switching decisions that maintain user throughput even when one leg becomes congested.
2Reliability
If DL switching from NR leg to LTE leg is performed based on NR link quality, then NR radio quality is optimized, but user experience degrades due to degraded DL user throughput when LTE is congested
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary throughput measurements and predictions before making switching decisions. By measuring both NR and LTE throughput in advance and predicting future throughput performance, the system can anticipate when switching to LTE would degrade user experience due to congestion, and proactively maintain connections on the NR leg or delay switching until conditions improve.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces throughput prediction as an intermediary layer between raw network measurements and switching decisions. Rather than directly switching based on link quality, the system uses throughput prediction models to evaluate the impact of potential switching actions on user experience, acting as a mediator that translates technical metrics into user-centric decision criteria.
3Reliability
If NR leg is used for user data transmission, then NR link quality is utilized for switching, but throughput performance decreases when unnecessary switches occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic switching behavior by continuously monitoring throughput on both NR and LTE legs and adapting switching decisions based on real-time conditions. Rather than using fixed threshold-based switching, the system dynamically adjusts switching criteria based on observed throughput patterns, network load conditions, and prediction models, allowing it to maintain stable connections on the NR leg when conditions are favorable and switch only when necessary to maintain or improve throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A network node in a telecommunications network can measure a first throughput associated with a first communication channel between the network node and a communication device. The first communication channel can include an active communication channel that uses a first radio access technology, RAT. The network node can further predict a second throughput associated with a second communication channel between the network node and the communication device if communication associated with the communication device was switched to the second communication channel. The second communication channel can include an inactive communication channel that uses a second RAT. The network node can further determine to switch the communication associated with the communication device to the second communication channel based on the first throughput and the second throughput. The network node can switch the communication associated with the communication device from the first communication channel to the second communication channel.