Primary Node Delays Secondary Node Addition for Load Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In dual-connectivity scenarios, particularly during the transition from 4G LTE to 5G NR, the secondary node (SN) may become heavily loaded, limiting its capacity to serve user equipment (UE) and potentially affecting the throughput and service quality due to high PRB utilization, which can further exacerbate the load on other UEs.
Innovation Solution
The primary node (MN) dynamically delays the SN-addition process for the UE based on the load level of the SN, applying a delay timer if the SN is heavily loaded, to manage the load distribution and ensure efficient resource allocation, thereby optimizing the dual-connectivity service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the SN-addition process is immediately configured for dual connectivity, then the UE can quickly establish dual-connectivity service, but the SN becomes heavily loaded with high PRB utilization, limiting its capacity to serve other UEs and reducing overall network throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The MN performs preliminary assessment of SN load conditions before initiating the SN-addition process. By evaluating the SN's current PRB utilization and load level in advance, the MN can determine whether the SN has sufficient capacity to accept new UEs, thereby preventing premature configuration that would overload the SN and degrade overall network throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing of SN-addition configuration based on real-time or predicted SN load conditions. Rather than using a fixed immediate configuration approach, the MN adapts the configuration timing according to SN availability, transforming a static process into a dynamic one that responds to changing network conditions
2Quantity of substance
If the SN serves more UEs simultaneously, then the network coverage and service capacity increase, but the load on the SN increases, causing high PRB utilization and potential service degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the MN monitors SN load conditions and uses this information to control the timing of SN-addition configurations. By continuously assessing SN capacity and adjusting configuration decisions accordingly, the system ensures that the SN does not exceed its service capacity, maintaining reliable throughput and service quality for each connected UE
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for controlling configuration of dual connectivity for a UE that has a first connection with a first access node. The first access node could make a determination whether a level of load of a second access node with which the UE is not currently connected is threshold high. And if the determination is that the determined level of load of the second access node is not at least threshold high, then the first access node could proceed with application of a process for adding the second connection, without applying a timer for delaying application of the process. Whereas, if the determination is that the determined level of load of the second access node is at least predefined threshold high, then the first access node could apply the timer for delaying application of the process and, upon expiration of the timer, could proceed with application of the process.