Probabilistic Access Selection for Wireless Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems with overlapping cellular and non-cellular coverage areas, there is a challenge in efficiently managing load balancing between different access technologies to maintain quality of service and alleviate high loads in cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using probabilistic distribution factors transmitted by network nodes to mobile devices, which determine whether to switch from a heavily loaded cellular access to a less loaded non-cellular access, employing a probabilistic procedure based on these factors to achieve load balancing between cellular and non-cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile devices use cellular networks for communication, then reliable and secure connectivity is achieved, but network load becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network load by introducing distribution factors that divide mobile devices into different groups based on their access preferences. This segmentation allows the network to manage load by controlling which segment of devices uses which access technology, thereby reducing overall cellular network load while maintaining reliable connectivity for those who need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic load management through time-varying distribution factors. These factors can be updated based on network conditions, allowing the system to adaptively balance load between cellular and non-cellular accesses in real-time, optimizing both reliability and load capacity under changing conditions.
2Productivity
If mobile devices are distributed across multiple accesses, then load balancing is achieved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex load balancing control logic from individual mobile devices and consolidates it into network-controlled distribution factors. By taking out the decision-making complexity from the device level and placing it at the network level, the system achieves effective load balancing without increasing device complexity - devices simply follow the distribution factors received from the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution factor acts as an intermediary element between the network and mobile devices. It mediates the load balancing process by translating network-level control decisions into device-level action guidelines, simplifying the control mechanism from the device perspective while maintaining effective load distribution across multiple accesses.
3Productivity
If probabilistic procedures are used for access selection, then load distribution is optimized, but selection precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of access selection from deterministic to probabilistic by introducing distribution factors that specify probabilities rather than fixed choices. This parameter change allows for optimized load distribution across multiple accesses while accepting that individual selection precision varies - the optimization occurs at the population level rather than the individual device level.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus, comprising a receiver configured to receive a first distribution factor relating to using a first access, at least one processing core configured to determine, using a probabilistic procedure, based at least in part on the first distribution factor, whether the apparatus is to use the first access, and wherein the at least one processing core is configured to, based on a result of the determination, select an access and to cause the apparatus to use to the selected access.