Radio Access Node Index Value Segmentation for Load Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication networks using concepts like System Control Plane (SCP), implementing load control functionality results in excessively large Access Information Tables (AIT) and index values, leading to increased processing effort and overhead, especially when including Access Class Barring (ACB) information.

Innovation Solution

A method where a radio access node transmits an index value indicating whether load control information is applied, allowing terminal devices to determine if additional load control information is needed, thereby reducing the need for frequent broadcasts of system information and maintaining flexibility and granularity in load control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all possible combinations of ACB parameters are included in the AIT, then load control functionality is provided, but the AIT size and number of SSI records become excessively large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload control functionalityVSAvoidAIT size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system information by separating the AIT (containing only non-ACB parameters) from the ACB-specific configuration records. The AIT is divided into multiple parts, with ACB parameters stored in a separate structure that is only transmitted when needed. This segmentation allows the core AIT to remain compact while providing full load control functionality through the separate ACB record structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic transmission approach where ACB information is only included in SSI records when load control is actually being applied. The network node dynamically determines whether to transmit ACB parameters based on current network conditions, making the system adaptive rather than statically including all possible configurations. This dynamic approach reduces average transmission overhead while maintaining full functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the AIT includes comprehensive ACB configurations, then load control is enabled, but the processing effort for decoding SSIs increases greatly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload control capabilityVSAvoidUE processing effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts ACB parameters from the main AIT structure and places them in a separate, optional record. This extraction means that UEs do not need to process and decode ACB-related data fields in every SSI record - they only process the compact AIT pointer when ACB is not active. The separation reduces the decoding complexity for the common case while preserving full ACB functionality when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by only transmitting full ACB configuration details when actually needed. For the majority of cases where load control is not applied, the system transmits only a compact indication rather than complete parameter sets. This partial transmission approach significantly reduces average processing effort while ensuring full functionality is available when load control becomes necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If system information is broadcast frequently to provide load control, then load control information is available, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload control information availabilityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by transmitting ACB information only at specific intervals or under specific conditions rather than continuously. The network node periodically assesses whether load control is needed and only transmits ACB parameters when the condition changes or at scheduled intervals. This periodic transmission pattern maintains load control availability while significantly reducing overall broadcast overhead compared to continuous transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter from continuous to conditional/periodic based on network state. The frequency and presence of ACB information transmission is dynamically adjusted according to whether load control is currently being applied. When load control is not active, ACB parameters are omitted from transmissions; when active, they are included. This parameter change optimizes resource utilization by matching transmission activity to actual network needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3453206B1Network nodes and terminal devices, and methods of operating the same

Publication Date: 2019.10.02 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

There is provided a method of operating a network node in a communication network, the method comprising initiating transmission, from a radio access node in the communication network, of a first signal comprising an index value; wherein, if load control is not being applied by the radio access node, the index value corresponds to a set of parameters required for a terminal device to access the communication network; and wherein, if load control is being applied by the radio access node, the index value indicates that load control information is to be transmitted from the radio access node.