Radio Network Node Load Balancing via Dynamic Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications networks face challenges in load balancing, particularly in handling a large number of devices with varying coverage classes, leading to resource overloading and access issues for devices in extended coverage areas due to resource segregation and collision-based random access channels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where radio network nodes communicate with wireless devices to dynamically balance load by instructing them to monitor and use either legacy or extended coverage resources based on coverage class, thereby controlling resource utilization and improving network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resources are segregated into legacy and extended coverage resources, then devices in extended coverage areas can access the network, but resource utilization becomes inefficient and load balancing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network node can flexibly assign devices to legacy or extended coverage resources based on real-time conditions. The determination of which resource to use is not fixed but adapts to current network load and device requirements, allowing the system to optimize between access reliability and resource efficiency dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of resource assignment from a static segregation approach to a dynamic selection approach. By varying the resource allocation parameter based on device coverage class and network conditions, the system resolves the contradiction between providing reliable access to extended coverage devices and maintaining overall resource utilization efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If all devices use collision-based random access channels, then access is simple, but access failures increase in extended coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access channel into two distinct types: legacy random access channels for normal coverage devices and extended coverage random access channels for extended coverage devices. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific use case, maintaining simplicity for legacy devices while improving success rates for extended coverage devices through dedicated resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary that determines and directs devices to appropriate access channels based on their coverage class. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by matching devices to suitable channels, preserving ease of operation through automated assignment while improving access reliability for extended coverage devices.
3Reliability
If extended coverage resources are used for all devices, then access reliability improves, but load on extended coverage resources becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different resource types to different device groups based on their specific needs. Legacy resources serve devices in normal coverage areas, while extended coverage resources serve devices in extended coverage areas. This localized assignment ensures that extended coverage resources are used only where necessary, maintaining access reliability for vulnerable devices while preventing excessive load on these specialized resources.
4Device complexity
If legacy resources are used for normal coverage devices only, then resource allocation is simple, but network performance deteriorates under high load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation that allows the network to adapt to high load conditions. Under normal conditions, simple legacy resource allocation suffices. Under high load conditions, the system dynamically activates extended coverage resources to handle additional traffic, thereby maintaining network performance without permanently increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A Radio Network Node, RNN, (106) and a method therein for load balancing in a wireless communications network (100). The RNN is configured to communicate with a wireless device (108) supporting both normal coverage and extended coverage. The RNN and the wireless device are operating in the wireless communications network.The RNN determines an indication informing the wireless device that it, when in normal coverage, is to monitor one of a downlink legacy resource and an extended coverage resource for information and/or is to use one of an uplink legacy resource and an extended coverage resource when accessing the wireless communications network.Further, the RNN transmits the indication to the wireless device.