Radio Network Service Area Control for High-Speed Train Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed trains pose challenges to providing reliable and continuous on-board wireless services due to capacity and connection issues between the train and the radio network, leading to discontinuities in service.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine which service area of the radio network will next serve the vehicle based on its position, allowing for pre-configuration of resources to meet predicted demand, including switching on additional elements, prioritizing communication types, and off-loading traffic to ensure continuous service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the train travels at high speed through the radio network, then the coverage area and service scope are improved, but service continuity and connection reliability deteriorate due to frequent handovers between service areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future traffic load and preparing resources in advance before the train enters a new service area. The base station receives information about upcoming service areas, predicts traffic demand, and pre-allocates air interface, backhaul, and processing resources to ensure seamless service continuity during handovers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on real-time train position and predicted traffic patterns. Resources are flexibly reallocated between different service areas as the train moves, with the base station continuously monitoring train location and adjusting capacity distribution to maintain optimal service quality throughout the journey.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If more resources are allocated to serve the high-speed train, then service quality is improved, but network capacity for other users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidnetwork capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Resources are pre-allocated and reserved in advance for the high-speed train based on predicted traffic load and service area information. This allows the network to prepare sufficient capacity without permanently dedicating resources, ensuring service quality when needed while maintaining flexibility for other users when the train is not present or has lower demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes resource allocation parameters based on train position, speed, and predicted traffic patterns. Air interface resources, backhaul capacity, and baseband processing power are adjusted in real-time, increasing allocation when the train is present and high-demand services are active, and reducing allocation when demand is low, thereby optimizing overall network productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3357276B1Controlling operation of a radio network serving a transport system
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3357276B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3357276B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3357276B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A radio network comprises a plurality of service areas (11, 12). A method of controlling operation of a radio network (10), comprises receiving a first input (81) relating to a transport system (30), the transport system (30) providing for at least one vehicle (40). The radio network comprises a plurality of service areas (11, 12). The first input is indicative of a position of the vehicle (40) in the transport system (30). The method further comprises determining, on the basis of the first input (81) and data which is indicative of the plurality of service areas (11, 12), which of the service areas (11, 12) will next serve one or more radio terminals associated with the vehicle (40). The method further comprises outputting a control signal (83) for use in controlling operation of the radio network (10) based on the determination of which of the service areas (11, 12) will next serve the one or more radio terminals associated with the vehicle (40).