Radio Resource Usage Detection and Traffic Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed packet access networks face overload issues due to excessive use of Enhanced Uplink in CELL_FACH and CELL_PCH features, leading to inefficient radio resource utilization and potential network congestion.

Innovation Solution

A method to detect the level of use of radio resources, setting a flag in system information if usage exceeds a threshold, allowing the network to redirect traffic from overloaded resources to underutilized ones, thereby preventing overload and optimizing resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If Enhanced Uplink in CELL_FACH and CELL_PCH features are enabled to allow mobile stations to access the network using high-speed packet access, then the data transmission rate is improved and signalling delay is reduced, but radio resource overload occurs when too many mobile stations use these features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidradio resource overload
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the accessibility of radio resources based on current load conditions. When the first radio resource becomes overloaded, the network node sets a flag in system information to restrict access to that resource and redirect traffic to alternative resources. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high data transmission rates while preventing resource overload by flexibly changing resource allocation in response to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network node monitors usage parameters of radio resources and changes the state of system information (setting or clearing a flag) based on threshold comparisons. When the usage level of the first radio resource exceeds a predetermined threshold, the flag is set to restrict access; when usage falls below the threshold, the flag is cleared to restore access. This parameter-based control mechanism enables automatic load balancing while maintaining high-speed data transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If radio resources are restricted to prevent overload on the first radio resource, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but network flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network node continuously monitors the usage level of radio resources and uses this feedback to dynamically control access restrictions. The flag in system information serves as a feedback mechanism that reflects current resource conditions. When usage exceeds thresholds, restrictions are applied; when usage decreases, restrictions are removed. This feedback-driven approach maintains high resource utilization efficiency while preserving network flexibility through automatic adaptation to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares alternative radio resources in advance and pre-configures the flag mechanism in system information. When overload is detected, the redirection to pre-prepared alternative resources can occur immediately without delay. This preliminary preparation of backup resources and control mechanisms ensures both efficient resource utilization and rapid adaptability when network conditions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2676506B1Detecting a level of use in a communications network
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP2676506B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2676506B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2676506B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A level of use of a first radio resource is detected and a flag is set in system information if the level of use of the first radio resource is above a predetermined threshold. The system information is updated to the network.