RAN Wireless Coverage Assignment via Early Termination Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio access networks face challenges in efficiently assigning wireless communication devices to wireless coverage areas, leading to uneven load distribution and potential congestion, as existing methods primarily rely on signal strength without considering the efficiency of capacity utilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method to determine the early termination gain (ETG) of each candidate wireless coverage area, which measures the efficiency of capacity utilization, allowing the network to assign devices to areas with higher ETG while also considering link utilization thresholds to avoid congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the RAN assigns WCDs to wireless coverage areas based on signal strength, then WCDs can be quickly assigned to coverage areas, but the load distribution becomes uneven with some coverage areas heavily loaded while others are lightly loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the assignment criterion from signal strength alone to a composite parameter that includes both signal strength and early termination gain (ETG). The ETG metric is calculated based on system throughput and capacity utilization, allowing the RAN to select coverage areas that optimize both connection quality and load balance. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by enabling assignments that consider both speed (signal strength) and productivity (load distribution).
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the RAN continuously monitors capacity utilization and ETG metrics of wireless coverage areas. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust assignment decisions, preventing overload in certain areas while underutilizing others. The feedback loop ensures that assignment speed does not compromise load distribution efficiency.
2Productivity
If the RAN considers ETG to balance load, then load distribution improves, but the complexity of the assignment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of ETG and capacity utilization metrics for all candidate coverage areas before making the final assignment decision. By pre-computing these parameters and ranking coverage areas based on ETG, the RAN simplifies the final selection process while still achieving optimal load distribution. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of the real-time decision-making process.
Solution Approach 2:
The assignment process is segmented into distinct stages: (1) identifying candidate coverage areas based on signal strength, (2) calculating ETG metrics for each candidate, (3) evaluating capacity utilization, and (4) making the final assignment. This segmentation allows each stage to be handled independently with appropriate algorithms, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If the RAN assigns WCDs to coverage areas with high capacity utilization, then more WCDs can be served, but the existing WCDs experience degraded service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the threshold for acceptable capacity utilization based on current network conditions and ETG metrics. When a coverage area approaches high utilization, the system dynamically shifts assignments to alternative areas with lower utilization but still adequate signal strength. This dynamic adjustment allows the network to serve more WCDs overall while maintaining service quality for existing connections by preventing any single area from becoming overloaded.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for assigning a wireless communication device (WCD) to a wireless coverage are a based on early termination gain (ETG) are presented. In particular, a RAN may receive a request, from a WCD, for an assignment to one of a plurality of wireless coverage areas. In response to receiving the request, the RAN may select a wireless coverage area of the plurality that has a highest ETG, and assign the WCD to the selected wireless coverage area. Prior to selecting this wireless coverage area, the RAN may optionally remove one or more wireless coverage areas with high utilization from consideration.