Inter-system Resource Reporting for RAN Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inter-system mobility load balancing between RAN nodes from different systems, such as LTE and NR, is burdensome due to the need for extensive signaling across different core networks, leading to increased resource utilization and delays in conveying load and capacity metrics.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for efficient signaling of load and capacity metrics between RAN nodes through a resource status request and response mechanism, where RAN nodes configure reporting based on specific metrics and triggering events, reducing unnecessary signaling and optimizing resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive signaling is used to convey load and capacity metrics between different core networks, then load balancing can be achieved, but signaling load on core networks increases and delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resource status reporting function from the core network signaling path and relocates it to the RAN level. The source RAN node directly requests and receives resource status information from the target RAN node, removing the need for core network involvement in this specific signaling exchange. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by maintaining load balancing effectiveness while eliminating core network signaling delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct RAN-to-RAN signaling interface as an intermediary mechanism between source and target RAN nodes. This intermediary pathway bypasses the core network for resource status reporting, allowing load and capacity metrics to be exchanged efficiently without traversing the core network infrastructure, thus reducing signaling delay while maintaining balancing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If extensive signaling is used to convey load and capacity metrics between different core networks, then load balancing can be achieved, but resource utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resource status reporting function from the core network signaling path and relocates it to the RAN level. The source RAN node directly requests and receives resource status information from the target RAN node, removing the need for core network involvement in this specific signaling exchange. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by maintaining load balancing effectiveness while eliminating core network signaling delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective reporting where the target RAN node only reports resource status information when specific triggering events occur (e.g., threshold crossings, configuration changes). This partial action approach avoids continuous or excessive signaling, reducing resource utilization while still providing timely load balancing information when needed.
3Measurement precision
If detailed resource status reporting is implemented, then load balancing precision is improved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reporting configurations where the source RAN node can request different measurement types, reporting formats, and triggering conditions based on current network conditions and specific balancing needs. The target RAN node dynamically adjusts its reporting behavior based on configured thresholds and events. This dynamic approach allows precise load measurement when needed while simplifying signaling during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables flexible parameter configuration for resource status reporting, including adjustable measurement thresholds, reporting periods, and metric types. The source RAN node can modify reporting parameters based on network conditions, allowing precise load measurement when required while reducing signaling overhead during stable conditions. This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments include methods, for a first RAN node in a first RAN, for inter-system mobility load balancing with a second RAN node in a second RAN. Such methods include sending, to the second RAN node, a resource status request message that includes a reporting configuration with one or more of the following: one or more metrics, related to load and/or capacity, to be measured by the second RAN node; one or more triggering events for initiating reporting of the metrics; and a reporting format that defines how the respective metrics should be reported upon corresponding triggering events. Such methods include receiving from the second RAN node in response to the resource status request message: a resource status response message indicating successful configuration of at least a portion of the reporting configuration; or a resource status failure message indicating unsuccessful configuration for all of the reporting configuration.