Radio Access Network Transfer Decision Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficiently managing the transfer of communication devices from access points outside a radio access network back to the radio access network is challenging due to the need for effective quality of service comparison and resource management across different radio access technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that estimate the quality of service available via a radio access network, compare it against the current quality of service from an access point, and decide on a transfer based on the comparison, using indicators of throughput and resource availability, with the option to transfer only if the radio access network offers a predetermined better quality of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If transfer decisions are made based on simple signal strength comparison, then transfer speed is improved, but quality of service optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary estimation of quality of service parameters (throughput, latency, packet loss) before making transfer decisions. By pre-calculating and comparing QoS metrics from different access networks, the system enables informed transfer decisions that optimize service quality while maintaining reasonable decision speed through efficient metric comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where actual quality of service experienced by the user equipment is continuously monitored and used to refine future transfer decisions. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from past transfer outcomes and improve QoS optimization over time, balancing decision speed with service quality.
2Reliability
If comprehensive quality of service parameters are estimated and compared, then quality of service optimization is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quality of service estimation process is segmented into distinct measurable parameters (throughput, latency, packet loss rate) that can be independently evaluated. This segmentation allows the system to compare specific QoS dimensions separately, reducing the computational burden of holistic QoS assessment while maintaining comprehensive optimization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms complex quality of service concepts into quantifiable parameters with standardized measurement units. By converting QoS into comparable numerical metrics (e.g., throughput in bits per second, latency in milliseconds), the system simplifies the complexity of QoS comparison while preserving the ability to make optimized transfer decisions based on multiple factors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transfers occur frequently between access networks, then quality of service adaptability is improved, but network stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic transfer decision-making that adapts to changing network conditions while incorporating stability constraints. By continuously monitoring QoS parameters and adjusting transfer decisions based on current network state, the system achieves adaptability to varying conditions while preventing excessive transfers through threshold-based decision criteria that maintain network stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by establishing transfer thresholds and hysteresis mechanisms that prevent unnecessary or oscillatory transfers. Before initiating a transfer, the system evaluates whether the QoS improvement justifies the disruption, and implements conditions that prevent immediate reverse transfers, thereby reducing transfer frequency while maintaining adaptability to genuine QoS changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique, including estimating at a communication device a quality of service available to said communication device via a radio access network; making a comparison of the estimated quality of service against a quality of service currently achieved via an access point operating outside of the radio access network; and deciding whether or not to transfer from said access point to said radio access network at least partly with reference to the result of said comparison.