Radio Access Network Node RRC State Switch Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transitioning wireless terminals between radio resource control (RRC) states in cellular radio systems are inefficient due to the random nature of data activity, leading to incorrect down-switching decisions that result in unnecessary load on the radio network controller (RNC) and suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that predict data transmission parameters, such as inter-arrival time or burst size, and assess the accuracy of these predictions to determine whether to switch to a lower RRC state, minimizing RNC load by making informed decisions based on probable accuracy thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If timer-based state switching is used, then implementation is simple, but switching accuracy is poor due to random data activity patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary prediction of future data activity patterns before making switching decisions. By analyzing historical data and predicting future IAT values, the system proactively determines optimal switching timing rather than reacting to timer expiration, thereby improving switching accuracy without requiring complex real-time decision mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor actual data activity patterns and compare them against predictions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to refine its prediction models over time, improving accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through iterative optimization
2Speed
If frequent state switching is performed, then response to data activity changes is fast, but RNC load increases due to incorrect down-switching decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of prediction accuracy before executing state switches. By evaluating whether predicted IAT values meet threshold criteria beforehand, the system filters out incorrect down-switching decisions while maintaining fast response to genuine data activity changes, thereby reducing RNC load without sacrificing switching speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical timer-based switching with a prediction-based intelligent decision mechanism. This substitution eliminates unnecessary switching operations that increase RNC load while preserving the ability to respond quickly to actual data activity patterns through predictive analysis
3Reliability
If prediction accuracy threshold is set high, then switching decisions are more accurate, but switching frequency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts prediction accuracy thresholds based on current network conditions and data activity patterns. By making thresholds adaptive rather than fixed, the system maintains high reliability for critical switching decisions while allowing sufficient switching frequency to respond to changing conditions, thereby balancing reliability with productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A node (26) of a radio access network (24) and method of operating such node controls transitions between radio resource control states for a wireless terminal (30). In an example embodiment and mode the method comprises: (1) upon completion of a data activity, making a prediction of a data transmission parameter; (2) making an assessment regarding probable accuracy of the prediction; and (3) using the assessment to make a determination whether or not to implement a radio resource control state switch (the “state switch”). The data transmission parameter may be a different parameter in respective differing example embodiments. In one example embodiment and mode the data transmission parameter comprises inter-arrival time between bursts of data activity. In another example embodiment and mode the data transmission parameter comprises burst size of a burst of data activity.