Same-RAT Traffic Migration Between Licensed and Unlicensed Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not effectively manage network traffic offloading between licensed and unlicensed spectrums within the same Radio Access Technology (RAT) in view of network slicing enhancements, leading to network congestion and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for migrating network traffic between licensed and unlicensed spectrums within the same RAT, utilizing triggers such as capacity thresholds and schedules to switch traffic between licensed and unlicensed spectrums while maintaining network connectivity, involving network controllers and processors to execute computer-readable instructions for traffic migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network traffic is managed using only licensed spectrum, then network connectivity and reliability are maintained, but network congestion occurs and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic management by separating licensed and unlicensed spectrum operations. Licensed spectrum maintains reliability for critical communications while unlicensed spectrum handles capacity-intensive traffic. The network controller divides traffic flows into different spectral domains based on service requirements, enabling simultaneous optimization of both reliability and capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic traffic steering between licensed and unlicensed spectrums based on real-time conditions. The network controller continuously monitors spectrum availability, traffic patterns, and quality of service requirements to dynamically adjust traffic routing. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both reliability and capacity by selecting the appropriate spectral domain for each traffic flow based on current network state.
2Productivity
If network traffic is offloaded to unlicensed spectrum, then network congestion is reduced, but traffic management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary component that manages traffic steering between licensed and unlicensed spectrums. This centralized controller simplifies traffic management by consolidating decision-making logic in a dedicated function. The controller monitors network conditions, selects appropriate destination cells, and coordinates handovers, thereby reducing the complexity burden on individual network elements while enabling efficient spectrum utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the network controller a multi-functional element that handles multiple tasks: traffic analysis, destination cell selection, handover coordination, and spectrum resource management. By consolidating these functions in a single controller, the system achieves efficient traffic management without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The controller universally manages both licensed and unlicensed spectrum operations through unified policies and procedures.
3Ease of operation
If traffic migration between spectrums is implemented, then user experience is enhanced, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service traffic migration where the network controller autonomously makes decisions about traffic routing based on pre-configured policies and real-time conditions. The system automatically analyzes traffic patterns, selects optimal destination cells, and executes handovers without requiring manual intervention. This automation enhances user experience by ensuring optimal service while minimizing configuration complexity through policy-based automated decision-making rather than complex manual setup.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to migrating network traffic from a licensed spectrum to an unlicensed spectrum within the same radio access technology (RAT). In one aspect, a method includes identifying a user device connected to a cellular wireless access technology, over a licensed spectrum; determining whether a condition for switching network traffic associated with the user device to an unlicensed spectrum is triggered; in response to determining that the condition is triggered, determining an unlicensed spectrum to move the network traffic to, the unlicensed spectrum being within a same cell as the licensed spectrum or in a different cell compared to a cell in which the licensed spectrum is; and migrating at least a portion of the network traffic to the unlicensed spectrum while maintaining network connectivity of the user device over the cellular wireless access technology.