Sector Switching Control via Service Quality Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, access terminals often experience inefficient 'ping-ponging' between coverage areas due to rapidly changing air interface conditions, leading to resource consumption and communication delays, particularly when switching sectors under the 1x Evolution-Data Optimized protocol (EV-DO).
Innovation Solution
A mechanism where the RNC or network entity determines whether to allow access terminals to switch between coverage areas by comparing the actual level of service with the predicted level of service for each area, allowing continued switching if the actual service is better and locking the terminal into the best area if the predicted service is superior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the access terminal continuously monitors signal strength and switches between coverage areas to maximize service quality, then the service quality is improved, but the system resources are consumed and communication delays increase due to frequent handoffs
Solution Approach 1:
The RNC performs preliminary evaluation of service quality predictions before allowing handoffs. By comparing predicted service quality in different coverage areas beforehand, the system can prevent premature or unnecessary handoffs that would cause ping-ponging, while still allowing beneficial transitions when truly needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the RNC monitors actual service quality and compares it with predicted service quality. This feedback loop allows the network to adjust handoff decisions dynamically, preventing continuous switching when actual service quality matches or exceeds predictions, thereby reducing unnecessary handoffs and associated delays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the access terminal frequently switches between coverage areas to adapt to changing air interface conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the system resources are consumed and ping-ponging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The RNC evaluates and compares service quality predictions for different coverage areas before allowing handoffs. This preliminary assessment prevents the terminal from switching back and forth between areas with similar conditions, reducing ping-ponging behavior while still allowing adaptability when genuine improvements are predicted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of handoff decision-making from reactive (based on current signal conditions) to proactive (based on predicted service quality). By using prediction parameters and thresholds, the system can allow switching only when predicted benefits exceed costs, reducing unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If the RNC allows continuous handoff requests from the access terminal, then the service quality optimization is improved, but the network complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RNC performs preliminary service quality predictions and comparisons before processing handoff requests. By pre-evaluating which coverage areas offer better service based on predicted parameters, the network reduces the complexity of continuous handoff processing and can make more efficient decisions about which requests to approve.
Solution Approach 2:
The access terminal autonomously monitors service quality and generates handoff requests based on its own measurements. The RNC's role is simplified to evaluating predictions and making final decisions, reducing network processing complexity while maintaining service quality optimization through the terminal's self-monitoring capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for controlling switching of an access terminals between wireless coverage areas such as cell sectors. A measure of actual level of service, such as throughput, provided to the access terminal across the combination of wireless coverage areas over time is determined. Further, for each wireless coverage area, a measure of predicted level of service, such as throughput, that would likely be provided to the access terminal if it operated in just that wireless coverage area is determined. If the actual level of service is greater than each predicted level of service, then the access terminal is allowed to continue switching between wireless coverage areas. On the other hand, if at least one of the predicted levels of service is greater than the actual level of service, then the access terminal is restricted to the wireless coverage area where the level of service is deemed greater.