Single RAN Controller Dynamic Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile telecommunications networks require separate dedicated entities for different radio access technologies (RATs) like GSM and UMTS, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and increased costs due to independent configuration and maintenance of each technology, which does not effectively address network congestion or equipment failures.
Innovation Solution
A single controller entity, referred to as the Single RAN controller, manages both GSM and UMTS networks by sharing hardware and software resources dynamically, allowing for simultaneous operation of both technologies and reallocating resources based on performance and reliability measurements to optimize network efficiency and prevent service drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate dedicated entities are used for different radio access technologies (GSM and UMTS), then each technology can be independently configured and managed, but resource allocation efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple radio access technology controllers (GSM BSC and UMTS RNC) into a single integrated controller entity. This merging allows shared hardware resources (processors, memory, transmission interfaces) and common management functions while maintaining independent configuration capabilities for each RAT through virtualization and logical separation of control planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities to support multiple radio access technologies simultaneously. It incorporates universal hardware modules that can be dynamically allocated to different RATs and implements a common management framework that handles both GSM and UMTS operations, thereby improving resource utilization while preserving technology-specific independence.
2Ease of operation
If separate dedicated entities are used for different radio access technologies, then technology-specific management is simplified, but overall system costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller implements logical segmentation of control functions for different radio access technologies while sharing physical hardware resources. The control plane is divided into separate management domains for GSM and UMTS, each with dedicated processing logic, while the data plane utilizes shared hardware modules that can be dynamically assigned based on current operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic resource allocation mechanisms that allow hardware modules to be reassigned between different radio access technologies based on real-time operational needs. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain simplified technology-specific management while adapting resource distribution to optimize performance and reduce overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If dedicated hardware modules are allocated to each radio access technology, then reliability for each technology is ensured, but resource utilization during congestion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic parameter adjustment capabilities that allow hardware module allocation and configuration parameters to be changed in real-time based on network conditions. During congestion scenarios, the integrated controller can modify resource allocation parameters to prioritize critical services and reassign hardware modules between technologies, thereby maintaining reliability while improving overall resource utilization efficiency.
4Reliability
If independent entities are used for each radio access technology, then fault isolation is improved, but network congestion mitigation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller acts as an intermediary that provides both fault isolation and congestion mitigation capabilities. It implements a common management framework that can detect and isolate faults in specific radio access technology domains while simultaneously coordinating resource allocation across all technologies to mitigate network congestion. The intermediary architecture enables centralized control decisions that balance fault isolation requirements with overall network optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller entity comprising a common transmission interface unit for transmitting to base stations of different radio access technologies, a plurality of hardware module units available for dedication to these radio access technologies, and an assignment module for establishing an operation mode respective to dedication of the hardware module units in dependence upon a measurement of the performance and the reliability of said hardware module unit for each of the radio access technologies. A method for re-configuring the usage of hardware module units of the controller entity by means of measuring the performance and the reliability of said hardware module unit for each radio access technology in order to share resources amongst radio access technologies.