Small-Cell Backhaul Load Distribution via Dynamic Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for deploying small-cell base stations face challenges in efficiently managing traffic loads across backhaul connections, leading to congestion and suboptimal data distribution, particularly due to varying data caps and traffic loads imposed by different service providers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the load state of each backhaul connection based on periodic data caps and traffic loads, configuring cellular communication parameters to redistribute traffic from heavily-loaded connections to less-heavily-loaded ones, including periodic adjustments and parameter settings to manage quality of service, handovers, and transmission power, thereby optimizing load distribution among small-cell base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traffic is concentrated on a single backhaul connection to simplify network management, then network device complexity is reduced, but backhaul connection congestion increases and quality of service deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backhaul traffic by creating multiple load distribution groups (first group and second group) with different load distribution parameters. This segmentation allows traffic to be divided across multiple backhaul connections based on their respective data caps and current load states, preventing congestion on any single connection while maintaining manageable network complexity through structured group management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic load distribution by continuously monitoring the load state of each backhaul connection and adjusting the load distribution parameters accordingly. The system dynamically determines which group (first or second) to apply based on real-time conditions such as data cap utilization and traffic load, enabling adaptive traffic redistribution that maintains quality of service while simplifying overall network management through automated parameter adjustment.
2Productivity
If load distribution parameters are frequently adjusted to optimize traffic flow, then backhaul connection congestion is reduced, but network device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic load distribution parameters that are adjusted at specific intervals or under defined conditions rather than continuously. The system determines when to switch between first and second load distribution groups based on periodic evaluation of load state metrics, reducing the frequency of parameter adjustments while still effectively preventing congestion and maintaining network efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages complexity by changing discrete load distribution parameters (such as weighting factors or routing preferences) rather than making granular adjustments to multiple individual traffic flows. This parameter-based approach allows the system to optimize traffic distribution across backhaul connections through a limited set of controllable variables, reducing operational overhead while maintaining network efficiency.
3Reliability
If traffic is redistributed across multiple backhaul connections to reduce congestion, then quality of service is maintained, but network device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal load distribution groups that can be applied across multiple backhaul connections with similar characteristics. The first and second load distribution groups serve as reusable templates that can be instantiated across different connection pairs, allowing the system to manage traffic distribution across multiple connections using a standardized approach. This multi-functionality reduces management overhead by avoiding the need to configure each connection individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating load distribution parameter sets across symmetric connection pairs. The first load distribution parameters applied to one pair of backhaul connections can be copied to another pair with similar characteristics, reducing the manual configuration effort and simplifying network management while maintaining consistent quality of service across multiple distributed connections.
Data Source
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Figure 1C
AI summary
A network device (102a, 102b) may make a determination that a first backhaul connection (104a, 104b), which serves a first base station (102a, 102b), is congested and that a second backhaul connection, which screes a second base station, is not congested. This determination may be made based on a first periodic data cap (D) imposed on the first backhaul connection, a traffic load (L) on the first backhaul connection, a second periodic data cap imposed on the second backhaul connection, and a traffic load on the second backhaul connection, in response, the network device may configure a value of a cellular communication parameter utilized by one or both of the base stations.