SON-Assisted RAT Selection for Virtualized RAN Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a virtualized RAN environment, the assumption that a 4G network provides the best throughput may not be accurate due to potential data throughput saturation, while a 3G network may offer better performance, necessitating a more efficient Radio Access Technology (RAT) selection method.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Self Organizing Network (SON) assisted method to monitor data saturation levels of both 4G and 3G virtual nodes, initiating a handover from 4G to 3G when saturation limits are reached, ensuring optimal throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the UE connects to the 4G network by default, then the theoretical UL/DL speeds are improved, but the data throughput may be reduced when the 4G virtual node reaches saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the data throughput capacity and saturation levels of both 4G and 3G virtual nodes, using this feedback to dynamically determine the optimal RAT for UE connection. When the 4G VENB reaches saturation, the system detects this condition and triggers a handover to 3G VRNC, ensuring actual throughput optimization based on real-time network state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic RAT selection that adapts to changing network conditions. Instead of a static default connection preference, the system continuously evaluates the saturation status of virtual nodes and adjusts the optimal RAT assignment accordingly, enabling the network to transition between 4G and 3G connections based on real-time capacity availability
2Productivity
If the system monitors and dynamically switches between 4G and 3G networks, then the actual throughput is optimized, but the network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a HetNet Gateway as an intermediary component that centralizes the complexity of multi-RAT management. The gateway virtualizes and proxies core network signaling for both 3G and 4G nodes, abstracting the complex saturation monitoring and handover control logic from individual base stations and consolidating it in a single coordinating entity
Solution Approach 2:
The HetNet Gateway performs multiple functions including virtualizing both 3G VRNC and 4G VENB nodes, proxying core network signaling for multiple RATs, monitoring saturation levels across different technologies, and controlling handover decisions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be distributed complexity into a single universal control point
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer readable medium are disclosed for a Self Organizing Network (SON) assisted optimized Radio Access Technology (RAT) selection for a User Equipment (UE) in a virtualized Radio Access Network (RAN) environment. In one embodiment a method includes establishing, by a UE, a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB) and a Data Radio Bearer (DRB) with a virtualized node (VENB); determining whether the VENB has reached a data saturation limit; when the VENB has reached the data saturation limit, then determining if a virtualized function (VRNC) has reached a data saturation limit; and when the VRNC is determined not to have reached the data saturation limit, then initiating an Long Term Evolution (LTE) to 3G handover procedure for the UE and specifying a target 3G cell.