Switch-Level Paging Optimization via Device and Coverage Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellular wireless networks face inefficiencies in paging wireless communication devices (WCDs) due to the lack of adaptive settings based on device and coverage area performance indicators, leading to unsuccessful page attempts and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A method where a switch in a radio access network determines WCD and coverage area performance indicators to adjust paging-scheme settings, such as maximum attempts and intersystem paging parameters, to optimize the paging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional paging methods are used without adaptive settings, then the paging process is simple and fast, but the success rate of page delivery is low and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic paging by adjusting paging parameters (such as paging cycle, paging area, and retry attempts) based on real-time performance indicators of WCDs and coverage areas. This allows the paging system to adapt its behavior to current network conditions, improving delivery success rates while managing complexity through automated adjustments rather than static configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes paging parameters dynamically based on performance indicators. Specifically, it monitors WCD-specific metrics (call drop rate, signal strength) and coverage area metrics (interference levels, load conditions) to adjust paging parameters such as the number of paging attempts, paging cycle duration, and paging area scope. This parameter adaptation directly addresses the contradiction by improving reliability through optimized settings
2Reliability
If multiple paging attempts are made to ensure delivery, then the reliability of page delivery improves, but the network resources consumed increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by determining the optimal number of paging attempts based on performance indicators rather than always using maximum attempts. The system calculates a tailored paging strategy that uses just enough retry attempts to achieve reliable delivery for each specific WCD and coverage area combination, avoiding the waste of network resources that would occur with blanket excessive paging
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring paging outcomes and performance indicators to dynamically adjust subsequent paging strategies. When paging succeeds or fails, the system learns from this feedback and modifies future paging attempts, allowing it to achieve high reliability while minimizing resource consumption by avoiding unnecessary retry attempts
3Productivity
If paging parameters are customized for each WCD and coverage area, then the efficiency of the paging process improves, but the complexity of managing paging settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the paging system to automatically determine and adjust its own parameters based on monitored performance indicators. The switch or network controller autonomously analyzes WCD-specific metrics and coverage area conditions to configure optimal paging settings without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving efficiency while managing complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from performance monitoring to automatically adjust paging parameters. By continuously measuring metrics such as page delivery success rates, WCD signal quality, and coverage area conditions, the system self-optimizes its paging strategy, achieving high productivity while keeping management complexity manageable through closed-loop control
4Reliability
If paging is performed in all coverage areas, then the probability of reaching the WCD increases, but the network resources and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating paging efforts in the most probable coverage areas rather than broadcasting uniformly across all areas. The system identifies the WCD's last known location and prioritizes paging in that specific coverage area and adjacent areas with higher probability, improving reception probability while reducing the time and resources spent on paging in distant or unlikely areas
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary methods and systems may help to adjust switch-level page settings based on both the performance of the wireless communication device (WCD) that is being paged, and the sector in which the WCD is likely to be located. An exemplary method involves a switch determining that a WCD should be paged and responsive to determining that the WCD should be paged: (a) determining a coverage-area performance indicator for a last-known coverage area of the WCD; (b) determining a WCD performance indicator for the WCD; (c) using both (i) the WCD performance indicator and (ii) the coverage-area performance indicator as a basis for adjusting at least one paging-scheme setting affecting attempts to page the WCD; and (d) paging the WCD according to the at least one adjusted paging-scheme setting.