UE Load Balancing via Broadcast Alternative Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load balancing mechanisms in 3GPP LTE networks rely on dedicated signaling for UE distribution across multiple carriers, which is inefficient as broadcast signaling cannot be used for load spreading and configuration changes can only be made when UEs are in connected mode, making it difficult to perform load balancing effectively.
Innovation Solution
User Equipment (UE) receives a set of alternative configurations for resource prioritization, which can be selected upon detecting triggering events such as changes in mode or expiration of timers, allowing for dynamic cell reselection based on broadcasted configurations, using hash functions to determine priority classes and prevent frequent resource changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated signaling is used for load balancing, then UEs can be controlled to spread across multiple carriers, but the complexity of signaling increases and configuration can only be changed when UEs are in connected mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration information from dedicated signaling and places it in broadcast signaling. The network node broadcasts multiple alternative configurations to all UEs in the cell, and each UE independently selects one configuration based on its identity and triggering events, eliminating the need for continuous dedicated signaling while maintaining load balancing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables UEs to autonomously select configurations from the broadcasted alternative configurations based on their own identity (e.g., IMSI, temporary identifier) and detected triggering events. This self-service mechanism allows UEs to perform load balancing without requiring network-controlled dedicated signaling, reducing signaling complexity while maintaining reliability
2Ease of operation
If broadcast signaling is used for configuration, then all UEs receive the same configuration, but this cannot be used for load spreading purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having each UE select a different configuration from the broadcasted alternative configurations based on its local identity characteristics. The network broadcasts multiple alternative configurations with different resource priorities, and each UE independently determines which configuration to use, creating localized differentiation that enables load spreading while using efficient broadcast signaling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of configuration selection from network-controlled to UE-autonomous. By introducing triggering events and identity-based selection mechanisms, the same broadcasted configuration set produces different effective configurations for different UEs, enabling load spreading while maintaining the efficiency of broadcast signaling
3Extent of automation
If configuration changes are made only when UEs are in connected mode, then control can be maintained, but load balancing opportunities are missed when UEs are in other modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by broadcasting all alternative configurations in advance to all UEs regardless of their mode. UEs store these configurations and are prepared to select from them when triggering events occur, enabling load balancing opportunities to be captured even when UEs transition between modes without requiring active connected mode control
4Adaptability or versatility
If UEs frequently switch configurations in response to triggering events, then load distribution can be dynamically adjusted, but excessive resource changes cause system instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces periodic action through prohibition timers that prevent UEs from selecting new configurations too frequently. When a triggering event occurs, the UE checks whether the prohibition timer has expired before allowing configuration changes. This periodic restriction maintains system stability while still allowing load distribution flexibility when conditions permit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs monitor triggering events and adjust their configuration selections accordingly. The prohibition timer provides negative feedback to prevent excessive changes, while the identity-based selection and triggering event detection provide positive feedback to enable adaptive load distribution when appropriate
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for load balancing and load distribution using a set of alternative configurations. In one novel aspect, the UE receives and stores a set of alternative configurations. The UE selects a new alternative configuration upon detecting one or more triggering events and performs a cell selection based on the new alternative configuration. In one embodiment, the UE receives the set of alternative configurations from a broadcast signaling channel. In another embodiment, the UE applies a new configuration upon detecting one or more triggering events. In another embodiment, the UE selects the new alternative configuration using a hash function based on a UE identifier, wherein the hash function hashes to a priority class, and wherein each priority class maps to an alternative configuration. In one embodiment, a prohibition timer is used to prevent too frequent resource changes.