Wireless Cell Configuration via Multicast to Reduce Signaling Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular networks face inefficiencies in cell configuration due to high signaling message flow and processing resource workload, particularly in reconfiguring cells, which limits network resources and increases time requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network controller that uses a multicast protocol to transmit cell configuration information simultaneously to multiple network elements, reducing bandwidth and processing load, and incorporating a unicast protocol for retransmissions when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a point-to-point connection is used to transmit cell configuration information from the RNC to each individual cell, then reliable configuration delivery is achieved, but the signaling message flow and processing resource workload increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual configuration transmissions into a single multicast transmission. The RNC sends one cell configuration message that is simultaneously received by multiple network elements (Node-Bs) via multicast protocol, replacing the traditional approach of sending separate unicast messages to each cell. This reduces signaling overhead while maintaining reliable delivery through acknowledgment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The multicast protocol enables a single transmission to serve multiple recipients simultaneously. The cell configuration message is designed to be universally applicable to multiple network elements, allowing one message to configure multiple cells at once, thereby reducing the overall signaling load on the RNC.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual cell configuration messages are sent to each network element, then precise configuration control is achieved, but the bandwidth and processing load at the RNC increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple configuration messages are merged into a single multicast transmission. The RNC transmits one cell configuration message that contains configuration information for multiple cells, reducing bandwidth consumption from O(n) individual messages to O(1) multicast message, while still providing precise configuration control for each target cell.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate transmissions are used to configure multiple cells, then individual cell configuration is achieved, but the time required for reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multicast transmission delivers configuration information to all target network elements simultaneously in advance, enabling parallel processing and reducing the overall reconfiguration time. All cells receive their configuration information at the same time rather than sequentially, significantly accelerating the reconfiguration process for large numbers of cells.
4Quantity of substance
If a multicast protocol is used to transmit cell configuration information simultaneously to multiple network elements, then bandwidth and processing load are reduced, but the complexity of the transmission protocol increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multicast protocol acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the RNC's transmission task. Instead of managing multiple individual unicast connections, the RNC uses a single multicast protocol to reach multiple network elements simultaneously. The protocol handles the complexity of group management, addressing, and delivery confirmation, freeing the RNC from managing individual connections to each cell.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station comprising a processor, a wireless interface, and a communication interface are configured to receive broadcast or multicast data using shared delivery with the shared delivery broadcast or multicast data being received by a plurality of base stations. Further, the cell configuration information is received over the communication interface and the processor and the wireless interface transmit the broadcast or multicast data based on the cell configuration information. The wireless interface configured to transmit the broadcast or multicast data to a plurality of user equipments (UEs) and based on acknowledgement feedback, the broadcast or multicast data is selectively retransmitted using unicast or multicast or broadcast.