Wireless Network Congestion Control via Dynamic Cell Footprint Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face congestion issues due to high concentrations of active mobile devices at specific locations, leading to dropped calls, poor communication, and network overload, which traditional capacity expansion methods are difficult and expensive to address.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that dynamically adjusts radio network parameters, such as shrinking cell footprints and modifying signal levels, to prevent congestion by monitoring radio links and noise levels, and using AI for automated adjustments to manage network load and shift traffic to backup networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional capacity expansion methods are used to address network congestion, then network capacity is increased, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making cell footprints adjustable rather than fixed. The network dynamically modifies cell parameters (such as qRxLevMin for minimum received signal level) in response to real-time congestion conditions, allowing the same infrastructure to adapt its capacity without physical expansion. This resolves the contradiction by providing capacity adjustment through parameter changes rather than infrastructure expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical or operational parameters of the network (signal levels, cell boundaries, admission thresholds) to manage congestion. By modifying parameters like minimum received signal level and cell reselection criteria, the network achieves capacity management without building new infrastructure, thus increasing network capacity while avoiding the complexity and cost of traditional expansion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more mobile devices are served at high concentration locations, then user coverage is improved, but network overload and dropped calls increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network coverage area by dynamically adjusting cell footprints. When congestion is detected, cells are effectively divided or reconfigured to distribute traffic more evenly across the network, preventing any single area from becoming overloaded. This segmentation approach maintains broad coverage while improving reliability by preventing congestion-induced call drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network nodes continuously monitor congestion conditions (such as noise levels and traffic patterns) and adjust cell parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that network coverage adapts to real-time conditions, maintaining both extensive coverage and high reliability by preventing overload through proactive parameter adjustment.
3Productivity
If network parameters are adjusted dynamically to prevent congestion, then network efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling network nodes to automatically adjust their own parameters based on local congestion conditions without requiring centralized control. Each node monitors its own traffic and noise levels, and autonomously modifies cell parameters to optimize performance. This self-service approach improves network efficiency while minimizing the complexity of centralized parameter management.
Data Source
AI summary
Detection and prevention of heavy congestion in a wireless network is disclosed herein. Radio links are monitored and if the number of radio links reaches a first threshold level, one or more network parameters are modified in order shrink a cell footprint and/or to control cell reselection. The monitored radio links can be downlink circuit switched and packet switched radio links. Alternatively or additionally, an uplink noise level can be monitored and if the uplink noise level reaches a second threshold level, the one or more network parameters can be modified, even if the number of radio links are not at the threshold level.