Wireless Data Pacing Using RAN Metrics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data pacing systems in wireless networks often determine pacing rates based on core network metrics, which can lead to suboptimal utilization of radio access network (RAN) resources, resulting in inefficient data transmission and wasted resources due to padding data blocks.
Innovation Solution
The system determines and adjusts the pacing rate for data transmission based on RAN metrics, such as transport block size and resource block utilization, to optimize RAN utilization and overall network performance, using a cross-layer solution that considers both RAN and core network metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pacing rate is determined based on core network metrics, then core network utilization is optimized, but radio access network (RAN) resource utilization deteriorates due to padding data blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for pacing rate determination from core network metrics (e.g., bandwidth, traffic load) to RAN-specific metrics (e.g., transport block size, resource block utilization, channel quality indicators). This parameter change enables the pacing rate to be optimized for RAN resource utilization rather than core network utilization, thereby reducing padding data blocks and improving overall network efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cross-layer approach that bridges the gap between core network layer and RAN layer by having the video pacing server access and respond to RAN metrics. This dimensional change allows the pacing decision to consider RAN-specific conditions that were previously unavailable to the core network pacing system, resolving the contradiction between core network optimization and RAN resource efficiency
2Quantity of substance
If data transmission is paced to optimize core network utilization, then peak traffic load is reduced, but RAN resource utilization deteriorates due to mismatched pacing rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the video pacing server receives real-time or near-real-time RAN metrics (such as transport block size, resource block utilization, channel quality indicators) and adjusts the pacing rate accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the pacing rate dynamically adapts to current RAN conditions, optimizing RAN resource utilization while still managing peak traffic load effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pacing rate dynamic by continuously adjusting it based on current RAN metrics rather than using a static rate determined solely by core network conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond to changing RAN conditions (e.g., varying channel quality, available resources) and maintain optimal RAN resource utilization throughout the video transmission
3Device complexity
If pacing rate is determined without considering RAN metrics, then system complexity is reduced, but network performance deteriorates due to suboptimal resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the video pacing server acts as a mediator between the core network and the RAN. By having the pacing server directly access and respond to RAN metrics, the system creates a bridge that enables optimized pacing without requiring complex modifications to existing network elements. This intermediary approach maintains relatively simple system architecture while achieving improved network performance through better-informed pacing decisions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for pacing data transmission are described. An illustrative method includes transmitting, by a network device, a data stream at a pacing rate to a user equipment (UE) device. The method further includes accessing a metric of a radio access network (RAN) to which the UE device is connected, the metric associated with the UE device. The method further includes adjusting, based on the metric, the pacing rate at which the data stream is transmitted to the UE device.