Wireless Device Access Control via Network Traffic Level Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face congestion due to unmanaged network traffic from various devices, particularly machine-type communications, which traditional systems handle uniformly without distinguishing between different communication needs, leading to network overload.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing communication in wireless communication systems by evaluating network traffic levels and submitting access-configuration messages to shift wireless devices into predetermined operational conditions, thereby mitigating congestion by delaying or throttling communications when traffic thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication systems handle all device communications uniformly without discrimination, then all devices can access the network freely, but the network becomes overloaded and congested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating network access treatment based on device type and communication characteristics. Machine-type communication devices are identified and subjected to specific access control mechanisms (access class barring, throttling) distinct from human-to-human communication devices. This localized differentiation in access policies prevents machine communication from overwhelming the network while maintaining normal access for priority communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where network parameters such as access thresholds, throttling levels, and barring configurations are adjusted based on real-time network conditions and device characteristics. The system dynamically modifies communication parameters for different device classes, enabling flexible adaptation to varying network loads and traffic patterns without static rigid controls.
2Ease of operation
If machine-type communication devices communicate without coordination, then device operation is simplified, but network traffic increases significantly causing congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network-side intermediaries (base stations, network controllers) that mediate between machine-type communication devices and the core network. These intermediaries implement access class barring, throttling, and scheduling mechanisms that coordinate device access without requiring complex coordination between devices themselves. The intermediary enforces traffic management policies centrally while devices maintain simple operation patterns.
3Productivity
If network traffic is managed by delaying or throttling communications, then congestion is reduced, but communication response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing throttling and delaying mechanisms selectively rather than universally. Only machine-type communication devices subject to access class barring experience delayed responses, while other device classes maintain normal response times. The throttling is applied at appropriate granularities (per device class, per time period) to minimize overall delay while achieving congestion control objectives.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present technology provides a method and apparatus for managing communications in a wireless communication system. The method and apparatus evaluate one or more network traffic levels, each network traffic level associated with a respective network sector, and submit access-configuration messages in one or more network sectors when the evaluated network traffic level of a particular network sector has a predetermined relation to the traffic threshold for that particular network sector. The access- configuration messages are configured to shift one or more of wireless devices into one or more predetermined operational conditions. The present technology further provides corresponding wireless devices.