METHODS AND APPARATUSES TO IMPROVE ON-TIME THROUGHPUT FOR INTEGRATED MULTI-RAT HETEROGENEOUS NETWORKS

• US 20130301435A1
• Filed: 09/28/2012
• Published: 11/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Shu-Ping Yeh
• Inventors: Yeh, Shu-Ping, Himayat, Nageen, Talwar, Shilpa, Panah, Ali Yazdan
• Granted Patent: US 8,953,482 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/252
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/56 with provision for simultaneous communication in two directions
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 15/00 Suppression or limitation of noise or interference by means associated with receiver H04B1/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/024 Co-operative use of antennas of several sites, e.g. in co-ordinated multipoint or co-operative multiple-input multiple-output [MIMO] systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0417 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0456 Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices antenna weighting
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0473 taking constraints in layer or codeword to antenna mapping into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0486 taking channel rank into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0626 Channel coefficients, e.g. channel state information [CSI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/063 Parameters other than those covered in groups H04B7/0623 - H04B7/0634, e.g. channel matrix rank or transmit mode selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0632 Channel quality parameters, e.g. channel quality indicator [CQI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0639 Using selective indices, e.g. of a codebook, e.g. pre-distortion matrix index [PMI] or for beam selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0647 Variable feedback rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/065 Variable contents, e.g. long-term or short-short
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/26 at least one of which is mobile
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/00 Time-division multiplex systems H04J14/00 takes precedence; relay systems H04B7/14; selecting techniques H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/1694 Allocation of channels in TDM/TDMA networks, e.g. distributed multiplexers Passive Optical Networks H04Q11/0062
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/26 in which the information and the address are simultaneously transmitted
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0026 Transmission of channel quality indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1803 Stop-and-wait protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1822 involving configuration of automatic repeat request [ARQ] with parallel processes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2627 : Modulators
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0007 : the frequencies being orthogonal, e.g. OFDM(A), DMT
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/001 : the frequencies being arranged in component carriers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0035 : Resource allocation in a cooperative multipoint environment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0053 : Allocation of signaling, i.e. of overhead other than pilot signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0073 : Allocation arrangements that take into account other cell interferences for intercell interference mitigation or co-ordination in orthogonal multiplex systems H04J11/005
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0096 : Indication of changes in allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 : Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/1469 : using time-sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM] H04L51/04; selective video distribution H04N21/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/22 : Parsing or analysis of headers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/324 : in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/14 : Spectrum sharing arrangements between different networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 : Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 : Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/00 : Hand-off or reselection arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0055 : Transmission or use of information for re-establishing the radio link
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0061 : of neighbour cell information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0088 : Scheduling hand-off measurements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0094 : Definition of hand-off measurement parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/04 : Reselecting a cell layer in multi-layered cells
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/16 : Performing reselection for specific purposes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/18 : for allowing seamless reselection, e.g. soft reselection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/22 : for handling the traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/30 : by measured or perceived connection quality data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/32 : by location or mobility data, e.g. speed data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/023 : using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 : Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 : Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/70 : Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/90 : Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/20 : Selecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0209 : in terminal devices terminal devices per se H04W88/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0212 : managed by the network, e.g. network or access point is master and terminal is slave
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0216 : using a pre-established activity schedule, e.g. traffic indication frame
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0225 : using monitoring of external events, e.g. the presence of a signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0229 : where the received signal is a wanted signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0235 : where the received signal is a power saving command
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0251 : using monitoring of local events, e.g. events related to user activity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/00 : Synchronisation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/001 : Synchronization between nodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/02 : Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/044 : based on the type of the allocated resource
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/1215 : for collaboration of different radio technologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/21 : in the uplink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 : in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/27 : between access points
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/30 : Resource management for broadcast services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/51 : based on terminal or device properties
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/54 : based on quality criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/541 : using the level of interference
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/542 : using measured or perceived quality
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/56 : based on priority criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/18 : Management of setup rejection or failure
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/27 : Transitions between radio resource control [RRC] states
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/28 : Discontinuous transmission [DTX]; Discontinuous reception [DRX]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 : Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/10 : adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode access points
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Methods and devices for optimizing on-time throughput in a wireless network. An enhanced node B (eNodeB) integrating two or more air interfaces schedules transmissions, for a measurement period, over at least one of the two or more air interfaces. The eNodeB estimates, based on the transmissions, a metric of on-time throughput for the user equipment (UE) within the cell, where on-time throughput is a measure of an amount of data that arrives at a destination before a delay threshold has been reached and at a bit-rate greater than or equal to a target bit-rate. The eNodeB then assigns UEs within the cell to an air interface of the two or more air interface to maximize the metric of on-time throughput for the UEs within the cell.

Claims

1. A method for partitioning, by an enhanced Node B (eNodeB) serving a cell, user equipment (UEs) within the cell between two or more air interfaces integrated within the cell, the method comprising:

scheduling transmissions, for a measurement period, over at least one of the two or more air interfaces;

estimating, based on the transmissions, a metric of on-time throughput for the UEs within the cell, the on-time throughput being a measure of an amount of data that arrives at a destination before a delay threshold has been reached and at a bit-rate greater than or equal to a target bit-rate; and

assigning UEs within the cell to an air interface of the two or more air interfaces of the cell to maximize the metric.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the metric is an aggregation of the on-time throughput for users within the cell.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein,

the transmissions comprise user data;

and

the eNodeB divides the transmissions between the two or more air interfaces.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein estimates of the metric are received from users within the cell.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein estimates of the metric are determined by the eNodeB by monitoring the transmissions of UEs within the cell during the measurement period.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein an updated estimated measurement procedure is triggered by a request from a UE within the cell.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the UE triggers the measurement period based on a determination by the UE that on-time throughput has degraded past a threshold.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the measurement period is triggered periodically by the eNodeB.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the measurement period is triggered by the eNodeB based on a determination by the eNodeB that on-time throughput has degraded past a threshold.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the estimating further comprises:

dividing the measurement period into two or more segments;

comparing a measured throughput for the two or more segments to the target bit-rate; and

assigning values to the two or more segments based on the comparing; and

estimating the metric of on-time throughput based on the values corresponding to the two or more segments.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the measurement period is determined based on the amount of delay that can be tolerated by applications transmitting on at least one of the two or more air interfaces.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the two or more air interfaces include a Wi-Fi air interface, an LTE air interface or a WiMax interface.

13. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions, that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to:

estimate, over a measurement period, a metric of on-time throughput within a cell, the on-time throughput being a measure of an amount of data that arrives at a destination before a delay threshold has been reached and at a bit-rate greater than or equal to a target bit-rate;

select an air interface of two or more air interfaces integrated within the cell to maximize the metric within the cell; and

notifying an enhanced Node B (eNodeB) serving the cell of the selection.

14. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, comprising instructions that, when executed by the machine, cause the machine to select the air interface of the two or more air interfaces that has the highest on-time throughput.

15. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, comprising instructions that, when executed by the machine, cause the machine to:

evaluate the estimated on-time throughput for two or more measurement periods; and

select the air interface that has the highest on-time throughput over each of the two or more measurement periods.

16. An enhanced Node B (eNodeB) comprising:

a first interface for communicating with users within a cell served by the eNodeB and connecting associated users to a core network;

a second air interface for communicating with users within a cell served by the eNodeB and connecting associated users to a core network; and

one or more processors arranged to,

schedule transmissions over at least one of the two or more air interfaces; and

assign UEs within the cell to an air interface of the two or more air interfaces of the cell to maximize on-time throughput within the cell, the on-time throughput being a measure of an amount of data that arrives at a destination before a delay threshold has been reached and at a bit-rate greater than or equal to a target bit-rate.

17. The eNodeB of claim 16, wherein the processor is further arranged to estimate, over a measurement period and based on the transmissions, a metric of on-time throughput for the UEs within the cell, on-time throughput being a measure of the amount of data that arrives at a destination before a delay threshold has been reached and at a bit-rate greater than or equal to a target bit-rate.

18. The eNodeB of claim 16, wherein one of the first air interface and the second air interface are arranged to receive estimates of the on-time throughput metric from UEs within the cell.

19. The eNodeB of claim 16, wherein the processor is further arranged to:

divide data for transmission between the two or more air interfaces, the data being test data or user data.

20. The eNodeB of claim 16, wherein an updated estimated measurement procedure is triggered by a request from a UE within the cell based on a determination by the UE that on-time throughput has degraded past a threshold.

21. The eNodeB of claim 16, wherein the processor is further arranged to:

divide the measurement period into two or more segments;

compare a measured throughput for the two or more segments to the target bit-rate;

assign values to the two or more segments based on the comparing; and

estimate the metric of on-time throughput based on the values corresponding to the two or more segments.

22. The eNodeB of claim 16, wherein the processor is further arranged to set the measurement period based on an amount of delay that can be tolerated by applications transmitting on at least one of the first air interface and the second air interface.

23. A user equipment (UE) operating within a cell of a wireless communication network, the UE comprising:

a first communication module arranged to communicate over a first air interface;

a second communications module arranged to communicate over a second air interface; and

a processor arranged to,

select the air interface of the two or more interfaces to maximize on-time throughput within the cell, the on-time throughput being a measure of an amount of data that arrives at a destination before a delay threshold has been reached and at a bit-rate greater than or equal to a target bit-rate;

notify an enhanced Node B (eNodeB) serving the cell of the selection; and

request that test transmissions be scheduled over at least one of the two or more air interfaces based on a determination that on-time throughput has degraded.

24. The UE of claim 23, wherein the processor is further arranged to:

estimate a metric of the on-time throughput within the cell; and

transmit the metric to the eNodeB.

25. The UE of claim 23, wherein the processor is further arranged to select the air interface of the two or more air interfaces that has the highest on-time throughput over at least two measurement periods.