Patent ID: 12238584

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details, and without applying to any particular networked environment or standard.

One or more aspects of the technology described herein are generally directed towards adaptive radio access network bit rate scheduling. Minimum bit rates for user equipment can be adjusted in a manner that accounts for the impact of the minimum bit rates on network performance. Ranges of minimum bit rates can be established for user equipment, and minimum bit rates can be adjusted within the ranges. A minimum bit rate can be decreased when it produces a relatively higher impact on network performance, and the minimum bit rate can be increased when it produces a relatively lower impact on network performance. Further aspects and embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below.

As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, or comprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. As an example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration and not limitation, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component.

One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components can communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the internet with other systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to execute software or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality of the electronic components. While various components have been illustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as a single component, or a single component can be implemented as multiple components, without departing from example embodiments.

The term “facilitate” as used herein is in the context of a system, device or component “facilitating” one or more actions or operations, in respect of the nature of complex computing environments in which multiple components and/or multiple devices can be involved in some computing operations. Non-limiting examples of actions that may or may not involve multiple components and/or multiple devices comprise transmitting or receiving data, establishing a connection between devices, determining intermediate results toward obtaining a result, etc. In this regard, a computing device or component can facilitate an operation by playing any part in accomplishing the operation. When operations of a component are described herein, it is thus to be understood that where the operations are described as facilitated by the component, the operations can be optionally completed with the cooperation of one or more other computing devices or components, such as, but not limited to, sensors, antennae, audio and/or visual output devices, other devices, etc.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable (or machine-readable) device or computer-readable (or machine-readable) storage/communications media. For example, computer readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

Moreover, terms such as “mobile device equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,” “subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “communication device,” “mobile device” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by a subscriber or mobile device of a wireless communication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the related drawings. Likewise, the terms “access point (AP),” “Base Station (BS),” “BS transceiver,” “BS device,” “cell site,” “cell site device,” “gNode B (gNB),” “evolved Node B (eNode B, eNB),” “home Node B (HNB)” and the like, refer to wireless network components or appliances that transmit and/or receive data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream from one or more subscriber stations. Data and signaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows.

Furthermore, the terms “device,” “communication device,” “mobile device,” “subscriber,” “customer entity,” “consumer,” “customer entity,” “entity” and the like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless context warrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should be appreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automated components supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference based on complex mathematical formalisms), which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

It should be noted that although various aspects and embodiments are described herein in the context of 4G, 5G, or other next generation networks, the disclosed aspects are not limited to a 4G or 5G implementation, and/or other network next generation implementations, such as sixth generation (6G), as the techniques can also be applied, for example, in third generation (3G), or other wireless systems. In this regard, aspects or features of the disclosed embodiments can be exploited in substantially any wireless communication technology. Such wireless communication technologies can include universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), global system for mobile communication (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCMDA), CDMA2000, time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), multi-carrier CDMA (MC-CDMA), single-carrier CDMA (SC-CDMA), single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-spread OFDM), single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), filter bank based multi-carrier (FBMC), zero tail DFT-spread-OFDM (ZT DFT-s-OFDM), generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), fixed mobile convergence (FMC), universal fixed mobile convergence (UFMC), unique word OFDM (UW-OFDM), unique word DFT-spread OFDM (UW DFT-Spread-OFDM), cyclic prefix OFDM (CP-OFDM), resource-block-filtered OFDM, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), wireless local area network (WLAN), general packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced GPRS, third generation partnership project (3GPP), long term evolution (LTE), LTE frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), 5G, third generation partnership project 2 (3GPP2), ultra-mobile broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA), evolved high speed packet access (HSPA+), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), Zigbee, or another institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.12 technology. In this regard, all or substantially all aspects disclosed herein can be exploited in legacy telecommunication technologies.

FIG.1illustrates an example wireless communication system configured to adjust minimum bit rates of user equipment, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. The example wireless communication system100includes network nodes131,141of a radio access network (RAN). The network nodes131,141provide wireless communication service in service areas130,140. User equipment (UE) in the service area130, such as UE132, UE133, and UE134, can send and receive communications via network node131. UE142in the service area140can send and receive communications via network node141.

The network nodes131,141can communicate with communication service provider network(s)110via backhaul links120,125. The communication service provider network(s)110can include a variety of network equipment, including, e.g., a non-real time RAN intelligent controller (RIC)111and a near-real time RIC112. In some embodiments, the non-real time RIC111can generate a policy115and provide the policy115to the near-real time RIC112, and the near-real time RIC112can apply the policy115via the network nodes131,141.

In some embodiments, the communication service provider network(s)110can receive performance data121,126from the network nodes131,141, and the communication service provider network(s)110, e.g., the non-real time RIC111, can use the performance data121,126to generate the policy115. The near-real time RIC112can use the performance data121,126and the policy115to determine minimum bit rate adjustments122,127. The near-real time RIC112can send the minimum bit rate adjustments122,127to the network nodes131,141, and the network nodes131,141can apply the minimum bit rate adjustments122,127in connection with the service being provided to UEs132,133,134and UE142.

In general, in embodiments according toFIG.1, the wireless communication system100can be configured to adjust minimum bit rates used in connection with providing wireless communication service to UEs132,133,134,142. The UEs132,133,134,142can be associated with acceptable minimum bit rate ranges, and the wireless communication system100can be configured to adjust minimum bit rates associated with UEs132,133,134,142while remaining within their acceptable ranges. Minimum bit rates can be adjusted for uplink (UL) communications, downlink (DL) communications, or both. The wireless communication system100can be configured to identify opportunities to improve network performance using minimum bit rate adjustments, and the wireless communication system100can determine and deploy the minimum bit rate adjustments122,127in order to improve network performance, while also optionally making adjustments to retain high quality of experience (QoE) for the UEs132,133,134,142.

Several different scenarios can give rise to degraded network performance which can be addressed by minimum bit rate adjustments according to this disclosure. A first example scenario involves network node131and UEs132,133,134. In the first example scenario, the UE134is assigned a high minimum bit rate and is also in poor RF conditions, optionally with low modulation and coding scheme (MCS) throughput. As a result, the UE134can use a high number of the network node's131available physical resource blocks (PRBs). As another result, the network node131has limited remaining PRBs available for UEs132,133, even though the UEs132,133may be in better RF conditions than UE134. The network node131therefore can have lower overall cell throughput and lower spectral efficiency, resulting in degraded performance. Some embodiments of this disclosure can be directed to identifying this first example scenario and addressing it by lowering the minimum bit rate of UEs such as UE134. Conversely, embodiments can identify when network conditions have changed such that restoring/increasing the minimum bit rate of UE134can be accomplished without degrading network performance.

A second example scenario involves network nodes131and141, and UEs134and142. In the second example scenario, similar to the first scenario, the UE134is assigned a high minimum bit rate and is also in poor RF conditions, optionally with low throughput. As a result, the network node131may spend a relatively large amount of “airtime,” on UE134, i.e., time during which radio transmissions are being sent or received from UE134. As another result, the UE142and network node141can experience increased interference, and resulting degraded performance, in connection with wireless service provided to UE142. Some embodiments of this disclosure can be directed to identifying this second example scenario and addressing it by lowering the minimum bit rate of UEs such as UE134. As in the first scenario, embodiments can identify when network conditions have changed such that restoring/increasing the minimum bit rate of UE134can be accomplished without degrading network performance.

Some embodiments can apply machine learning (ML) to continuously evaluate and improve minimum bit rates applied to UEs132,133,134,142under various different network conditions. For example, embodiments can use the non-real time RIC111to evaluate performance data121,126and to generate the policy115, wherein the policy115includes minimum bit rates to apply to UEs132,133,134,142under various different network conditions. The policy115can be carried out by the near-real time RIC112, e.g., by using the policy115to identify the minimum bit rate adjustments122,127. The effectiveness of the policy115can be subsequently evaluated at the non-real time RIC111, using subsequent performance data121,126. The non-real time RIC111can modify the policy115and provide the modified policy115to the near-real time RIC112. A repeating cycle of receiving performance data121,126, modifying the policy115, and employing the modified policy115to adjust minimum bit rates can be used to continuously improve the minimum bit rate adjustments122,127that are employed under different network conditions.

The non-limiting term “user equipment” can refer to any type of device that can communicate with network nodes131,141in a cellular or mobile communication system100. UEs132,133,134,142can have one or more antenna panels having vertical and horizontal elements. Examples of UEs132,133,134,142comprise target devices, device to device (D2D) UEs, machine type UEs or UEs capable of machine to machine (M2M) communications, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, mobile terminals, smart phones, laptop mounted equipment (LME), universal serial bus (USB) dongles enabled for mobile communications, computers having mobile capabilities, mobile devices such as cellular phones, laptops having laptop embedded equipment (LEE, such as a mobile broadband adapter), tablet computers having mobile broadband adapters, wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, heads-up display (HUD) devices, smart cars, machine-type communication (MTC) devices, augmented reality head mounted displays, and the like. UEs132,133,134,142can also comprise IOT devices that communicate wirelessly.

In various embodiments, system100comprises communication service provider network(s)110serviced by one or more wireless communication network providers. Communication service provider network(s)110can comprise a “core network”. In example embodiments, UEs132,133,134,142can be communicatively coupled to the communication service provider network(s)110via network nodes131,141. The network nodes131,141(e.g., network node devices) can communicate with UEs122,123, and124, thus providing connectivity between the UEs132,133,134,142and the wider cellular network. The UEs132,133,134,142can send transmission type recommendation data to the network nodes131,141. The transmission type recommendation data can comprise a recommendation to transmit data via a closed loop multiple input multiple output (MIMO) mode and/or a rank-1 precoder mode.

Network nodes131,141can each have a cabinet and other protected enclosures, computing devices, an antenna mast, and multiple antennas for performing various transmission operations (e.g., MIMO operations) and for directing/steering signal beams. Network nodes131,141can each comprise one or more base station devices which implement features of the network node. Network nodes can serve several cells, depending on the configuration and type of antenna. In example embodiments, UEs132,133,134,142can send and/or receive communication data via wireless links to the network nodes131,141. The dashed arrow lines from the network nodes131,141to the UEs132,133,134,142represent downlink (DL) communications to the UEs132,133,134,142. The solid arrow lines from the UEs132,133,134,142to the network nodes131,141represent uplink (UL) communications.

Communication service provider networks110can facilitate providing wireless communication services to UEs132,133,134,142via the network nodes131,141and/or various additional network devices (not shown) included in the one or more communication service provider networks110. The one or more communication service provider networks110can comprise various types of disparate networks, including but not limited to: cellular networks, femto networks, picocell networks, microcell networks, internet protocol (IP) networks Wi-Fi service networks, broadband service network, enterprise networks, cloud-based networks, millimeter wave networks and the like. For example, in at least one implementation, system100can be or comprise a large-scale wireless communication network that spans various geographic areas. According to this implementation, the one or more communication service provider networks110can be or comprise the wireless communication network and/or various additional devices and components of the wireless communication network (e.g., additional network devices and cell, additional UEs, network server devices, etc.).

In some embodiments, communication service provider networks110can comprise elements such as the non-real time RIC111and the near-real time RIC112. In other embodiments, the non-real time RIC111and the near-real time RIC112can be deployed on in network equipment that provides a network node131or141. In still further embodiments, the non-real time RIC111and the near-real time RIC112can optionally be managed by the operator of the communication service provider networks110, or by a third party with a predefined access role.

The network nodes131,141can be connected to the one or more communication service provider networks110via one or more backhaul links120,125. For example, the one or more backhaul links120,125can comprise wired link components, such as a T1/E1 phone line, a digital subscriber line (DSL) (e.g., either synchronous or asynchronous), an asymmetric DSL (ADSL), an optical fiber backbone, a coaxial cable, and the like. The one or more backhaul links120,125can also comprise wireless link components, such as but not limited to, line-of-sight (LOS) or non-LOS links which can comprise terrestrial air-interfaces or deep space links (e.g., satellite communication links for navigation). Backhaul links120,125can be implemented via a “transport network” in some embodiments. In another embodiment, network nodes131,141can be part of an integrated access and backhaul network. This may allow easier deployment of a dense network of self-backhauled 5G cells in a more integrated manner by building upon many of the control and data channels/procedures defined for providing access to UEs.

Wireless communication system100can employ various cellular systems, technologies, and modulation modes to facilitate wireless radio communications between devices (e.g., the UEs132,133,134,142and the network nodes131,141). While example embodiments might be described for 5G new radio (NR) systems, the embodiments can be applicable to any radio access technology (RAT) or multi-RAT system where the UE operates using multiple carriers, e.g., LTE FDD/TDD, GSM/GERAN, CDMA2000 etc.

For example, system100can operate in accordance with any 5G, next generation communication technology, or existing communication technologies, various examples of which are listed supra. In this regard, various features and functionalities of system100are applicable where the devices (e.g., the UEs132,133,134,142and the network nodes131,141) of system100are configured to communicate wireless signals using one or more multi carrier modulation schemes, wherein data symbols can be transmitted simultaneously over multiple frequency subcarriers (e.g., OFDM, CP-OFDM, DFT-spread OFMD, UFMC, FMBC, etc.). The embodiments are applicable to single carrier as well as to multicarrier (MC) or carrier aggregation (CA) operation of the UE. The term carrier aggregation (CA) is also called (e.g., interchangeably called) “multi-carrier system”, “multi-cell operation”, “multi-carrier operation”, “multi-carrier” transmission and/or reception. Note that some embodiments are also applicable for Multi RAB (radio bearers) on some carriers (that is data plus speech is simultaneously scheduled).

In various embodiments, system100can be configured to provide and employ 5G or subsequent generation wireless networking features and functionalities. 5G wireless communication networks are expected to fulfill the demand of exponentially increasing data traffic and to allow people and machines to enjoy gigabit data rates with virtually zero (e.g., single digit millisecond) latency. Compared to 4G, 5G supports more diverse traffic scenarios. For example, in addition to the various types of data communication between conventional UEs (e.g., phones, smartphones, tablets, PCs, televisions, internet enabled televisions, AR/VR head mounted displays (HMDs), etc.) supported by 4G networks, 5G networks can be employed to support data communication between smart cars in association with driverless car environments, as well as machine type communications (MTCs). Considering the drastic different communication needs of these different traffic scenarios, the ability to dynamically configure waveform parameters based on traffic scenarios while retaining the benefits of multi carrier modulation schemes (e.g., OFDM and related schemes) can provide a significant contribution to the high speed/capacity and low latency demands of 5G networks. With waveforms that split the bandwidth into several sub-bands, different types of services can be accommodated in different sub-bands with the most suitable waveform and numerology, leading to an improved spectrum utilization for 5G networks.

To meet the demand for data centric applications, features of 5G networks can comprise: increased peak bit rate (e.g., 20 Gbps), larger data volume per unit area (e.g., high system spectral efficiency—for example about 3.5 times that of spectral efficiency of long term evolution (LTE) systems), high capacity that allows more device connectivity both concurrently and instantaneously, lower battery/power consumption (which reduces energy and consumption costs), better connectivity regardless of the geographic region in which a user is located, a larger numbers of devices, lower infrastructural development costs, and higher reliability of the communications. Thus, 5G networks can allow for: data rates of several tens of megabits per second should be supported for tens of thousands of users, 1 gigabit per second to be offered simultaneously to tens of workers on the same office floor, for example, several hundreds of thousands of simultaneous connections to be supported for massive sensor deployments; improved coverage, enhanced signaling efficiency; reduced latency compared to LTE.

The 5G access network can utilize higher frequencies (e.g., >6 GHz) to aid in increasing capacity. Currently, much of the millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum, the band of spectrum between 30 GHz and 300 GHz is underutilized. The millimeter waves have shorter wavelengths that range from 10 millimeters to 1 millimeter, and these mmWave signals experience severe path loss, penetration loss, and fading. However, the shorter wavelength at mmWave frequencies also allows more antennas to be packed in the same physical dimension, which allows for large-scale spatial multiplexing and highly directional beamforming.

Performance can be improved if both the transmitter and the receiver are equipped with multiple antennas. Multi-antenna techniques can significantly increase the data rates and reliability of a wireless communication system. The use of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) techniques, which was introduced in the 3GPP and has been in use (including with LTE), is a multi-antenna technique that can improve the spectral efficiency of transmissions, thereby significantly boosting the overall data carrying capacity of wireless systems. The use of MIMO techniques can improve mmWave communications and has been widely recognized as a potentially important component for access networks operating in higher frequencies. MIMO can be used for achieving diversity gain, spatial multiplexing gain and beamforming gain. For these reasons, MIMO systems are an important part of the 3rd and 4th generation wireless systems and are in use in 5G systems.

FIG.2illustrates an example general architecture of a system configured to adjust minimum bit rates within a wireless communication system, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.FIG.2includes a network operator200, a controller210, and a distributed unit (DU) scheduler220. The controller210comprises a key performance indicator (KPI) agent211, a memory212, a communication interface213, and a bit rate adapter214. The DU scheduler220comprises a KPI server221, a bit rate agent222, and a communication interface223.

InFIG.2, the communication interface213in the controller210can be configured to exchange information with RAN nodes, via the DU scheduler220. The communication interface213can exchange information with the communication interface223at the DU scheduler220. The communication interface213can furthermore be configured to read input from the network operator200.

The KPI agent211in the controller210can be configured to receive network performance related measurements, e.g., performance data121,126illustrated inFIG.1, in order to evaluate the DU scheduler's220current bit rate configurations and the quantity of PRB s allocated to various user equipment by the DU scheduler220.

The bit rate adapter214in the controller210can be configured to host bit rate adaptation logic, which can adapt bit rates based on target KPIs received from the network operator200and network conditions. The memory212in the controller210can be configured to store the latest bit rate decisions and to create policies which can be evaluated and reused in the future.

Furthermore, the communication interface223in the DU scheduler220can be configured to exchange information with the controller210and other RAN nodes, e.g., centralized units (CUs) and radio units (RUs). The bit rate agent222in the DU scheduler220can be configured to reconfigure minimum bit rates, used by the DU scheduler220for each user equipment based on real-time bit rate adjustment inputs or previous policies received from the controller210. The KPI server221in the DU scheduler220can be configured to collect network information for each user equipment and derive corresponding KPIs to be sent to the KPI agent211.

In example operations according toFIG.2, the controller210can continuously collect user equipment channel conditions and network load information, and can use collected information to estimate optimal minimum bit rates that can be configured for each user equipment. The controller210can periodically communicate new minimum bit rates to the DU scheduler220to meet target KPIs specified by the network operator200. KPIs can include, e.g., cell throughput targets, spectral efficiency targets, or other performance targets. The controller210can also be configured to satisfy constraints on the minimum bit rate ranges of user equipment. Moreover, the controller210can be configured to store previous minimum bit rate recommendations, for use in evaluating resultant performance, improving future minimum bit rate targets, and reusing minimum bit rate targets in future decisions under similar network conditions.

In a first example embodiment of the architecture illustrated inFIG.2, the controller210can be implemented as part of a near-real time RIC112, illustrated inFIG.1. Such embodiments can aim to decrease minimum bit rates of user equipment when a target cell throughput is not achieved, and vice versa. This can be done while considering ranges of allowed bit rates for different user equipment, and target cell spectral efficiency.

In a second example embodiment of the architecture illustrated inFIG.2, the controller210can be configured to learn minimum bit rate configurations that lead to improved cell performance for each network condition, wherein a network condition can comprise a combination of signal strength (e.g., reference signal received power RSRP) conditions and load (e.g., PRB utilization) conditions. Learned minimum bit rate configurations and corresponding network conditions can be stored in a knowledge base which can be iteratively improved based on the achieved bit rate. Such a knowledge base can be used to make future decisions with a higher probability of recommending an optimal configuration, in comparison to reactive configuration methods.

In a third example embodiment of the architecture illustrated inFIG.2, the controller210can be configured to address intercell interference. When multiple cells, e.g., a group of cells, are managed by a same controller210, the controller210can configure minimum bit rates of the group of cells such that the intercell interference is decreased. For example, a first cell may have lower performance than other cells in the group. The performance of the first cell can be improved by decreasing a suboptimal minimum bit rate employed by a neighboring cell of the group. The suboptimal minimum bit rate used by the neighboring cell can be causing excessive interference to the first cell. Decreasing the suboptimal minimum bit rate can improve performance of the first cell.

FIG.3illustrates an example controller that can implement the controller illustrated inFIG.2, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. The example controller310can implement the controller210in some embodiments. The example controller310includes various illustrated components and an example flow/sequence of the operations. Detect network events301can be followed by collect KPIs302. Collect KPIs302can be followed by detect performance degradation303. Detect performance degradation303can receive target KPIs311and can be followed by propose new minimum bit rate304. Propose new minimum bit rate304can be followed by store actions305. Store actions305can be followed by evaluate and improve actions306. Evaluate and improve actions306can be followed by propose new minimum bit rate304, so the operations304,305and306are illustrated as being performed in a repeating cycle.

In example operations according toFIG.3, detect network events301can be configured to detect events such as new target KPI values from a network operator, new users admitted to a cell, or network traffic having suboptimal minimum bit rate values. In response to a detected network event, detect network events301can trigger the controller310to reconfigure minimum bit rates.

In response to a detected event at301, the controller310can collect KPIs302. KPIs collected at302can include, e.g., user equipment bit rates over a preceding time window of x seconds, an average cell throughput, and PRB utilization data. In some embodiments, KPIs can be collected from a RAN node based on a request from the controller310. In other embodiments, KPIs can be collected from a RAN node periodically.

Detect performance degradation303can be configured to compare current KPIs, collected at302, with target KPIs311. When the current KPIs do not meet the target KPIs311, detect performance degradation303can trigger calculating and proposing new minimum bit rates via304.

Propose new minimum bit rate304can be configured to propose new minimum bit rates for user equipment. In some embodiments, proposed new minimum bit rates can be based on a calculated degree of degradation. Proposed new minimum bit rates can be retrieved from stored values or can be newly calculated. The new minimum bit rates can be subjected to a set of constraints defined by the network operator, such as lowest and highest allowed values, which in some circumstances can correspond to application specific quality ranges (e.g., video resolutions required for different applications). The new minimum bit rates can be applied to a RAN node for which the new minimum bit rates are determined, as described herein.

Store actions305can be configured to store “actions,” e.g., minimum bit rate adjustment values to be applied to user equipment, alongside network conditions corresponding to such actions. In some embodiments, similar actions can be either grouped or filtered to create a knowledge base and/or policy to be applied under future detected network conditions.

Evaluate and improve actions306can be configured to observe resultant KPIs from a RAN node to which new minimum bit rates are applied. Subsequent to application of new minimum bit rates, evaluate and improve actions306can analyze iterations of KPI data received from the RAN node, and can fine tune minimum bit rate values or the network conditions at which they shall be applied. For example, if applying new minimum bit rates results in performance that is below a target value, evaluate and improve actions306can modify the minimum bit rates to be applied during a next application of new minimum bit rates to the RAN node.

FIG.4illustrates example generation and use of a minimum bit rate policy to adjust minimum bit rates, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.FIG.4includes communication service provider network(s)400, network node(s)430, and example UEs401and402. In some embodiments, the communication service provider network(s)400can implement the communication service provider network(s)110illustrated inFIG.1, the network node(s)430can implement the network node(s)131,141illustrated inFIG.1, and the UEs401and402can implement any of the UEs132,133,134,142illustrated inFIG.1.

The communication service provider network(s)400include a non-real time RIC410and a near-real time RIC420. The non-real time RIC410includes a policy generator411, and the non-real time RIC410can provide a modified policy415to the near-real time RIC420. The near-real time RIC420is illustrated as including the policy415.

The network node(s)430are illustrated as communicating with the UEs401,402, wherein the communications between network node(s)430and UEs401,402can use minimum bit rates established for UEs401,402. In some embodiments, minimum bit rates can be for uplink communications, downlink communications, or both. The network node(s)430can send performance data431to the communication service provider network(s)400. The performance data431can be used by the policy generator411to generate the modified policy415. The performance data431can also be used by the near-real time RIC420in connection with determining minimum bit rate adjustments432for the network nodes430. The minimum bit rate adjustments432can be determined by applying the modified policy415to the performance data431. The minimum bit rate adjustments432can be sent to the network node(s)430for application thereof in connection with the communications between the network node(s)430and the UEs401,402.

FIG.5illustrates an example architecture of a system configured to adjust minimum bit rates based on cell throughput, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.FIG.5includes near-real time RIC510and DU520. The near-real time RIC510includes performance monitoring511and bit rate and resources adaptation512. The DU520includes scheduler521. The near-real time RIC510can receive target KPIs501. The near-real time RIC510and the DU520can communicate via an E2 interface, whereby the near-real time RIC510can provide minimum bit rates, max PRBs per UE, and priority ratios531to the DU520, and whereby the DU520can provide cell throughput, PRB utilization and spectral efficiency information532to the near-real time RIC510.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.5, the controller210described in connection withFIG.2can be implemented via near-real time RIC510. Embodiments according toFIG.5can decrease minimum bit rates when a target cell throughput is not achieved, and vice versa. This can be done while considering ranges of allowed bit rates for user equipment, as well as the spectral efficiency of a RAN node.

In some embodiments, the near-real time RIC510can operate using a control loop which can operate, e.g., in repeating cycles which can be repeated every 10 milliseconds (ms) up to 1 second. During each cycle, the data532can be collected from the DU scheduler521, the data532can be evaluated at performance monitoring511, the data532can be provided to the bit rate and resources adaptation512for reconfiguration of bit rates and/or other parameters, and the data531can be provided to the DU scheduler521so that DU scheduler521can modify minimum bit rates, PRBs per UE, and UE priority ratios accordingly.

The E2 interface is used to fetch KPI values comprising data532such as cell throughput, PRB utilization, and spectral efficiency. Further processing of the data532can be conducted at the near-real time RIC510as per formulas defined in 3GPP and O-RAN specifications. The data531sent to the DU520can comprise “actions” recommended by the controller implemented by the near-real time RIC510, and the near-real time RIC510can optionally use the E2 interface for communication of data531. The actions represented by data531can include, e.g., new minimum bit rate values to be applied by DU520, a maximum number of PRBs that can be allocated to a user equipment or a slice, and/or priority ratios to be applied to establish relative priorities of user equipment for the purpose of, e.g., proportionally allocating spectrum resources among user equipment.

FIG.6illustrates an example process to adjust minimum bit rates based on cell throughput using a system such as illustrated inFIG.5, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. In some embodiments, the process illustrated inFIG.6can be implemented by the controller510illustrated inFIG.5.

At collect current cell throughput (Lcell)601, a cell throughput over a defined duration [t1,t2] can be calculated as:

Rcell=∑n∈N⁢Lnt2-t1
Where Lnis the total number of transmitted bits to a user equipment n in the duration, and N is the set of all user equipment served by the scheduler521.

The minimum cell throughput (Rcell′)602can comprise a target KPI501configured by a network operator. At603, if Rcellis lower than the target value Rcell′, then a minimum bit rate of a user equipment can be decreased using operations604-609.

At operations604-609, the controller510can use operation604to iterate over the set of user equipment, denoted by N. At605, the controller510can find the user equipment n with the lowest spectral efficiency. This user equipment can be deemed to be a contributor to cell throughput degradation, due having a higher minimum bit rate relative to its channel capacity. At606, if the user equipment's minimum bit rate bncan be decreased (i.e., if its minimum bit rate is above the lowest possible value thereof, denoted as bmin), then at607, the user equipment's minimum bit rate is decreased to provide more resources for other user equipment in better RF conditions, thereby increasing the total cell throughput. The operations can break609and wait for initiation of another cycle at601.

Otherwise, if at606the user equipment's minimum bit rate bnis already at its lowest value, then at608the controller510can remove the user equipment from the evaluation and the steps604,605, and606can be repeated to examine a next user equipment with the lowest spectral efficiency.

If, at603, Rcellis higher than the target value Rcell′, then there is an opportunity to increase user equipment minimum bit rates according to operations610-615. The controller510can use operation610to iterate over the set of user equipment, denoted by N. At611, the controller510can find the user equipment n with the lowest minimum bit rate.

At612, if the user equipment's minimum bit rate bncan be increased (i.e., the user equipment is below its highest possible minimum bit rate value bmax), then its minimum bit rate can be increased at614to improve the user equipment's quality of experience (QoE) and to provide a fair QoS that may be more similar to the QoS of other user equipment. The process can break615to wait for initiation of another cycle via601.

Otherwise, if at612the user equipment's minimum bit rate bnis already at its highest value, then the user equipment can be removed from the evaluation at operation613, and operations610,611, and612can be repeated to examine a next user equipment with a next lowest minimum bit rate.

FIG.7is a flow diagram representing example operations of network equipment in connection with adjusting minimum bit rates of user equipment based on cell throughput, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. The illustrated blocks can represent actions performed in a method, functional components of a computing device, or instructions implemented in a machine-readable storage medium executable by a processor. While the operations are illustrated in an example sequence, the operations can be eliminated, combined, or re-ordered in some embodiments.

The operations illustrated inFIG.7can be performed, for example, by network equipment such as the near-real time RIC510illustrated inFIG.5. Example operation702comprises receiving, by network equipment comprising a processor, e.g., by the near-real time RIC510, cell throughput data532associated with a cell of a radio access network.

Example operation702comprises comparing, by the network equipment510, the cell throughput data532to a defined cell throughput threshold, e.g., to a cell throughput threshold as defined by target KPIs501. Example operations706can be performed in response to a result of the comparing indicating that the cell throughput data532comprises a cell throughput that is less than the defined cell throughput threshold501, and example operations712can be performed in response to a result of the comparing indicating that a subsequent cell throughput532comprises a subsequent cell throughput that is more than the defined cell throughput threshold501. Example operations712can be skipped when operations706are performed, by proceeding directly from operations706to operation716, and example operations706can be skipped when operations712are performed, by proceeding directly from operation704to operations712.

With regard to operations706, when the comparing indicates that the cell throughput data532comprises a cell throughput that is less than the defined cell throughput threshold501, operations708and710can be performed. Example operation708comprises identifying, by the network equipment510, first user equipment served by the cell by comparing spectral efficiencies associated with the first user equipment and the second user equipment. In some embodiments, operation708can identify first user equipment that is associated with a lower spectral efficiency than other user equipment, e.g., the second user equipment, served by the cell. In some embodiments, operation708can identify first user equipment that is associated with a lowest spectral efficiency of user equipment connected to the cell, e.g., the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

In some embodiments, operation708can also account for any user equipment that have poor spectral efficiency but are nonetheless ineligible for bit rate adjustment because they are already at their lowest available minimum bit rate(s). The first user equipment identified pursuant to operation708can be associated with a higher spectral efficiency than such ineligible user equipment served by the cell, wherein the ineligible user equipment is associated with an ineligible minimum bit rate that is set at a defined minimum bit rate.

Example operation710comprises determining, by the network equipment510, minimum bit rate adjustment information531to decrease a minimum bit rate of the first user equipment. By decreasing the minimum bit rate of the first user equipment, wherein the first user equipment has low or poor spectral efficiency, example operation710can effectively free cell resources which are better used in connection with other, higher spectral efficiency user equipment. The overall cell throughput is expected to improve as a result.

With regard to operations712, when the comparing indicates that the cell throughput data532comprises a subsequent cell throughput that is more than the defined cell throughput threshold501, operation714can be performed. Operations712can be performed, e.g., during a repetition cycle of operations according toFIG.7wherein the result of the comparing at704indicates that the cell throughput data532comprises a subsequent cell throughput that is more than the defined cell throughput threshold501.

Example operation714comprises determining, by the network equipment510, subsequent minimum bit rate adjustment information531to increase a minimum bit rate of a user equipment of a group of user equipment served by the cell, wherein the group of user equipment comprises the first user equipment and the second user equipment. Operation714can, for example, identify a user equipment with a relatively low minimum bit rate, relative to other user equipment in the group of user equipment served by the cell, and increase the bit rate of the identified user equipment.

Example operation716comprises sending, by the network equipment510, the minimum bit rate adjustment information531, e.g., the minimum bit rate adjustment information531determined pursuant to operation710or operation714, to a radio access network node520associated with the cell. The radio access network node520can be configured to decrease the minimum bit rate of the first user equipment according to the minimum bit rate adjustment information531.

The operations illustrated inFIG.7can be repeated in repetition cycles. For example, the receiving of the cell throughput data532at operation702, the comparing of the cell throughput data532to the defined cell throughput threshold501at operation704, the determining of the minimum bit rate adjustment information according to operations706or operations712, and the sending minimum bit rate adjustment information according to operation716, can be repeated at any desired frequency rate to intermittently adapt minimum bit rates to improve cell throughput.

FIG.8is a flow diagram representing another set of example operations of network equipment in connection with adjusting minimum bit rates of user equipment based on cell throughput, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. The illustrated blocks can represent actions performed in a method, functional components of a computing device, or instructions implemented in a machine-readable storage medium executable by a processor. While the operations are illustrated in an example sequence, the operations can be eliminated, combined, or re-ordered in some embodiments.

The operations illustrated inFIG.8can be performed, for example, by network equipment such as the near-real time RIC510illustrated inFIG.5. In general,FIG.8illustrates example operations to increase minimum bit rates of user equipment in response to strong cell throughput conditions, i.e., cell throughput conditions that exceed target KPIs.

Example operation802comprises receiving, via a radio access network, e.g., via an E2 interface of a radio access network, cell throughput data532associated with a cell of the radio access network. Example operation804comprises comparing the cell throughput data532to a defined cell throughput threshold, e.g., as defined by target KPIs501.

Example operations806can be performed in response to a result of the comparing (at operation804) being that the cell throughput data532comprises a cell throughput that is more than the defined cell throughput threshold501. Operations806can include operation808and operation810.

Example operation808comprises identifying a first user equipment served by the cell by comparing a first minimum bit rate of the first user equipment and a second minimum bit rate associated with a second user equipment served by the cell. The first minimum bit rate (of the first user equipment) can be lower than the second minimum bit rate (of the second user equipment). In some embodiments, the first user equipment can be associated with a lowest minimum bit rate of multiple user equipment comprising the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

In the event that some user equipment (referred to as ineligible user equipment) is set at a highest defined minimum bit rate (i.e., an ineligible minimum bit rate), but such ineligible minimum bit rate is nonetheless lower that the minimum bit rate for other user equipment, the first user equipment identified pursuant to operation808can be associated with a higher minimum bit rate than such ineligible user equipment served by the cell, however, the first minimum bit rate can nonetheless be increased.

In general, operation808can compare minimum bit rates of user equipment to identify a user equipment that has a lower/lowest minimum bit rate, in comparison to other user equipment, and that is also eligible for bit rate adjustment by not being at its highest minimum bit rate.

Example operation810comprises determining minimum bit rate adjustment information531to increase the first minimum bit rate of the first user equipment served by the cell. The amount of bit rate increase can optionally depend on the bit rate range for the first user equipment as well as on other bit rates of other user equipment connected to the cell. For example, the bit rate can be adjusted up to the average bit rate used by other user equipment.

Example operation812comprises sending, via the radio access network, the first minimum bit rate adjustment information531to a radio access network node520associated with the cell. The radio access network node531can be configured to increase the first minimum bit rate of the first user equipment according to the first minimum bit rate adjustment information531. After sending the first minimum bit rate adjustment information531, the operations ofFIG.8can be repeated, in repetition cycles, at any desired repetition rate.

FIG.9is a flow diagram representing another set of example operations of network equipment in connection with adjusting minimum bit rates of user equipment based on cell throughput, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. The illustrated blocks can represent actions performed in a method, functional components of a computing device, or instructions implemented in a machine-readable storage medium executable by a processor. While the operations are illustrated in an example sequence, the operations can be eliminated, combined, or re-ordered in some embodiments.

The operations illustrated inFIG.9can be performed, for example, by network equipment such as the near-real time RIC510illustrated inFIG.5. Example operation902comprises receiving cell throughput data532associated with a cell that is part of a radio access network. Example operation904comprises comparing the cell throughput data532to a defined cell throughput threshold, e.g., a threshold included in target KPIs501. Example operation906comprises determining minimum bit rate adjustment information531based on a result of the comparing at operation904. As illustrated inFIG.9, operation906can apply either of two different sets of operations, a first set comprising operations908-912, or a second set comprising operations914-918.

With regard to operations908-912, these operations can be triggered at operation908, in response to the result of the comparing at operation904being determined to be that the cell throughput data532comprises a cell throughput that is less than the defined cell throughput threshold501. In this case, the determining of the minimum bit rate adjustment information531pursuant to operation906can comprise operations910and912.

Example operation910comprises identifying at least one first user equipment by determining that at least one spectral efficiency associated with the at least one first user equipment is lower than at least one other spectral efficiency associated with at least one other user equipment served by the cell. The at least one other user equipment can be any other user equipment, other than the at least one first user equipment, or optionally, all other eligible user equipment. A first minimum bit rate associated with the first user equipment can comprise an eligible minimum bit rate that is above a defined lower limit and eligible for decrease by minimum bit rate adjustment information determined at operation912.

Example operation912comprises determining the minimum bit rate adjustment information531to decrease the first minimum bit rate, i.e., the minimum bit rate associated with the first user equipment served by the cell. The amount of decrease can be based on, e.g., the extent of spectral inefficiency associated with the first user equipment, such as the amount by which its spectral efficiency is lower than that of other user equipment, or the amount by which its spectral efficiency is lower than a target spectral efficiency value.

With regard to operations914-918, these operations can be triggered at operation914, in response to the result of the comparing at operation904being determined to be that the cell throughput data532comprises a cell throughput that is more than the defined cell throughput threshold501. In this case, the determining of the minimum bit rate adjustment information pursuant to operation906can comprise operations916and918.

Example operation916comprises identifying at least one second user equipment by determining that a second minimum bit rate associated with the at least one second user equipment is lower than at least one other minimum bit rate associated with at least one other user equipment served by the cell. The at least one other user equipment can be any other user equipment, other than the at least one second user equipment, or optionally, all other eligible user equipment. The second minimum bit rate can optionally comprise a lowest eligible minimum bit rate that is below a defined upper limit and eligible for increase by minimum bit rate adjustment information531determined at operation918.

Example operation918comprises determining the minimum bit rate adjustment information531to increase the second minimum bit rate associated with the at least one second user equipment served by the cell. The amount of increase included in the adjustment information531can be any desired amount and can be based on, e.g., the bit rate range for the second user equipment. In some cases, the bit rate can be adjusted to the top of its allowed range. Operation918can be followed by sending minimum bit rate adjustment information531to a RAN node520for application of the minimum bit rate adjustment information531. Furthermore, the operations ofFIG.9can be repeated in repetition cycles, as described with reference toFIG.7andFIG.8.

FIG.10is a block diagram of an example computer that can be operable to execute processes and methods in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. The example computer can be adapted to implement, for example, any of the various network equipment described herein.

FIG.10and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment1000in which the various embodiments of the embodiment described herein can be implemented. While the embodiments have been described above in the general context of computer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments can be also implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, IoT devices, distributed computing systems, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be also practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which can include computer-readable storage media, machine-readable storage media, and/or communications media, which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media can be implemented in connection with any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable or machine-readable instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), smart card, flash memory (e.g., card, stick, key drive) or other memory technology, compact disk (CD), compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray™ disc (BD) or other optical disk storage, floppy disk storage, hard disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic strip(s), magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, solid state drives or other solid state storage devices, a virtual device that emulates a storage device (e.g., any storage device listed herein), or other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to store desired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or “non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory, or computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries, or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference again toFIG.10, the example environment1000for implementing various embodiments of the aspects described herein includes a computer1002, the computer1002including a processing unit1004, a system memory1006and a system bus1008. The system bus1008couples system components including, but not limited to, the system memory1006to the processing unit1004. The processing unit1004can be any of various commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also be employed as the processing unit1004.

The system bus1008can be any of several types of bus structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures. The system memory1006includes ROM1010and RAM1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer1002, such as during startup. The RAM1012can also include a high-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer1002further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1014(e.g., EIDE, SATA), one or more external storage devices1016(e.g., a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD)1016, a memory stick or flash drive reader, a memory card reader, etc.) and an optical disk drive1020(e.g., which can read or write from a CD-ROM disc, a DVD, a BD, etc.). While the internal HDD1014is illustrated as located within the computer1002, the internal HDD1014can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown). Additionally, while not shown in environment1000, a solid-state drive (SSD) could be used in addition to, or in place of, an HDD1014. The HDD1014, external storage device(s)1016and optical disk drive1020can be connected to the system bus1008by an HDD interface1024, an external storage interface1026and an optical drive interface1028, respectively. The interface1024for external drive implementations can include at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies are within contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer1002, the drives and storage media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refers to respective types of storage devices, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of storage media which are readable by a computer, whether presently existing or developed in the future, could also be used in the example operating environment, and further, that any such storage media can contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods described herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM1012, including an operating system1030, one or more application programs1032, other program modules1034and program data1036. All or portions of the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM1012. The systems and methods described herein can be implemented utilizing various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

Computer1002can optionally comprise emulation technologies. For example, a hypervisor (not shown) or other intermediary can emulate a hardware environment for operating system1030, and the emulated hardware can optionally be different from the hardware illustrated inFIG.10. In such an embodiment, operating system1030can comprise one virtual machine (VM) of multiple VMs hosted at computer1002. Furthermore, operating system1030can provide runtime environments, such as the Java runtime environment or the .NET framework, for applications1032. Runtime environments are consistent execution environments that allow applications1032to run on any operating system that includes the runtime environment. Similarly, operating system1030can support containers, and applications1032can be in the form of containers, which are lightweight, standalone, executable packages of software that include, e.g., code, runtime, system tools, system libraries and settings for an application.

Further, computer1002can be enabled with a security module, such as a trusted processing module (TPM). For instance, with a TPM, boot components hash next in time boot components, and wait for a match of results to secured values, before loading a next boot component. This process can take place at any layer in the code execution stack of computer1002, e.g., applied at the application execution level or at the operating system (OS) kernel level, thereby enabling security at any level of code execution.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer1002through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard1038, a touch screen1040, and a pointing device, such as a mouse1042. Other input devices (not shown) can include a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a radio frequency (RF) remote control, or other remote control, a joystick, a virtual reality controller and/or virtual reality headset, a game pad, a stylus pen, an image input device, e.g., camera(s), a gesture sensor input device, a vision movement sensor input device, an emotion or facial detection device, a biometric input device, e.g., fingerprint or iris scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit1004through an input device interface1044that can be coupled to the system bus1008, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, a BLUETOOTH® interface, etc.

A monitor1046or other type of display device can be also connected to the system bus1008via an interface, such as a video adapter1048. In addition to the monitor1046, a computer typically includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer1002can operate in a networked environment using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s)1050. The remote computer(s)1050can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all the elements described relative to the computer1002, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1052is illustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN)1054and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN)1056. Such LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications network, e.g., the internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer1002can be connected to the local network1054through a wired and/or wireless communication network interface or adapter1058. The adapter1058can facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN1054, which can also include a wireless access point (AP) disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter1058in a wireless mode.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer1002can include a modem1060or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN1056via other means for establishing communications over the WAN1056, such as by way of the internet. The modem1060, which can be internal or external and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the system bus1008via the input device interface1044. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer1002or portions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1052. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are example and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers can be used.

When used in either a LAN or WAN networking environment, the computer1002can access cloud storage systems or other network-based storage systems in addition to, or in place of, external storage devices1016as described above. Generally, a connection between the computer1002and a cloud storage system can be established over a LAN1054or WAN1056e.g., by the adapter1058or modem1060, respectively. Upon connecting the computer1002to an associated cloud storage system, the external storage interface1026can, with the aid of the adapter1058and/or modem1060, manage storage provided by the cloud storage system as it would other types of external storage. For instance, the external storage interface1026can be configured to provide access to cloud storage sources as if those sources were physically connected to the computer1002.

The computer1002can be operable to communicate with any wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, store shelf, etc.), and telephone. This can include Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

The above description includes non-limiting examples of the various embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the disclosed subject matter, and one skilled in the art can recognize that further combinations and permutations of the various embodiments are possible. The disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

With regard to the various functions performed by the above-described components, devices, circuits, systems, etc., the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to also include, unless otherwise indicated, any structure(s) which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., a functional equivalent), even if not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosed subject matter may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

The terms “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” as used herein are intended to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent structures and techniques known to one skilled in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding any additional or other elements.

The term “or” as used herein is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” For example, the phrase “A or B” is intended to include instances of A, B, and both A and B. Additionally, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless either otherwise specified or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

The term “set” as employed herein excludes the empty set, i.e., the set with no elements therein. Thus, a “set” in the subject disclosure includes one or more elements or entities. Likewise, the term “group” as utilized herein refers to a collection of one or more entities.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in the claims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only and doesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “a first determination,” “a second determination,” and “a third determination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determination is to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

The description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure as provided herein, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as one skilled in the art can recognize. In this regard, while the subject matter has been described herein in connection with various embodiments and corresponding drawings, where applicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.