摘要 |
A connection is supported in a radio access network (RAN) between an external network (16) to a UE (30) using a first RAN node (26, 28) and second RAN node (26, 28). The transmission rate from the first RAN node (26, 28) to the second RAN node (26, 28) is regulated based on a rate control request from the first RAN node (26, 28). In one example embodiment, the first and second RAN nodes (26, 28) correspond to a serving radio network controller (26) and a drift radio network controller (26), respectively. In another example embodiment, the first and second RAN nodes (26, 28) correspond to a radio network controller (26) and radio base station (28), respectively. The rate control request is made based upon a congestion or load condition being monitored by the second RAN node (26, 28). When the load condition is detected, the second RAN node (26, 28) requests the first RAN node (26, 28) to lower the transmission rate of information. Conversely, when the load condition is relieved, the second RAN node (26, 28) can request that the first RAN node (26, 28) increase the transmission rate of information. The rate control may be applied in both downlink and uplink directions.
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