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