Method and system for optimized selection of user devices for new radio automatic neighbour relation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to method and system for selection of user equipment for new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR). The method comprises: (a) initiating, by processing unit (PU) [302] via Distributed-Self Organizing Network (D-SON), user equipment (UE) selection timer for selection of UE in a scheduled ANR procedure; (b) receiving, at receiving unit (RU) [304] via D-SON, list of NR-capable UEs from Resource Manager; (c) configuring, by PU [302], UE from list of NR-capable UEs for Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN); (d) receiving, at RU [304], PCI measurement report from UE; (e) analysing, by PU [302], PCI measurement report; (f) configuring, by PU [302], Cell Global Identity (CGI) measurement configuration to UE for unknown PCIs; (g) receiving, at RU [304], CGI measurement report from UE; and (h) adding, by PU [302], new neighbour cells in a Neighbour Relation Table.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZED SELECTION OF USER DEVICES FOR NEW RADIO AUTOMATIC NEIGHBOUR RELATIONTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR).BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of the prior art.

[0003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the advent of the second-generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. 3G technology marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile video calling, and location-based services. The fourth generation (4G) technology revolutionized wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network coverage, and improved security. Currently, the fifth generation (5G) technology is being deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless communication technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable of delivering more services to its users.

[0004] A neighbour-cell relation refers to a relationship between adjacent or neighbouring cells within a cellular network. An existing neighbour cell relation from a source cell to a target cell means that the base station or the network node controlling the source cell knows the Cell Global Identifier (CGI) and Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the target cell and has an entry in the neighbour relation table (NRT) for the source cell identifying the target cell.

[0005] Automatic neighbour relation (ANR) is a self-organizing network (SON) feature in cellular networks where neighbouring base stations automatically establish and maintain neighbour relations with each other. This is crucial for functions like handover, load balancing, and interference management. In practice, algorithms and protocols within the network management system handle the selection of UEs for ANR, aiming to optimize network performance and user experience. ANR makes use of user equipment or machine-type communication devices to detect missing neighbours and report these missing neighbours to the network. The network selects a number of ANR enabled user equipment or machine-type communication devices and instructs them to perform ANR operations.

[0006] It is observed from field testing that UEs are reporting measurement report with same Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) during ANR algorithm execution. This is resulting in multiple duplicate measurement reports from UEs which wastes the network’s resources to collate and manage. Further, it also results in wastage of resources at the UE side, for example, battery levels of UEs.

[0007] Thus, there exists an imperative need in the art to optimize UE selection mechanism during ANR execution, and provide a solution for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR), which the present disclosure aims to address.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] This section is provided to introduce certain aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR). The method comprises initiating, by a processing unit at a Distributed- Self Organizing Network (D-SON) module, a user equipment selection timer for selection of the at least one user equipment (UE) in a scheduled ANR procedure. Further, the method comprises receiving, at a receiving unit at the D-SON module, a list of new radio (NR)- capable UEs from a Resource Manager (RM), the list of NR- capable UEs is determined by the RM based on a UE search rate and UE selection eligibility criteria, Further, the method comprises configuring, by the processing unit at the D-SON module,the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), based on PCI measurement configuration criteria. Further, the method comprises receiving, at the receiving unit at the D-SON module, a PCI measurement report from the at least one UE. Further, the method comprises analysing, by the processing unit at the D-SON module, the PCI measurement report to check presence of one or more unknown PCIs in the PCI measurement report. Further, the method comprises configuring, by the processing unit at the D-SON module, a Cell Global Identity (CGI) measurement configuration to the at least one UE for the one or more unknown PCIs after performing a set of actions. Further, the method comprises receiving, at the receiving unit at the D-SON module, a CGI measurement report from the at least one UE. Further, the method comprises adding, by the processing unit at the D-SON module, one or more new neighbour cells in a Neighbour Relation Table (NRT) based on the CGI measurement report.

[0010] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the UE search rate corresponds to a predefined percentage of a total number of user equipment supported in a cell.

[0011] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the UE selection eligibility criteria comprises at least one from among a selection of a UE for a first time for the scheduled ANR, support for NR-CGI reporting by the UE, support for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) by the UE, presence of the UE in an established bearer state, absence of Voice over NR (VONR) or Video over NR (VINR) bearers, no ongoing bearer establishment, modification or release procedures for the UE, and no Evolved Packet System (EPS) fallback has been triggered for the UE.

[0012] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the PCI measurement configuration criteria comprise: (a) identifying, by the processing unit, the ARFCN for the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs by checking available ARFCNs for each UE from the list of NR- capable UEs; and (b) selecting, by the processing unit, the ARFCN for the PCI measurement for the least one UE if the ARFCN is for the NR and at most two UEs are configured for the identified ARFCN.

[0013] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: (a) analysing, by the processing unit, the PCI measurement report to check for a presence of one or more known PCIs; and (b) removing, by the processing unit, the PCI configuration from the at least one UE for the one or more known PCIs.

[0014] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, for each of the one or more unknown PCIs, at most three UEs are configured for the CGI measurement.

[0015] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the set of actions comprises: (a) removing, by the processing unit, the PCI configuration from the at least one UE; and (b) validating, by the processing unit, that the number of UEs configured for each of the one or more unknown PCIs is less than three.

[0016] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the user equipment selection timer starts and expires for a configured number of times in the scheduled ANR procedure for the selection of the at least one UE.

[0017] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the configuring, by the processing unit at the D-SON module, the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for the Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN) comprises: (a) sending, by the processing unit, an ANR measurement for report PCI configuration to a measurement module; (b) sending, by the processing unit, an RRC reconfiguration to the at least one UE based on the ANR measurement; (c) receiving, at the processing unit, RRC reconfiguration complete from the at least one UE; and (d) configuring, by the processing unit, the at least one UE for the PCI measurement on the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN).

[0018] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises removing, by the processing unit, the CGI configuration from the at least one UE after adding the one or more new neighbour cells in the Neighbour Relation Table (NRT).

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR). The system comprises a Distributed-Self Organizing Network (D-SON) module. The D-SON module comprises a processing unit, and a receiving unit connected to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to initiate a user equipment selection timer for selection of the at least one user equipment (UE) in a scheduled ANR procedure. The receiving unit is configured to receive a list of new radio (NR)- capable UEs from a Resource Manager (RM), the list of NR-capable UEs is determined by the RM based on a UE search rate and UE selection eligibility criteria. Further, the processing unit is configured to configure the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs fora Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), based on PCI measurement configuration criteria. Further, the receiving unit is configured to receive a PCI measurement report from the at least one UE. Further, the processing unit is configured to analyse the PCI measurement report to check a presence of one or more unknown PCIs in the PCI measurement report. Further, the processing unit is configured to configure a Cell Global Identity (CGI) measurement configuration to the at least one UE for the one or more unknown PCIs after performing a set of actions. Further, the receiving unit is configured to receive a CGI measurement report from the at least one UE. Further, the processing unit is configured to add one or more new neighbour cells in a Neighbour Relation Table (NRT) based on the CGI measurement report.

[0020] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR), the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system comprising a Distributed-Self Organizing Network (D-SON) module, causes a processing unit at the D-SON module to initiate, via a Distributed-Self Organizing Network (D-SON), a user equipment selection timer for selection of the at least one user equipment (UE) in a scheduled ANR procedure. The executable code when executed further causes a receiving unit at the D-SON module to receive a list of new radio (NR)- capable UEs from a Resource Manager (RM), the list of NR-capable UEs is determined by the RM based on a UE search rate and UE selection eligibility criteria. The executable code when executed further causes the processing unit to configure the at least one UE from the list of NR- capable UEs for a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), based on PCI measurement configuration criteria. The executable code when executed further causes the receiving unit to receive a PCI measurement report from the at least one UE. The executable code when executed further causes the processing unit to analyse the PCI measurement report to check a presence of one or more unknown PCIs in the PCI measurement report. The executable code when executed further causes the processing unit to configure a Cell Global Identity (CGI) measurement configuration to the at least one UE for the one or more unknown PCIs after performing a set of actions. The executable code when executed further causes the receiving unit to receive a CGI measurement report from the at least one UE. The executable code when executed further causes the processing unit of the system to add one or more new neighbour cells in a Neighbour Relation Table (NRT) based on the CGI measurement report.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.

[0022] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for providing optimized user equipment (UE) selection for new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR).

[0023] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that avoids multiple duplicate measurement reports from the UE.

[0024] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution to increase the handover success rate by building neighbour relationship table (NRT).

[0025] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution to improve the detection of 5G neighbours with optimal usage of UE selections.

[0026] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution for UE Selection during ANR execution to save UE battery life by configuring optimal ANR specific measurement to UE.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure, but the possible variants of the method and system according to the disclosure are illustrated herein to highlight the advantages of the disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th generation core (5GC) network architecture.

[0029] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR), in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 4 illustrates a method flow diagram for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR) in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a periodic UE selection procedure, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter may each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above.

[0035] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.

[0036] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.

[0037] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure.

[0038] The word “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative” is used herein 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 exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill 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.

[0039] As used herein, a “processing unit” or “processor” or “operating processor” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a (Digital Signal Processing) DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input / output processing, and / or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware processor.

[0040] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user-device”, “a smartdevice”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld device”, “a wirelesscommunication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and / or computing device or equipment, capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. The user equipment / device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, wearable device or any other computing device which is capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. Also, the user device may contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from at least one of a transceiver unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, a detection unit and any other such unit(s) which are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.

[0041] As used herein, “storage unit” or “memory unit” refers to a machine or computer-readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a computer or similar machine. For example, a computer-readable medium includes read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices or other types of machine-accessible storage media. The storage unit stores at least the data that may be required by one or more units of the system to perform their respective functions.

[0042] As used herein “interface” or “user interface refers to a shared boundary across which two or more separate components of a system exchange information or data. The interface may also be referred to a set of rules or protocols that define communication or interaction of one or more modules or one or more units with each other, which also includes the methods, functions, or procedures that may be called.

[0043] All modules, units, components used herein, unless explicitly excluded herein, may be software modules or hardware processors, the processors being a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array circuits (FPGA), any other type of integrated circuits, etc.

[0044] As used herein the transceiver unit include at least one receiver and at least one transmitter configured respectively for receiving and transmitting data, signals, information or a combination thereof between units / components within the system and / or connected with the system.

[0045] As used herein, an Element Management System or EMS refers to an entity that manages one or more network elements within a telecommunication network. The EMS may manage functions and capabilities of a network element, and not limited to managing data traffic. The EMS may communicate with network elements for managing the data traffic between itself and other network elements.

[0046] As used herein, automatic neighbour relation procedure or ANR procedure refers to a selforganizing network (SON) feature in cellular networks where neighbouring base stations automatically establish and maintain neighbour relations with each other. By performing ANR procedure, missing neighboring cells which have strongest signal are automatically identified and added. The ANR removes incorrect or redundant neighboring cells, and it automatically optimizes the attributes of neighbor relationships.

[0047] As used herein, Cell Global Identity or CGI refers to a globally unique identifier for a Base Transceiver Station in communication networks. CGI consists of four parts: Mobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code (MNC), Location Area Code (LAC) and Cell Identification (CI). Further, a “report CGI configuration” may refer to a configuration or setup related to reporting Cell Global Identity information within a network.

[0048] As used herein, a neighbour cell refers to a cell (or base station) in a cellular network that is adjacent or nearby to another cell. The neighbour cells play a role in the handover process, that is, when a mobile device switches its connection from one cell to another as it moves through the network. Neighbor cells are identified and monitored by the mobile device and the network infrastructure.

[0049] As used herein, a Self-Organizing Network or SON is a technology used in telecommunications to automate the planning, configuration, optimization, and maintenance of cellular networks. SON transfer procedures involve automated mechanisms for managing various aspects of the network, including handovers, power control, load balancing, and interference management.

[0050] As used herein, an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number or ARFCN is a standardized numbering system used in cellular telecommunication networks, to identify individual radio frequency channels. Each channel is assigned a unique ARFCN, allowing forefficient frequency planning, channel allocation, and communication between mobile devices and base stations within the network.

[0051] As used herein, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration refers to a process within cellular networks, where the network dynamically adjusts parameters related to radio resource allocation, quality of service, handover, etc. It involves exchanging signalling messages between the network and the user equipment (UE) to modify the UE's radio resource configuration in response to changing network conditions, user requirements, or operational needs. Accordingly, a “Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration complete indication” refers to a signal or message sent by the user equipment (UE) to the network to confirm that it has successfully completed the reconfiguration of its radio resources as instructed by the network.

[0052] As used herein, PCI or Physical Cell Identity refers to a unique identifier assigned to each cell within a cellular network. PCI may be used by the user equipment (UE) to distinguish between different cells in the network. Further, “PCI measurement” refers to the process by which UE measures and evaluates the PCI values of neighbouring cells. By assessing the PCI values of nearby cells, UEs can make informed decisions about which cell to connect to, ensuring efficient network operation and seamless communication for mobile users.

[0053] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be acknowledged that the functionality described for the various components / units can be implemented interchangeably. While specific embodiments may disclose a particular functionality of these units for clarity, it is recognized that various configurations and combinations thereof are within the scope of the disclosure. The functionality of specific units as disclosed in the disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Consequently, alternative arrangements and substitutions of units, provided they achieve the intended functionality described herein, are considered to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] As discussed in the background section, the current known solutions have several shortcomings. The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing method and system of selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR). It is to be noted that the initial NRT information at a 5G Node is empty and ANR functionality is used to build the NRT information. The functionality of ANR is to detect new neighbours. During that process, the selection of UE takes place for configuration of 5G / 4G measurements. If most of the connectedUEs are used for ANR 5G measurements and 4G measurements with all possible measurement configurations, the battery power of such UEs might be used sub-optimally. The present solution provides optimized selection of UEs during ANR procedure to detect new 5G / 4G neighbour cells in interval scheduled by EMS. In scheduled interval, ANR procedure can be repeated in multiple small intervals. Each iteration shall select NR capable UEs to configure NR measurement to detect new Neighbours. Upon receipt of cell global identifier (CGI) of neighbour cell from measurement report, the SON transfer procedure shall be used to get IP address of target base station which may be used for establishing connection. The solution includes configuring single measurement entity to a user equipment (UE). Further, a maximum of 3 UEs are configured per Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), and duplicate measurement reports are avoided. Further, the solution also facilitates in improving battery life of the UEs. Also, when a UE sends ANR measurement report, the base station may configure a ReportCGI configuration to the UE where unknown PCIs are reported. With this approach measurement load is reduced.

[0055] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th generation core (5GC) network architecture, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the 5GC network architecture

[0100] includes a user equipment (UE)

[0102] , a radio access network (RAN)

[0104] , an access and mobility management function (AMF)

[0106] , a Session Management Function (SMF)

[0108] , a Service Communication Proxy (SCP)

[0110] , an Authentication Server Function (AUSF)

[0112] , a Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF)

[0114] , a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)

[0116] , a Network Exposure Function (NEF)

[0118] , a Network Repository Function (NRF)

[0120] , a Policy Control Function (PCF)

[0122] , a Unified Data Management (UDM)

[0124] , an application function (AF)

[0126] , a User Plane Function (UPF)

[0128] , a data network (DN)

[0130] , wherein all the components are assumed to be connected to each other in a manner as obvious to the person skilled in the art for implementing features of the present disclosure.

[0057] Radio Access Network (RAN)

[0104] is the part of a mobile telecommunications system that connects user equipment (UE)

[0102] to the core network (CN) and provides access to different types of networks (e.g., 5G network). It consists of radio base stations and the radio access technologies that enable wireless communication.

[0058] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)

[0106] is a 5G core network function responsible for managing access and mobility aspects, such as UE registration, connection, and reachability. It also handles mobility management procedures like handovers and paging.

[0059] Session Management Function (SMF)

[0108] is a 5G core network function responsible for managing session-related aspects, such as establishing, modifying, and releasing sessions. It coordinates with the User Plane Function (UPF) for data forwarding and handles IP address allocation and QoS enforcement.

[0060] Service Communication Proxy (SCP)

[0110] is a network function in the 5G core network that facilitates communication between other network functions by providing a secure and efficient messaging service. It acts as a mediator for service-based interfaces.

[0061] Authentication Server Function (AUSF)

[0112] is a network function in the 5G core responsible for authenticating UEs during registration and providing security services. It generates and verifies authentication vectors and tokens.

[0062] Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF)

[0114] is a network function that provides authentication and authorization services specific to network slices. It ensures that UEs can access only the slices for which they are authorized.

[0063] Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)

[0116] is a network function responsible for selecting the appropriate network slice for a UE based on factors such as subscription, requested services, and network policies.

[0064] Network Exposure Function (NEF)

[0118] is a network function that exposes capabilities and services of the 5G network to external applications, enabling integration with third-party services and applications.

[0065] Network Repository Function (NRF)

[0120] is a network function that acts as a central repository for information about available network functions and services. It facilitates the discovery and dynamic registration of network functions.

[0066] Policy Control Function (PCF)

[0122] is a network function responsible for policy control decisions, such as QoS, charging, and access control, based on subscriber information and network policies.

[0067] Unified Data Management (UDM)

[0124] is a network function that centralizes the management of subscriber data, including authentication, authorization, and subscription information.

[0068] Application Function (AF)

[0126] is a network function that represents external applications interfacing with the 5G core network to access network capabilities and services.

[0069] User Plane Function (UPF)

[0128] is a network function responsible for handling user data traffic, including packet routing, forwarding, and QoS enforcement.

[0070] Data Network (DN)

[0130] refers to a network that provides data services to user equipment (UE) in a telecommunications system. The data services may include but are not limited to Internet services, private data network related services.

[0071] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device

[1000] upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the computing device

[1000] may also implement a method for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR) utilising the system. In another implementation, the computing device

[1000] itself implements the method for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR) using one or more units configured within the computing device

[1000] , wherein said one or more units are capable of implementing the features as disclosed in the present disclosure.

[0072] The computing device

[1000] may include a bus

[1002] or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware processor

[1004] coupled with bus

[1002] for processing information. The hardware processor

[1004] may be, for example, a general- purpose microprocessor. The computing device

[1000] may also include a main memory

[1006] , such as a random access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus

[1002] for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor

[1004] , The main memory

[1006] also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate informationduring execution of the instructions to be executed by the processor

[1004] , Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory storage media accessible to the processor

[1004] , render the computing device

[1000] into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. The computing device

[1000] further includes a read only memory (ROM)

[1008] or other static storage device coupled to the bus

[1002] for storing static information and instructions for the processor

[1004] ,

[0073] A storage device

[1010] , such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state drive is provided and coupled to the bus

[1002] for storing information and instructions. The computing device

[1000] may be coupled via the bus

[1002] to a display

[1012] , such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), Liquid crystal Display (LCD), Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, Organic LED (OLED) display, etc. for displaying information to a computer user. An input device

[1014] , including alphanumeric and other keys, touch screen input means, etc. may be coupled to the bus

[1002] for communicating information and command selections to the processor

[1004] , Another type of user input device may be a cursor controller

[1016] , such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor

[1004] , and for controlling cursor movement on the display

[1012] , This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allow the device to specify positions in a plane.

[0074] The computing device

[1000] may implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and / or program logic which in combination with the computing device

[1000] causes or programs the computing device

[1000] to be a special-purpose machine. According to one implementation, the techniques herein are performed by the computing device

[1000] in response to the processor

[1004] executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory

[1006] , Such instructions may be read into the main memory

[1006] from another storage medium, such as the storage device

[1010] , Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory

[1006] causes the processor

[1004] to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative implementations of the present disclosure, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0075] The computing device

[1000] also may include a communication interface

[1018] coupled to the bus

[1002] , The communication interface

[1018] provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link

[1020] that is connected to a local network

[1022] , For example, thecommunication interface

[1018] may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication interface

[1018] may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface

[1018] sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0076] The computing device

[1000] can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), the network link

[1020] and the communication interface

[1018] , In the Internet example, a server

[1030] might transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet

[1028] , the ISP

[1026] , the local network

[1022] , the host

[1024] , and the communication interface

[1018] , The received code may be executed by the processor

[1004] as it is received, and / or stored in the storage device

[1010] , or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 3, an exemplary block diagram of a system

[0300] for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR), is shown, in accordance with the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. The system

[0300] comprises a Distributed-Self Organizing Network (D-SON) module

[0301] , The D-SON module

[0301] comprises at least one processing unit

[0302] , and at least one receiving unit

[0304] connected to the at least one processing unit

[0302] , Also, all of the components / units of the system

[0300] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in the figures all units shown within the system

[0300] should also be assumed to be connected to each other. Also, in Fig. 3 only a few units are shown, however, the system

[0300] may comprise multiple such units or the system

[0300] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. The system

[0300] may be in communication with a user device (may also referred herein as a UE). In an implementation, the system

[0300] may reside in a server or a network entity.

[0078] The system

[0300] is configured for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR), with the help of the interconnection between the components / units of the system

[0300] ,

[0079] The processing unit

[0302] may initiate a user equipment selection timer for selection of the at least one user equipment (UE) in a scheduled ANR procedure. Also, in an implementation, the ANR procedure may be started when base station of a cell is radiating an indication for schedule ANR procedure. The selection timer is for an optimized selection of UEs during an ANR procedure to detect new neighbour cells in interval scheduled by Element Management System (EMS). In an implementation, these new neighbour cells belong to 5thgeneration and / or 4thgeneration of wireless communication technology. Also, the selection of UEs may be performed in a scheduled interval, for example, in a pre-defined maintenance window. Further, the scheduled ANR timer may expire at a pre-defined interval of time. For example, the timer may expire every day at midnight, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Also, in an implementation, the periodic UE Selection timer shall run for configured number of times within the duration of scheduled ANR procedure, that is, the user equipment selection timer starts and expires for a configured number of times in the scheduled ANR procedure for the selection of the at least one UE. For example, UE selection timer shall run for 5 times within the duration of scheduled ANR procedure, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. During this ANR procedure, UEs shall be selected which fulfil the eligibility criteria to perform ANR. Also, on the every expiry of periodic UE selection timer, a Report PCI configuration removal command may be sent for all the UEs which are configured for the PCI reporting but have not sent the report.

[0080] The receiving unit

[0304] is connected to the processing unit

[0302] , After the initiation of the UE selection timer for selection of the at least one user equipment (UE) in the scheduled ANR procedure, the receiving unit

[0304] at the D-SON module

[0301] may receive, a list of new radio (NR)- capable UEs from a Resource Manager (RM), the list of NR-capable UEs is determined by the RM based on a UE search rate and UE selection eligibility criteria. Here, the RM is an entity that is responsible for selecting UEs for including in a list of NR capable UEs based on the eligibility criteria for the scheduled ANR procedure, and maintaining status of UEs such as for marking the UEs as selected for a scheduled ANR procedure or unselected for the scheduled ANR procedure. Also, the UE search rate may refer to a rate of search requests being executed for a UE against other UEs connected in a network cell. Here, the maximum number of UEs to be selected for the scheduled ANR procedure is calculated based on a UE Search Rate. This UE search rate may be configured through the elementary management system (EMS) of the network provider. In an implementation, the UE search rate corresponds to a predefined percentage of a total number of user equipment supported in a cell. Also, in an implementation, a periodic UE selection timer may be implemented to periodically select the UEs not exceeding the maximum number of UEs as per UE Search Rate. This timer may get started up on the expiry of the scheduled ANR Timer.For example, say if the scheduled interval (that is configured through EMS) is configured as T = 15 minutes duration, then after every 15 min., checking may be performed for selecting the eligible UE for ANR. Also here, if the number of UEs to be selected reaches the maximum as per UE Search rate in any of the periodic occurrence / iteration, no more UEs shall be selected for that occurrence / iteration. Further, in an implementation, the UE selection eligibility criteria comprises at least one from among a selection of a UE for a first time for the scheduled ANR, support for NR-CGI reporting by the UE, support for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) by the UE, presence of the UE in an established bearer state, absence of Voice over NR (VONR) or Video over NR (VINR) bearers, no ongoing bearer establishment, modification or release procedures for the UE, and no Evolved Packet System (EPS) fallback has been triggered for the UE. An exemplary flow diagram of the periodic UE selection procedure is shown in Fig. 5.

[0081] Now referring to Fig. 5 which illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of the periodic UE selection procedure, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 5, in the scheduled ANR procedure, for every iteration of the periodic UE selection timer, first a UE for scheduled ANR procedure is selected from a list of connected UEs (see block 502 of Fig. 5). Further, it is checked whether the selected UE is already selected for the scheduled ANR procedure (see block 504 of Fig. 5). If the selected UE is already selected for the scheduled ANR procedure, then another UE may be selected for scheduled ANR procedure from the list of connected UEs. If the selected UE is not already selected for the scheduled ANR procedure, then it is checked whether the selected UE supports new radio cell global identity (NRCGI) reporting (see block 506 of Fig. 5). If the selected UE does not support new radio cell global identity (NRCGI) reporting, then another UE may be selected for scheduled ANR procedure from the list of connected UEs. If the selected UE supports new radio cell global identity (NRCGI) reporting, then it is checked whether the selected UE supports discontinuous reception (DRX) (see block 508 of Fig. 5). If the selected UE does not support DRX, then another UE may be selected for scheduled ANR procedure from the list of connected UEs. If the selected UE supports DRX, then it is checked whether the selected UE in a bearer established state (see block 510 of Fig. 5). If the selected UE is not in a bearer established state, then another UE may be selected for scheduled ANR procedure from the list of connected UEs. If the selected UE is a bearer established state, then it is checked whether the selected UE has Voice over NR (VONR) and / or Video over NR (VINR) bearers established (see block 512 of Fig. 5). If the selected UE has VONR / VINR bearers established, then another UE may be selected for scheduled ANR procedure from the list of connected UEs. If the selected UE does not have VONR / VINR bearers established, then it is checked whether the bearer establishment / modification / release is in progress for the selected UE (see block 514 of Fig. 5). Ifthe bearer establishment / modification / release is in progress for the selected UE, then another UE may be selected for scheduled ANR procedure from the list of connected UEs. If the bearer establishment / modification / release is not in progress for the selected UE, then it is checked whether Evolved Packet Switched Fallback (EPSFB) is triggered for the selected UE (see block 516 of Fig. 5). If the EPSFB is triggered for the selected UE, then another UE may be selected for scheduled ANR procedure from the list of connected UEs. If the EPSFB is not triggered for the selected UE, then the UE is selected for the scheduled ANR procedure with the UE being marked as selected for the scheduled ANR procedure, and a counter indicating the number of UEs selected for the scheduled ANR procedure is incremented (see block 518 of Fig. 5). Further, it is checked whether the number of UEs selected has reached a maximum number of UEs for the scheduled ANR procedure based on the UE search rate (see block 520 of Fig. 5). If the number of UEs selected has not reached the maximum number of UEs for the scheduled ANR procedure, then another UE may be selected for scheduled ANR procedure from the list of connected UEs. If the number of UEs selected has reached the maximum number of UEs for the scheduled ANR procedure, then no more UEs may be selected and the list may be returned to a D-SON module (see block 522 of Fig. 5). Notably, a UE shall be selected only once during the scheduled interval. This means that the same UE shall not be selected more than once for performing the ANR procedure within the scheduled interval. Also, upon reaching the expiry of the time interval, all pending UEs may be flushed out from the list of connected UEs.

[0082] For the above purpose, the processing unit

[0102] at the D-SON module

[0301] , in an implementation, requests to a Registration Management (RM), for providing a list of new radio (NR) capable user device(s) based on the user device search rate and the eligibility criteria. After receiving the request, the RM selects a set of user devices based on the request. The number of user devices selected is based on a user device search rate and satisfaction of an eligibility criteria. According to the eligibility criteria, for example, a number of maximum user devices configured for sending PCI measurement report of an absolute radio-frequency channel number (ARFCN) is 3, and a number of maximum user devices configured for sending CGI configuration of a PCI is 3. In an example, for each UE (say for UE-1) in the list, DSON loops through available ARFCNs. If the available ARFCN (say ARFCN-A) is NR, and less than 3 UEs are configured for this ARFCN-A, the UE-1 is configured for sending the report of PCI Measurement Configuration of ARFCN-A. In an implementation, the selection of UEs may happen in a Round Robin fashion per ARFCN.

[0083] Now referring again to Fig.3, further, the processing unit

[0302] may configure the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), based on PCI measurement configuration criteria. Here, the processing unit

[0302] may configure the selected user device(s) for sending a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement report. In an implementation, the PCI measurement configuration criteria comprises: (a) identification of the ARFCN for the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs by checking available ARFCNs for each UE from the list of NR- capable UEs; and (b) selection of the ARFCN for the PCI measurement for the least one UE if the ARFCN is for the NR and at most two UEs are configured for the identified ARFCN.

[0084] Also, in an implementation, to configure the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for the Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), the processing unit

[0302] is configured to: (a) send an ANR measurement for report PCI configuration to a measurement module; (b) send an Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration to the at least one UE based on the ANR measurement; (c) receive RRC reconfiguration complete indication from the at least one UE; and (d) configure the at least one UE for the PCI measurement on the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN).

[0085] Further, the receiving unit

[0304] may receive a PCI measurement report from the at least one UE. Further, the processing unit

[0302] may analyse the PCI measurement report to check a presence of one or more unknown PCIs in the PCI measurement report. In an implementation, the processing unit

[0302] may analyse the PCI measurement report to check for a presence of one or more known PCIs; and remove the PCI configuration from the at least one UE for the one or more known PCIs. For the purpose of clarity, in other words, the processing unit

[0102] may perform one of: a procedure 1, a procedure 2, a procedure 3, procedure 4, and procedure 5, based on the PCI measurement report. Here, the procedure 1 comprises sending, by the DSON to the UE, a command for PCI configuration removal, wherein the procedure 1 is performed in an event the PCI measurement report comprises 1 PCI and the 1 PCI is known. The procedure 2 comprises sending, by the DSON to the UE, a measurement for Report PCI configuration removal, and configuring, by the DSON, a report CGI configuration, wherein the procedure 2 is performed in an event the PCI measurement report comprises 1 PCI, the 1 PCI is unknown, and less than 3 UEs are configured for CGI reporting. The procedure 3 comprises sending, by the DSON to the UE, a measurement for PCI configuration removal, wherein the procedure 3 is performed in an event the PCI measurement report comprises 1 PCI, the 1 PCI is unknown, and 3 user devices are configured for CGI reporting. The procedure 4 comprises sending, by the DSON to the UE, a command forPCI configuration removal, wherein the procedure 4 is performed in an event the PCI measurement report comprises more than 1 PCIs and all of the more than 1 PCIs are known. The procedure 5 comprises sending, by the DSON to the UE, a measurement for Report PCI configuration removal, and configuring, by the DSON, a Report CGI configuration, wherein the procedure 5 is performed in an event the PCI measurement report comprises more than 1 PCIs and at least one of the more than 1 PCIs is unknown, and less than 3 user devices are configured for CGI reporting.

[0086] Further, the processing unit

[0302] may configure a Cell Global Identity (CGI) measurement configuration to the at least one UE for the one or more unknown PCIs after performing a set of actions. Also, in an implementation, for each of the one or more unknown PCIs, at most three UEs are configured for the CGI measurement. Further, in an implementation, to perform the set of actions, the processing unit

[0302] may remove of the PCI configuration from the at least one UE; and validate that the number of UEs configured for each of the one or more unknown PCIs is less than three.

[0087] Further, the receiving unit

[0304] may receive a CGI measurement report from the at least one UE. In an implementation, the atleast one UE sends the CGI measurement report after the processing unit

[0302] sends the RRC reconfiguration to the UE and receives the RRC reconfiguration complete indication from the at least one UE.

[0088] Further, the processing unit

[0302] may add one or more new neighbour cells in a Neighbour Relation Table (NRT) based on the CGI measurement report. Here, after adding the one or more new neighbour cells in the NRT, the D-SON may send report CGI configuration removal to UE. Also, if the UE reported multiple PCIs in the PCI Measurement Report, then other PCIs in the report may be processed.

[0089] In an implementation, the processing unit

[0302] may further remove the CGI configuration from the at least one UE after adding the one or more new neighbour cells in the Neighbour Relation Table (NRT).

[0090] Also, on completion of Scheduled ANR procedure, the RM may reset the status of selected UEs to ‘not selected’ for the ANR, so that they can be picked up for a next scheduled ANR procedure.

[0091] Referring to Figure 4, an exemplary method flow diagram

[0400] for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR), in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an implementation the method

[0400] is performed by the system

[0300] , Further, in an implementation, the system

[0300] may be present in a server device to implement the features of the present disclosure. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the method

[0400] starts at step

[0402] ,

[0092] At step 402, the method of the present disclosure comprises initiating, by a processing unit

[0302] via a Distributed-Self Organizing Network (D-SON), a user equipment selection timer for selection of the at least one user equipment (UE) in a scheduled ANR procedure. Also, in an implementation, the ANR procedure may be started when base station of a cell is radiating an indication for schedule ANR procedure. The selection timer is for an optimized selection of UEs during an ANR procedure to detect new neighbour cells in interval scheduled by Element Management System (EMS). In an implementation, these new neighbour cells belong to 5thgeneration and / or 4thgeneration of wireless communication technology. Also, the selection of UEs may be performed in a scheduled interval, for example, in a pre-defined maintenance window. Further, the scheduled ANR timer may expire at a pre-defined interval of time. For example, the timer may expire every day at midnight, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Also, in an implementation, the periodic UE Selection timer shall run for configured number of times within the duration of scheduled ANR procedure, that is, the user equipment selection timer starts and expires for a configured number of times in the scheduled ANR procedure for the selection of the at least one UE. For example, UE selection timer shall run for 5 times within the duration of scheduled ANR procedure, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. During this ANR procedure, UEs shall be selected which fulfil the eligibility criteria to perform ANR. Also, on the every expiry of periodic UE selection timer, a Report PCI configuration removal command may be sent for all the UEs which are configured for the PCI reporting but have not sent the report.

[0093] After the initiation of the UE selection timer for selection of the at least one user equipment (UE) in the scheduled ANR procedure, at step 404, the method of the present disclosure comprises receiving, at a receiving unit

[0304] , a list of new radio (NR)- capable UEs from a Resource Manager (RM), the list of NR-capable UEs is determined by the RM based on a UE search rate and UE selection eligibility criteria. Here, the maximum number of UEs to be selected for the scheduled ANR procedure is calculated based on a UE Search Rate. This UE search rate may be configured through the elementary management system (EMS) of the network provider. In an implementation, the UE search rate corresponds to a predefined percentage of a total number ofuser equipment supported in a cell. Also, in an implementation, a periodic UE selection timer may be implemented to periodically select the UEs not exceeding the maximum number of UEs as per UE Search Rate. This timer may get started up on the expiry of the scheduled ANR Timer. For example, say if the scheduled interval (that is configured through EMS) is configured as T = 15 minutes duration, then after every 15 min., checking may be performed for selecting the eligible UE for ANR. Also here, if the number of UEs to be selected reaches the maximum as per UE Search rate in any of the periodic occurrence / iteration, no more UEs shall be selected for that occurrence / iteration. Further, in an implementation, the UE selection eligibility criteria comprises at least one from among a selection of a UE for a first time for the scheduled ANR, support for NR-CGI reporting by the UE, support for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) by the UE, presence of the UE in an established bearer state, absence of Voice over NR (VONR) or Video over NR (VINR) bearers, no ongoing bearer establishment, modification or release procedures for the UE, and no Evolved Packet System (EPS) fallback has been triggered for the UE. An exemplary flow diagram of the periodic UE selection procedure is shown in Fig. 5 and explained above in this disclosure.

[0094] At step 406, the method of the present disclosure comprises configuring, by the processing unit

[0302] , the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), based on PCI measurement configuration criteria. Here, the processing unit

[0302] may configure the selected user device(s) for sending a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement report. In an implementation, the PCI measurement configuration criteria comprises: (a) identification of the ARFCN for the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs by checking available ARFCNs for each UE from the list of NR- capable UEs; and (b) selection of the ARFCN for the PCI measurement for the least one UE if the ARFCN is for the NR and at most two UEs are configured for the identified ARFCN.

[0095] Also, in an implementation, to configure the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for the Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), the processing unit

[0302] is configured to: (a) send an ANR measurement for report PCI configuration to a measurement module; (b) send an Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration to the at least one UE based on the ANR measurement; (c) receive RRC reconfiguration complete indication from the at least one UE; and (d) configure the at least one UE for the PCI measurement on the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN).

[0096] At step 408, the method of the present disclosure comprises receiving, at the receiving unit

[0304] , a PCI measurement report from the at least one UE. Further, step 410, the method of the present disclosure comprises analysing, by the processing unit

[0302] , the PCI measurement report to check presence of one or more unknown PCIs in the PCI measurement report. In an implementation, the processing unit

[0302] may analyse the PCI measurement report to check for a presence of one or more known PCIs; and remove the PCI configuration from the at least one UE for the one or more known PCIs. For the purpose of clarity, in other words, the processing unit

[0102] may perform one of: a procedure 1, a procedure 2, a procedure 3, procedure 4, and procedure 5, based on the PCI measurement report. Here, the procedure 1 comprises sending, by the DSON to the UE, a command for PCI configuration removal, wherein the procedure 1 is performed in an event the PCI measurement report comprises 1 PCI and the 1 PCI is known. The procedure 2 comprises sending, by the DSON to the UE, a measurement for Report PCI configuration removal, and configuring, by the DSON, a report CGI configuration, wherein the procedure 2 is performed in an event the PCI measurement report comprises 1 PCI, the 1 PCI is unknown, and less than 3 UEs are configured for CGI reporting. The procedure 3 comprises sending, by the DSON to the UE, a measurement for PCI configuration removal, wherein the procedure 3 is performed in an event the PCI measurement report comprises 1 PCI, the 1 PCI is unknown, and 3 user devices are configured for CGI reporting. The procedure 4 comprises sending, by the DSON to the UE, a command for PCI configuration removal, wherein the procedure 4 is performed in an event the PCI measurement report comprises more than 1 PCIs and all of the more than 1 PCIs are known. The procedure 5 comprises sending, by the DSON to the UE, a measurement for Report PCI configuration removal, and configuring, by the DSON, a Report CGI configuration, wherein the procedure 5 is performed in an event the PCI measurement report comprises more than 1 PCIs and at least one of the more than 1 PCIs is unknown, and less than 3 user devices are configured for CGI reporting.

[0097] At step 412, the method of the present disclosure comprises configuring, by the processing unit

[0302] , a Cell Global Identity (CGI) measurement configuration to the at least one UE for the one or more unknown PCIs after performing a set of actions. Also, in an implementation, for each of the one or more unknown PCIs, at most three UEs are configured for the CGI measurement. Further, in an implementation, to perform the set of actions, the processing unit

[0302] may remove of the PCI configuration from the at least one UE; and validate that the number of UEs configured for each of the one or more unknown PCIs is less than three.

[0098] At step 414, the method of the present disclosure comprises receiving, at the receiving unit

[0304] , a CGI measurement report from the at least one UE. In an implementation, the atleast one UE sends the CGI measurement report after the processing unit

[0302] sends the RRC reconfiguration to the UE and receives the RRC reconfiguration complete indication from the at least one UE.

[0099] At step 416, the method of the present disclosure comprises adding, by the processing unit

[0302] via the DSON, one or more new neighbour cells in a Neighbour Relation Table (NRT) based on the CGI measurement report. Here, after adding the one or more new neighbour cells in the NRT, the D-SON may send report CGI configuration removal to UE. Also, if the UE reported multiple PCIs in the PCI Measurement Report, then other PCIs in the report may be processed.

[0100] In an implementation, the processing unit

[0302] may further remove the CGI configuration from the at least one UE after adding the one or more new neighbour cells in the Neighbour Relation Table (NRT).

[0101] Also, on completion of Scheduled ANR procedure, the RM may reset the status of selected UEs to ‘not selected’ for the ANR, so that they can be picked up for a next scheduled ANR procedure.

[0102] The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR), the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system

[0300] comprising a Distributed-Self Organizing Network (D-SON) module

[0301] , causes: a processing unit

[0302] at the D-SON module

[0301] to initiate a user equipment selection timer for selection of the at least one user equipment (UE) in a scheduled ANR procedure. The executable code when executed further causes a receiving unit

[0304] at the D-SON module

[0301] to receive a list of new radio (NR)- capable UEs from a Resource Manager (RM), the list of NR-capable UEs is determined by the RM based on a UE search rate and UE selection eligibility criteria. The executable code when executed further causes the processing unit

[0302] to configure the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), based on PCI measurement configuration criteria. The executable code when executed further causes the receiving unit

[0304] to receive a PCI measurement report from the at least one UE. The executable code when executed further causes the processing unit

[0302] to analyse the PCI measurement report to check a presence of one or more unknown PCIs in the PCImeasurement report. The executable code when executed further causes the processing unit

[0302] to configure a Cell Global Identity (CGI) measurement configuration to the at least one UE for the one or more unknown PCIs after performing a set of actions. The executable code when executed further causes the receiving unit

[0304] to receive a CGI measurement report from the at least one UE. The executable code when executed further causes the processing unit

[0302] to add one or more new neighbour cells in a Neighbour Relation Table (NRT) based on the CGI measurement report.

[0103] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically advanced solution for optimized selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR). The present solution facilitates in building NRT (Neighbour Relation Table) in less time and with optimal UE selection to improve handover success rate. Further, the solution facilitates in removing, or at least minimizing, the manual handling of neighbour relations when establishing new base stations or network nodes, and when optimizing neighbour lists. This also increases the number of successful handovers and leads to less dropped connections due to missing neighbour relations. The solution utilizes configuring optimal measurement configuration to detect new neighbours. During ANR measurement by the UE, since only a single measurement configuration needs to be configured, it helps in increase battery life of the UE. Further, once the sufficient NRT is established, it improves the handover success rate and also the handover can be faster as neighbours are already known and connected. Further, all UEs in 5G Cell are considered and the UE selection is accurate.

[0104] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed implementations, it will be appreciated that many implementations can be made and that many changes can be made to the implementations without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the implementations of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative and non-limiting.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR), the method comprising: initiating, by a processing unit [302] at a Distributed-Self Organizing Network (D- SON) module [301], a user equipment selection timer for selection of at least one user equipment (UE) in a scheduled ANR procedure; receiving, at a receiving unit [304] at the D-SON module [301], a list of new radio (NR)- capable UEs from a Resource Manager (RM), the list of NR-capable UEs is determined by the RM based on a UE search rate and UE selection eligibility criteria; configuring, by the processing unit [302] at the D-SON module [301], the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), based on PCI measurement configuration criteria; receiving, at the receiving unit [304] at the D-SON module [301], aPCI measurement report from the at least one UE; analysing, by the processing unit [302] at the D-SON module [301], the PCI measurement report to check presence of one or more unknown PCIs in the PCI measurement report; configuring, by the processing unit [302] at the D-SON module [301], a Cell Global Identity (CGI) measurement configuration to the at least one UE for the one or more unknown PCIs after performing a set of actions; receiving, at the receiving unit [304] at the D-SON module [301], a CGI measurement report from the at least one UE; and adding, by the processing unit [302] at the D-SON module [301], one or more new neighbour cells in a Neighbour Relation Table (NRT) based on the CGI measurement report.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UE search rate corresponds to a predefined percentage of a total number of user equipment supported in a cell.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UE selection eligibility criteria comprises at least one from among a selection of a UE for a first time for the scheduled ANR, support for NR-CGI reporting by the UE, support for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) by the UE, presence of the UE in an established bearer state, absence of Voice over NR (VONR) orVideo over NR (VINR) bearers, no ongoing bearer establishment, modification or release procedures for the UE, and no Evolved Packet System (EPS) fallback has been triggered for the UE.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PCI measurement configuration criteria comprise: identifying, by the processing unit [302], the ARFCN for the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs by checking available ARFCNs for each UE from the list of NR- capable UEs; and selecting, by the processing unit [302], the ARFCN for the PCI measurement for the least one UE if the ARFCN is for the NR and at most two UEs are configured for the identified ARFCN.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprises: analysing, by the processing unit [302], the PCI measurement report to check for a presence of one or more known PCIs; and removing, by the processing unit [302], the PCI configuration from the at least one UE for the one or more known PCIs.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein for each of the one or more unknown PCIs, at most three UEs are configured for the CGI measurement.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of actions comprises: removing, by the processing unit [302], the PCI configuration from the at least one UE; and validating, by the processing unit [302], that a number of UEs configured for each of the one or more unknown PCIs is less than three.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user equipment selection timer starts and expires for a configured number of times in the scheduled ANR procedure for the selection of the at least one UE.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuring, by the processing unit [302], the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for the Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN) comprises:sending, by the processing unit [302], an ANR measurement for report PCI configuration to a measurement module; sending, by the processing unit [302], an RRC reconfiguration to the at least one UE based on the ANR measurement; receiving, at the processing unit [302], RRC reconfiguration complete from the at least one UE; and configuring, by the processing unit [302], the at least one UE for the PCI measurement on the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN).

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprises removing, by the processing unit [302], the CGI configuration from the at least one UE after adding the one or more new neighbour cells in the Neighbour Relation Table (NRT).

11. A system for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR), the system comprising a Distributed-Self Organizing Network (D-SON) module [301], the D-SON module [301] further comprising: a processing unit [302] configured to: initiate a user equipment selection timer for selection of at least one user equipment (UE) in a scheduled ANR procedure; a receiving unit [304] connected to the processing unit [302], the receiving unit [304] configured to: receive a list of new radio (NR)- capable UEs from a Resource Manager (RM), the list of NR-capable UEs is determined by the RM based on a UE search rate and UE selection eligibility criteria; the processing unit [302] further configured to: configure the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), based on PCI measurement configuration criteria; the receiving unit [304] further configured to: receive a PCI measurement report from the at least one UE; the processing unit [302] further configured to: analyse the PCI measurement report to check a presence of one or more unknown PCIs in the PCI measurement report; configure a Cell Global Identity (CGI) measurement configuration to the at least one UE for the one or more unknown PCIs after performing a set of actions;the receiving unit [304] further configured to: receive a CGI measurement report from the at least one UE; and the processing unit [302] further configured to: add one or more new neighbour cells in a Neighbour Relation Table (NRT) based on the CGI measurement report.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the UE search rate corresponds to a predefined percentage of a total number of user equipment supported in a cell.

13. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the UE selection eligibility criteria comprises at least one from among a selection of a UE for a first time for the scheduled ANR, support for NR-CGI reporting by the UE, support for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) by the UE, presence of the UE in an established bearer state, absence of Voice over NR (VONR) or Video over NR (VINR) bearers, no ongoing bearer establishment, modification or release procedures for the UE, and no Evolved Packet System (EPS) fallback has been triggered for the UE.

14. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the PCI measurement configuration criteria comprise: identification of the ARFCN for the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs by checking available ARFCNs for each UE from the list of NR- capable UEs; and selection of the ARFCN for the PCI measurement for the least one UE if the ARFCN is for the NR and at most two UEs are configured for the identified ARFCN.

15. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the processing unit [302] is further configured to: analyse the PCI measurement report to check for a presence of one or more known PCIs; and remove the PCI configuration from the at least one UE for the one or more known PCIs.

16. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein for each of the one or more unknown PCIs, at most three UEs are configured for the CGI measurement.

17. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein to perform the set of actions, the processing unit [302] is configured to:remove of the PCI configuration from the at least one UE; and validate that a number of UEs configured for each of the one or more unknown PCIs is less than three.

18. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the user equipment selection timer starts and expires for a configured number of times in the scheduled ANR procedure for the selection of the at least one UE.

19. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein to configure the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for the Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), the processing unit [302] is configured to: send an ANR measurement for report PCI configuration to a measurement module; send an RRC reconfiguration to the at least one UE based on the ANR measurement; receive RRC reconfiguration complete from the at least one UE; and configure the at least one UE for the PCI measurement on the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN).

20. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the processing unit [302] is further configured to remove the CGI configuration from the at least one UE after adding the one or more new neighbour cells in the Neighbour Relation Table (NRT).

21. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for selection of at least one user equipment for a new radio (NR) automatic neighbour relation (ANR), the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system [300] comprising a Distributed-Self Organizing Network (D-SON) module [301], causes: a processing unit [302] at the D-SON module [301] to: initiate a user equipment selection timer for selection of the at least one user equipment (UE) in a scheduled ANR procedure; a receiving unit [304] at the D-SON module [301] to: receive a list of new radio (NR)- capable UEs from a Resource Manager (RM), the list of NR-capable UEs is determined by the RM based on a UE search rate and UE selection eligibility criteria; the processing unit [302] further to:configure the at least one UE from the list of NR-capable UEs for a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) measurement on an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), based on PCI measurement configuration criteria; the receiving unit [304] further to: receive a PCI measurement report from the at least one UE; the processing unit [302] further to: analyse the PCI measurement report to check a presence of one or more unknown PCIs in the PCI measurement report; configure a Cell Global Identity (CGI) measurement configuration to the at least one UE for the one or more unknown PCIs after performing a set of actions; the receiving unit [304] further to: receive a CGI measurement report from the at least one UE; and the processing unit [302] further to: add one or more new neighbour cells in a Neighbour Relation Table (NRT) based on the CGI measurement report.

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