Network capacity optimization method, apparatus, and system

Abstract

The present application provides a network capacity optimization method, an apparatus, and a system, and relates to the field of communication technology. The solution is used to adjust the network capacity of an area based on a network capacity optimization requirement, so that the network capacity performance of the area satisfies the requirement. The solution includes the steps of: obtaining network capacity optimization requirement information including at least a network capacity optimization objective, the network capacity optimization objective being used to describe the requirement of the network capacity performance of a first area; determining, for the first area, a network capacity optimization solution used to address at least a network capacity problem existing in the first area based on the network capacity optimization requirement information; and optimizing the network capacity of the first area by using the network capacity optimization solution. The solution can satisfy the network capacity optimization objective, i.e., the network capacity performance of the area after optimization is enabled to satisfy the requirement as soon as possible. When a network capacity optimization constraint is included, it helps to know in a timely manner whether the network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization objective.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies. In particular, it relates to a network capacity optimization method, apparatus, and system.

[0002] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202111184353.8, titled "NETWORK CAPACITY OPTIMIZATION METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on October 11, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] The network architecture of fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology is more flexible than that of previous mobile communication technologies. Key features include: servitization of the 5G core network, separation of the radio access network (RAN) into central units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs), and flexible customization of network slices. With the development of mobile communication technology, the demands on key performance indicators such as network coverage, capacity, rate, and mobility, particularly the demand for network capacity, are constantly increasing. 5G networks support 5GtoB industrial services (e.g., meter reading services, video surveillance services, and remote control services). However, 5GtoB industrial services have very high demands on key performance indicators such as user latency, call drop rate, and terminal access volume. The demands on network capacity fluctuate at different moments and locations, and different 5G to B industrial services have different demands on network capacity. Therefore, the network capacity of the 5G network needs to be dynamically adjusted during the deployment of 5G to B industrial services to satisfy the dynamic nature of those services.

[0004] Network capacity is key to guaranteeing the performance of a network or service. However, wireless network resources are limited. Therefore, how to dynamically adjust network resources to satisfy the different service requirements regarding network capacity is key to the operation and maintenance of 5G networks. [Overview of the project]

[0005] This application provides a network capacity optimization method and apparatus for adjusting the network capacity of an area based on network capacity optimization requirements so that the network capacity performance of the area satisfies the requirements.

[0006] This application provides the following technical solutions.

[0007] In accordance with a first aspect, the present application provides a method for optimizing network capacity. The method comprises the following steps: A first functional unit obtains network capacity optimization requirements information, which includes at least a network capacity optimization objective. Network capacity performance that is of an area and satisfies the network capacity optimization objective satisfies the requirements, or the network capacity optimization objective is used as the requirement for the network capacity performance of the first area. Based on the network capacity optimization requirements information, the first functional unit determines a network capacity optimization solution for the first area. The network capacity optimization solution is used to address at least a network capacity problem present in the first area. Based on the network capacity optimization solution, the first functional unit optimizes the network capacity of the first area.

[0008] Optionally, network capacity optimization requirements information may further include network capacity optimization constraints in addition to network capacity optimization targets. Network capacity optimization constraints are used to describe the conditions for determining the network capacity performance of the first area. In other words, network capacity optimization constraints are used to determine whether the network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization targets.

[0009] This application provides a method for optimizing network capacity. In this method, network capacity optimization requirements information is acquired, which includes at least a network capacity optimization target, the network capacity optimization target being used to describe the network capacity performance requirements of a first area. In other words, the network capacity optimization target carried in the network capacity optimization requirements information in this embodiment of this application is satisfyable by the network capacity of the first area and represents a requirement expected by the operator or another third party. Thus, a network capacity optimization solution determined for the first area based on the network capacity optimization target can be used to address at least the network capacity problem present in the first area. Therefore, when the network capacity of the first area is subsequently optimized by using the network capacity optimization solution, the network capacity optimization target can be quickly satisfied. That is, the network capacity performance of the optimized area is made capable of satisfying the requirements as quickly as possible.

[0010] In addition, when network capacity optimization requirements information includes network capacity optimization limiting conditions, it helps to know the conditions for determining the network capacity performance of the first area in a timely manner, that is, to determine which cells in the first area are high-load cells, load-unbalanced cells, etc.

[0011] In possible embodiments of this application, the determination of a network capacity optimization solution for a first area based on network capacity optimization requirements information by a first functional unit includes: determining a network capacity optimization solution for a first area when the first functional unit determines, based on the network capacity optimization requirements information, that the network capacity performance of the first area does not satisfy the network capacity optimization objective. For example, when acquiring network capacity optimization requirements information, the first functional unit may first determine whether the network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization objective. If the network capacity optimization objective is not met, the first functional unit determines a network capacity optimization solution for the first area. If the network capacity optimization objective is met, the first functional unit does not need to determine a network capacity optimization solution. In this case, the first functional unit may provide feedback indicating that the network capacity of the first area does not need to be optimized. In possible embodiments of this application, the first functional unit may acquire first information of the first area when it acquires network capacity optimization requirements information. Next, the first functional unit determines, based on the first information and network capacity optimization requirement information, whether the network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization target.

[0012] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization solution includes at least the following: identifiers for one or more second network elements in a first area, and one or more of the following parameters corresponding to each second network element, namely load balancing function control parameters and / or handover-related parameters, or the second network element is a network element in the first area on which load balancing functionality needs to be enabled. The second network element may be a base station in the first area, or a cell in the first area. The identifier for the second network element identifies the second network element.

[0013] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization requirement information is requirement information for a first area in one or more first frequency bands. For example, frequency band (or frequency) 1 and frequency band 2 correspond separately to one piece of the network capacity optimization requirement information. In this way, a network capacity optimization solution adapted to each frequency band can be determined for each frequency band based on the network capacity optimization requirement information corresponding to the frequency band, such that the network capacity of the frequency band satisfies the network capacity optimization goal of the frequency band as quickly as possible.

[0014] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization objective includes one or more of the following parameters: a first parameter, a second parameter, a third parameter, or a fourth parameter. The first parameter is used to determine the maximum percentage of high-load cells in a first area, and / or the maximum quantity of high-load cells in a first area. The second parameter is used to determine the maximum percentage of unbalanced load cells in a first area, and / or the maximum quantity of unbalanced load cells in a first area. The third parameter is used to determine the average number of users for each cell in a first area. The fourth parameter is used to determine the throughput of a first area. In this way, the specific content of the requirements information can be clearly defined.

[0015] In a possible implementation of this application, when the network capacity optimization requirement information is the requirement information for a first area in a plurality of first frequency bands, the network capacity optimization goal includes one or more of the following parameters corresponding to each first frequency band: namely, a first parameter, a second parameter, a third parameter, or a fourth parameter. For example, the first parameter corresponding to the first frequency band indicates the maximum percentage of high-load cells in the first area in the first frequency band, and / or the first parameter is used to determine the maximum number of high-load cells in the first area in the first frequency band. The second parameter corresponding to the first frequency band indicates the maximum percentage of unbalanced load cells in the first area in the first frequency band, and / or the second parameter corresponding to the first frequency band is used to determine the maximum number of unbalanced load cells in the first area in the first frequency band. The third parameter corresponding to the first frequency band indicates the average number of users for each cell in the first area in the first frequency band. The fourth parameter corresponding to the first frequency band is used to determine the throughput (which may also be called traffic) of the first area in the first frequency band. The throughput of area 1 may represent the maximum throughput of area 1.

[0016] It should be noted that when network capacity optimization requirements information corresponds to multiple primary frequency bands, these multiple primary frequency bands are different frequency bands. For example, multiple primary frequency bands may include frequency band 1 and frequency band 2, and frequency band 1 and frequency band 2 may separately correspond to one or more of the following parameters: the first parameter, the second parameter, the third parameter, and the fourth parameter.

[0017] In a possible implementation of this application, when network capacity optimization requirement information includes network capacity optimization limiting conditions, the network capacity optimization limiting conditions include one or more of the following: a first determination condition, a second determination condition, or time information. The first determination condition includes one or more conditions used to determine that a cell is a high-load cell. The second determination condition includes one or more conditions used to determine that a cell is a load-unbalanced cell. The time information indicates the duration for evaluating whether the network capacity of a first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal. Thus, it is beneficial to determine that a cell satisfying the first determination condition is a high-load cell, and a cell satisfying the second determination condition is a load-unbalanced cell.

[0018] In a possible implementation of this application, when the network capacity optimization requirement information is requirement information for a first area in a plurality of first frequency bands, the network capacity optimization limiting condition particularly includes one or more of the first and second determination conditions corresponding to each first frequency band.

[0019] In a possible implementation of this application, the first determination condition includes one or more of the following: the physical resource block utilization of the cell is equal to or greater than a first threshold (e.g., a first physical resource block high load threshold); the average number of users of the cell is equal to or greater than a second threshold (e.g., a first user quantity high load threshold); the number of wireless resource control connected users of the cell is equal to or greater than a third threshold (e.g., a first RRC connected user quantity high load threshold); or the available capacity of the cell is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold (e.g., available capacity high load threshold).

[0020] In a possible implementation of this application, the second determination condition includes one or more of the following: that the difference between the physical resource block utilization rates of adjacent cells is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold (e.g., a physical resource block imbalance threshold); that the difference between the average user quantities of adjacent cells is greater than or equal to an active user quantity imbalance threshold; that the number of wireless resource control connected users of adjacent cells is greater than or equal to a sixth threshold (e.g., a wireless resource control connected user quantity imbalance threshold); or that the available capacity of adjacent cells is less than or equal to a seventh threshold (e.g., an available capacity imbalance threshold).

[0021] In a possible implementation of this application, when network capacity optimization requirement information corresponds to a plurality of first frequency bands, the network capacity optimization limiting condition further includes a determination condition for load-unbalanced cells in the plurality of first frequency bands (i.e., a third determination condition). The third determination condition is used to determine the load-unbalanced cells in the plurality of first frequency bands. For example, the third determination condition may include one or more conditions for determining the load-unbalanced cells in the plurality of first frequency bands. For example, the third determination condition may include one or more of the following: In other words, the difference between the physical resource block utilization rates of adjacent cells in multiple first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the eighth threshold (e.g., a specified physical resource block imbalance threshold), the difference between the average number of users of adjacent cells in multiple first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold (e.g., a specified active user quantity imbalance threshold), the number of wireless resource control connected users of adjacent cells in multiple first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the tenth threshold (e.g., a specified wireless resource control connected user quantity imbalance threshold), or the available capacity of adjacent cells in multiple first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the eleventh threshold (e.g., a specified available capacity imbalance threshold).

[0022] In a possible implementation of this application, when network capacity optimization requirement information corresponds to multiple first frequency bands, the first determination condition includes one or more of the following: that the physical resource block utilization rate of a cell in each first frequency band is equal to or greater than a first threshold; that the average number of users of a cell in each first frequency band is equal to or greater than a second threshold; that the number of wireless resource control connected users of a cell in each first frequency band is equal to or greater than a third threshold; or that the available capacity of a cell in each first frequency band is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold. Specifically, for any one of the first frequency bands, a cell may be considered a high-load cell in the first frequency band if the physical resource block utilization rate of a cell in that first frequency band is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

[0023] In a possible implementation of this application, when network capacity optimization requirement information corresponds to multiple first frequency bands, the second determination condition includes one or more of the following: that the difference between the physical resource block utilization rates of adjacent cells in each first frequency band is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold; that the difference between the average number of users of adjacent cells in each first frequency band is greater than or equal to the active user quantity imbalance threshold; that the number of wireless resource control connected users of adjacent cells in each first frequency band is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold; or that the available capacity of adjacent cells in each first frequency band is less than or equal to the seventh threshold. For example, if the difference in physical resource block utilization rates between cell 1 and cell 2 in the first frequency band is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, then cell 1 and cell 2 may be considered load-unbalanced cells in the first frequency band.

[0024] In a possible implementation of this application, the determination of a network capacity optimization solution for a first area based on network capacity optimization requirements information by a first functional unit includes: the first functional unit obtains first data used to determine at least the root cause of a network capacity problem present in the first area based on network capacity optimization requirements information; the first functional unit determines the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in the first area based on the first data; and the first functional unit determines a network capacity optimization solution for the first area based on the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in the first area.

[0025] In a possible implementation of this application, the acquisition of first data by a first functional unit based on network capacity optimization requirements information includes, namely, the first functional unit determining data collection rules based on network capacity optimization requirements information. The data collection rules include one or more of the following information: namely, identifiers of one or more first network elements in a first area, data types of network element data, and network element data collection periodicity. The first network elements are network elements that provide network element data. The first functional unit collects network element performance data and configuration data as first data from each of the one or more first network elements in accordance with the data collection rules. The data type indicates the type of network element data acquired from one or more first network elements. The network element performance data includes one or more of the following information: namely, cell PRB utilization, average number of users in a cell, and number of users connected to a cell RRC. The configuration data includes one or more of the following information corresponding to a network element: namely, load balancing function configuration parameters, adjacency relationships, or grid information. The first functional unit's determination of the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in the first area, based on the first data, includes the following: The first functional unit determines the network capacity problem present in the first area based on the first data. The first functional unit analyzes the network capacity problem present in the first area to obtain the root cause of the network capacity problem.

[0026] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided herein further includes: a first functional unit determines a network capacity optimization policy for a first area based on network capacity optimization requirements information; the network capacity optimization policy includes one or more of a network capacity problem root cause analysis policy and a network capacity optimization adjustment policy. Correspondingly, the first functional unit determining the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in the first area based on first data includes: the first functional unit determines the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in the first area based on the network capacity problem root cause analysis policy and the first data; the network capacity optimization adjustment policy is used to reflect a sequence of adjusting load balancing function control parameters and handover-related parameters of a second network element during network capacity optimization.

[0027] In a possible implementation of the present application, for the first functional unit to determine a network capacity optimization solution for the first area based on the root cause of the network capacity problem occurring in the first area includes the following. That is, the first functional unit determines one or more solutions for addressing the network capacity problem in the first area based on the root cause of the network capacity problem occurring in the first area. The first functional unit determines the evaluation result of each solution for addressing the network capacity problem. The evaluation result of the solution for addressing the network capacity problem is used to reflect one or more of the following parameters corresponding to the solution for addressing the network capacity problem, namely, user experience, whether the network capacity optimization goal is satisfied, and adjustment cost. The first functional unit uses the optimal solution for addressing the network capacity problem among one or more solutions for addressing the network capacity problem as the network capacity optimization solution based on the evaluation result of each solution for addressing the network capacity problem. The network capacity optimization solution includes at least the following. That is, the identifier of one or more second network elements for which the load distribution function needs to be enabled in the first area, and one or more parameters corresponding to one or more second network elements, namely, load distribution function control parameters and handover-related parameters.

[0028] When the network capacity optimization adjustment policy is obtained, it should be noted that the first functional unit adjusts one or more of the following parameters corresponding to the second network element, namely, the load distribution function control parameter and the handover-related parameter, based on the sequence for adjusting the load distribution function control parameter and the handover-related parameter of the second network element during the network capacity optimization reflected in the network capacity optimization adjustment policy.

[0029] Alternatively, when a single solution for addressing the network capacity problem is determined for the first area, the solution for addressing the network capacity problem can be directly used as a network capacity optimization solution. Alternatively, when a single solution for addressing the network capacity problem is determined for the first area, the solution can be evaluated. If the evaluation result indicates that the requirements are not satisfied (e.g., the evaluation result indicates that using the solution for addressing the network capacity problem causes one or more of the following cases), the solution for addressing the network capacity problem can be updated. As a result, the following indicators corresponding to the updated solution for addressing the network capacity problem satisfy the requirements. That is, the user experience is low and above a pre-set user experience threshold, the network capacity optimization goal is satisfied, and the adjustment cost is below a pre-set adjustment cost threshold. In this way, the first functional unit can determine the updated solution for addressing the network capacity problem as the network capacity optimization solution.

[0030] In a possible implementation of the present application, the network capacity optimization solution includes at least the following. That is, the identifier of one or more second network elements, and one or more of the following parameters corresponding to the one or more second network elements, namely, the load balancing function control parameter and the handover related parameter. The second network element is a network element for which the load balancing function needs to be enabled. The first functional unit optimizing the network capacity of the first area based on the network capacity optimization solution includes the following. That is, the first functional unit adjusts the load balancing function control parameter and / or the handover related parameter of one or more second network elements in the first area based on the network capacity optimization solution. Here, the handover related parameter includes the handover failure rate.

[0031] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this application includes the following: After a first functional unit optimizes the network capacity of a first area based on a network capacity optimization solution, the first functional unit determines first information corresponding to the first area. The first information includes one or more of the following: a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first percentage of high-load cells, or a first percentage of unbalanced load cells. The first functional unit transmits the first information, which helps a receiver receiving the first information to determine the current network capacity performance of the first area after optimization.

[0032] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided herein includes: A snapshot first functional unit determines first information corresponding to a first region. The first information includes one or more of the following: a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first proportion of high-load cells, and a first proportion of unbalanced load cells. Based on the first information and the network capacity optimization goal, the first functional unit determines whether the network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal. The first functional unit transmits second information, which indicates whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal. This helps a receiver receiving the second information to determine whether the optimized network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal.

[0033] In a possible implementation of this application, the first information includes one or more of the following information corresponding to each second frequency band: namely, a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first proportion of high-load cells, and a first proportion of unbalanced load cells. In this way, it can be determined whether the network capacity corresponding to each frequency band satisfies the network capacity optimization target for that frequency band.

[0034] In a possible implementation of this application, the determination of first information corresponding to a first area by a first functional unit includes: The first functional unit collects network capacity performance data for any cell in the first area from one or more network elements in the first area. The network capacity performance data includes one or more of the following information: the physical resource block utilization rate of the cell, the average number of users in the cell, the number of wireless resource control connected users in the cell, and the available capacity of the cell. Based on the network capacity optimization constraints and the network capacity performance data for any cell, the first functional unit determines the first information corresponding to the first area.

[0035] In a possible implementation of the present application, before the first functional unit transmits first information corresponding to a first area, the method provided in this embodiment of the present application includes: the first functional unit receives third information used to describe network capacity performance monitoring requirements for the first area. The third information includes one or more of the following: a target network capacity performance indicator used to describe the network capacity performance indicators that need to be monitored, and network capacity performance monitoring limiting conditions used to describe the conditions for the network capacity performance indicators that need to be monitored. This helps a receiver receiving the third information to determine which indicators in the first area should be monitored.

[0036] In possible implementations of this application, the target network capacity performance indicator includes one or more of the following information: namely, the number of high-load cells, the percentage of high-load cells, the number of unbalanced cells, or the percentage of unbalanced cells. The network capacity performance monitoring limiting conditions include one or more of the following information: namely, information about the third frequency band indicating the conditions for monitoring the network capacity performance indicator in the third frequency band, second time information used to describe the duration for monitoring or reporting the network capacity performance indicator, and address information used to describe the address to which the network capacity performance indicator is reported. Providing information about the third frequency band helps in deciding to monitor the network capacity performance indicator in the third frequency band. The second time information helps in determining the interval or specific moment in time when the network capacity performance indicator is monitored or reported. The address information helps in determining the object to which the network capacity performance indicator is fed back.

[0037] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this application includes the following before the first functional unit determines a network capacity optimization solution for a first area based on network capacity optimization requirements information: namely, the first functional unit determines a management object for network capacity optimization requirements information and consequently constitutes the network capacity optimization requirements information within the management object.

[0038] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided herein includes: A first functional unit assigns a first identifier to network capacity optimization requirements information, where the first identifier is associated with an identifier of a management object, or the first identifier is identical to the identifier of a management object.

[0039] The network capacity optimization solution includes at least one identifier of a second network element in a first area, on which load balancing functionality needs to be enabled. Therefore, if the network capacity of the first area is subsequently optimized, the load balancing functionality of the second network element can be enabled based on the identifier of one or more second network elements. In addition, the second network element in this application may be a base station. In this way, a load balancing function is introduced to the base station to achieve load balancing among multiple cells of a single base station, thereby achieving the best possible radio resource utilization at the base station.

[0040] In accordance with a second aspect, the present application provides a method for optimizing network capacity. The method includes the following steps: a second functional unit determines network capacity optimization requirements information. The network capacity optimization requirements information includes network capacity optimization targets and network capacity optimization constraints, or the network capacity optimization requirements information includes network capacity optimization targets. The network capacity optimization targets are used to describe the requirements for the network capacity performance of a first area, and the network capacity optimization constraints are used to describe the conditions for determining the network capacity performance of the first area. The second functional unit transmits a first request message, which includes network capacity optimization requirements information and is used to request that the network capacity of the first area be optimized based on the network capacity optimization requirements information. For example, the second functional unit may transmit the first request message to the first functional unit.

[0041] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization requirement information is the requirement information for a first area in one or more first frequency bands. In other words, each different frequency band corresponds to one network capacity optimization requirement information.

[0042] For specific details regarding the network capacity optimization objectives and limitations in the second aspect, please refer to the description in the first aspect. Further details are not provided herein.

[0043] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided herein includes: A second functional unit transmits a second request message. The second request message is used to request that the network capacity performance indicators of a first area be monitored / reported based on third information (which may also be called network capacity performance monitoring information). The third information includes one or more of the following: a target network capacity performance indicator used to describe the network capacity performance indicators that need to be monitored, or network capacity performance monitoring limiting conditions used to describe the conditions for the network capacity performance indicators that need to be monitored.

[0044] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided herein includes the following: that, before the second functional unit transmits a second request message, the method further includes the second functional unit determining third information for the first area. The third information is used to describe the network capacity performance monitoring requirements for the first area.

[0045] In a possible implementation of this application, the target network capacity performance indicator includes one or more of the following information: the number of overloaded cells, the percentage of overloaded cells, the number of unbalanced cells, or the percentage of unbalanced cells. The network capacity performance monitoring limiting condition includes one or more of the following information: information relating to the third frequency band indicating the conditions for monitoring the network capacity performance indicator in the third frequency band, second time information used to describe the duration for monitoring or reporting the network capacity performance indicator, and address information used to describe the address for monitoring or reporting the network capacity performance indicator.

[0046] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided herein includes: A second functional unit receives first information corresponding to a first area. The first information includes one or more of the following: a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first proportion of high-load cells, or a first proportion of unbalanced load cells. The second functional unit adjusts network capacity optimization requirements information based on the first information and the network capacity optimization objective. In one implementation, the adjustment of network capacity optimization requirements information by the second functional unit based on the first information and the network capacity optimization objective includes: The second functional unit determines, based on the first information, whether the network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization objective. The second functional unit adjusts network capacity optimization requirements information based on the determination result of whether the network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization objective.

[0047] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided herein includes the following: a second functional unit receives information relating to one or more second frequency bands, where the first information relating to each of the second frequency bands includes one or more of the following: a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first proportion of high-load cells, or a first proportion of unbalanced load cells.

[0048] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided herein includes: a second functional unit receives second information used to determine whether the network capacity of a first area satisfies a network capacity optimization target; the second functional unit adjusts network capacity optimization requirement information based on the second information; specifically, if the second information indicates that the network capacity of the first area does not satisfy the network capacity optimization target, the second functional unit increases the maximum value of the percentage of high-load cells / the maximum value of the percentage of unbalanced load cells in the network capacity optimization target; if the second information indicates that the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization target, the second functional unit decreases the maximum value of the percentage of high-load cells / the maximum value of the percentage of unbalanced load cells in the network capacity optimization target.

[0049] In a possible implementation of this application, the determination of network capacity optimization requirements information by a second functional unit includes the following: the second functional unit receives network capacity optimization requirements information of a first area and input by a user, and / or the second functional unit receives service requirements information for one or more services in the first area, where the service requirements information includes one or more of the following: service type, service traffic model, or number of terminals accessing the service. The second functional unit obtains network capacity optimization requirements information for the first area based on the service requirements information for one or more services through calculation.

[0050] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization requirements information includes the network capacity optimization target. The determination of the network capacity optimization requirements information by the second functional unit includes the following: The second functional unit adjusts the first network capacity optimization target based on the fourth information and the network capacity intention satisfaction information in the first area to obtain the network capacity optimization target. Here, the fourth information includes one or more of the following information corresponding to the first area: namely, the first quantity of high-load cells, the first quantity of unbalanced load cells, the first proportion of high-load cells, or the first proportion of unbalanced load cells. The network capacity intention satisfaction information indicates whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the first network capacity optimization target. The first network capacity optimization target is the optimization target corresponding to the first area before the network capacity of the first area is optimized based on the network capacity optimization requirements information. The network capacity intention satisfaction information may be obtained by the second functional unit from the first functional unit, or the network capacity intention satisfaction information may be obtained by the second functional unit based on the fourth information and the first network capacity optimization target in the first area.

[0051] In a possible implementation of this application, the determination of network capacity optimization limit conditions for a first area by a second functional unit includes the following: The second functional unit acquires performance indicator information for all or some of the cells in the first area. Based on the performance indicator information for all or some of the cells in the first area, the second functional unit determines network capacity optimization limit conditions for the first area. Here, the cell performance indicator information includes one or more of the following: cell PRB utilization, average number of users in the cell, number of users connected to the cell RRC, or available capacity of the cell.

[0052] According to a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device. The communication device can implement the method in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, and thus can further implement the beneficial effects of the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect. The communication device may be a first functional network element, or a device that supports the first functional network element when implementing the method in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, for example, a chip used in the first functional network element. The communication device can implement the above method by software or hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0053] In one example, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes a communication module and a processing module. The communication module is configured to perform a receive / transmit step. The processing module is configured to perform a processing step. For example, the communication module is configured to acquire network capacity optimization requirements information, which includes at least a network capacity optimization objective. The network capacity optimization objective is used to describe the network capacity performance requirements of a first area. The processing module is configured to determine a network capacity optimization solution for the first area based on the network capacity optimization requirements information. The network capacity optimization solution is used to address at least one network capacity problem present in the first area. The processing module is further configured to optimize the network capacity of the first area based on the network capacity optimization solution.

[0054] Optionally, network capacity optimization requirements information may further include network capacity optimization constraints in addition to network capacity optimization goals. Network capacity optimization constraints are used to describe the conditions for determining the network capacity performance of the first area.

[0055] In a possible embodiment of this application, the processing unit is configured to determine a network capacity optimization solution for a first area based on network capacity optimization requirements information if it is determined that the network capacity of the first area does not satisfy the network capacity optimization objective.

[0056] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization solution includes at least: identifiers for one or more second network elements in a first area, and one or more of the following parameters corresponding to each second network element: load balancing function control parameters and / or handover-related parameters. The one or more second network elements are network elements in the first area on which load balancing functionality needs to be enabled. The second network elements may be base stations or cells in the first area. The identifiers for the second network elements identify the second network elements.

[0057] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization requirement information is requirement information for a first area in one or more first frequency bands.

[0058] For the relevant content of the network capacity optimization objectives and network capacity optimization limitations in the third aspect of this application, please refer to the relevant description in the first aspect. Further details are not described herein.

[0059] In a possible implementation of this application, the processing module is configured to specifically use a communication module to acquire first data used to determine at least one root cause of a network capacity problem present in a first area, based on network capacity optimization requirements information. Based on the first data, the processing module is configured to determine the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in the first area. Based on the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in the first area, the processing module is configured to determine a network capacity optimization solution for the first area. The network capacity optimization solution includes at least one solution for addressing the network capacity problem.

[0060] In a possible implementation of this application, the processing module is configured to determine data collection rules based on network capacity optimization requirements information. The data collection rules include one or more of the following information: identifiers of one or more first network elements in a first area, data types of network element data, and network element data collection periodicity. Here, one or more first network elements are network elements that provide network element data. The processing module is configured to collect network element performance data and configuration data from each of the one or more first network elements in accordance with the data collection rules by using a communication module. The processing module is configured to collect network element performance data and configuration data from each of the one or more first network elements as first data. The data type indicates the type of network element data obtained from one or more first network elements. The network element performance data includes one or more of the following information: cell PRB utilization, average number of users in a cell, or number of users connected to a cell RRC. The configuration data includes one or more of the following information corresponding to a network element: load balancing function configuration parameters, adjacency relationships, or grid information. Specifically, the processing module is configured to determine the network capacity problem present in the first area based on the first data, and then analyze the network capacity problem present in the first area to obtain the root cause of the network capacity problem.

[0061] In a possible implementation of this application, the processing module is further configured to determine a network capacity optimization policy for a first area based on network capacity optimization requirements information. The network capacity optimization policy includes one or more of the following: a network capacity problem root cause analysis policy or a network capacity optimization adjustment policy. Correspondingly, the processing module determining the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in the first area based on first data includes the following: the processing module is configured to determine the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in the first area based on the network capacity problem root cause analysis policy and first data.

[0062] In possible implementations of this application, if the network capacity optimization solution includes multiple solutions for addressing a network capacity problem, the processing module is further configured to determine one or more solutions for addressing the network capacity problem in the first area based on the root cause of the network capacity problem occurring in the first area. The first functional unit determines the evaluation result of each solution for addressing the network capacity problem. The evaluation result of each solution for addressing the network capacity problem is used to reflect one or more of the following parameters corresponding to the solution for addressing the network capacity problem: user experience, whether the network capacity optimization goal is satisfied, and adjustment cost. The processing module is further configured to use the optimal solution for addressing the network capacity problem among the one or more solutions for addressing the network capacity problem as the network capacity optimization solution, based on the evaluation result of each solution for addressing the network capacity problem. The network capacity optimization solution includes at least identifiers of one or more second network elements for which load balancing functionality needs to be enabled in the first area, and one or more of the following parameters corresponding to one or more second network elements: load balancing functionality control parameters and handover-related parameters.

[0063] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization solution includes at least one identifier for one or more second network elements, and one or more of the following parameters corresponding to one or more second network elements: namely, load balancing function control parameters and handover-related parameters. The second network elements are network elements on which load balancing functionality needs to be enabled. The processing module is specifically configured to adjust the load balancing function control parameters and / or handover-related parameters of one or more second network elements in a first area based on the network capacity optimization solution, wherein the handover-related parameters include the handover failure rate.

[0064] In a possible implementation of the present application, the processing module is further configured to determine first information corresponding to a first area, where the first information includes one or more of the following: a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first proportion of high-load cells, or a first proportion of unbalanced load cells. The communication module is configured to transmit the first information.

[0065] In a possible implementation of this application, the processing module is further configured to determine first information corresponding to a first area. The first information includes one or more of the following: a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first proportion of high-load cells, or a first proportion of unbalanced load cells. The processing module is further configured to determine, based on the first information and the network capacity optimization goal, whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal. The communication module is configured to transmit second information. The second information is used to determine whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal.

[0066] In a possible implementation of this application, the first information includes one or more of the following information corresponding to each second frequency band: namely, a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first proportion of high-load cells, or a first proportion of unbalanced load cells. In this way, it can be determined whether the network capacity corresponding to each frequency band satisfies the network capacity optimization target for that frequency band.

[0067] In a possible implementation of this application, the processing module is configured to collect network capacity performance data for any cell in a first area from one or more network elements in the first area by using a communication module. The network capacity performance data includes one or more of the following information: the physical resource block utilization rate of the cell, the average number of users in the cell, the number of wireless resource control connected users in the cell, or the available capacity of the cell. The processing module is configured to determine first information corresponding to the first area based on network capacity optimization constraints and the network capacity performance data for any cell.

[0068] In a possible implementation of this application, the communication module is further configured to receive third information used to describe network capacity performance monitoring requirements for a first area. The third information includes one or more of the following: a target network capacity performance indicator used to describe a network capacity performance indicator that needs to be monitored, and network capacity performance monitoring limiting conditions used to describe the conditions for the network capacity performance indicator that needs to be monitored. This helps a receiver receiving the third information to determine which indicators in the first area should be monitored.

[0069] In possible implementations of this application, the target network capacity performance indicator includes one or more of the following information: the number of high-load cells, the percentage of high-load cells, the number of unbalanced load cells, or the number of unbalanced load cells. The network capacity performance monitoring limiting conditions include one or more of the following information: information about the third frequency band indicating the conditions for monitoring the network capacity performance indicator in the third frequency band, second time information used to describe the duration for monitoring or reporting the network capacity performance indicator, and address information used to describe the address to which the network capacity performance indicator is reported. Providing information about the third frequency band helps in deciding to monitor the network capacity performance indicator in the third frequency band. The second time information helps in determining the interval or specific moment in time when the network capacity performance indicator is monitored or reported. The address information helps in determining the object to which the network capacity performance indicator is fed back.

[0070] In a possible implementation of this application, the processing module is further configured to determine a management object for network capacity optimization requirements information and to configure the network capacity optimization requirements information within the management object.

[0071] In a possible implementation of this application, the method provided herein includes: A first functional unit assigns a first identifier to network capacity optimization requirements information. The first identifier is associated with an identifier of a managed object, or the first identifier is identical to the identifier of a managed object.

[0072] For example, if the communication device is a chip or chip system within a first functional unit, the processing module may be a processor, and the communication module may be a communication interface. For example, the communication interface may be an input / output interface, pins, circuitry, etc. The processing module executes instructions stored in the storage module to enable the first functional unit to implement the network capacity optimization method described in the first embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the first embodiment. The storage module may be a storage module within a chip (e.g., registers or cache), or a storage module located within the first functional unit and outside the chip (e.g., read-only memory or random access memory).

[0073] According to a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device. The communication device can implement the method in the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, and thus can further implement the beneficial effects of the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect. The communication device may be a second functional network element, or a device that supports the second functional network element when implementing the method in the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, for example, a chip used in the second functional network element. The communication device can implement the above method by software or hardware, or by hardware executing the corresponding software.

[0074] In one example, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes a communication module and a processing module. The communication module is configured to perform a receive / transmit step. The processing module is configured to perform a processing step. For example, the processing module is configured to determine network capacity optimization requirements information. The network capacity optimization requirements information includes a network capacity optimization target and network capacity optimization limits, or the network capacity optimization requirements information includes a network capacity optimization target, where the network capacity optimization target is used to describe the requirements for the network capacity performance of a first area. The network capacity optimization limits are used to describe the conditions for determining the network capacity performance of a first area. The communication module is configured to send a first request message, where the first request message includes the network capacity optimization requirements information, and the first request message is used to request that the network capacity of a first area be optimized based on the network capacity optimization requirements information. For example, the communication module is configured to send the first request message to a first functional unit.

[0075] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization requirement information is the requirement information for a first area in one or more first frequency bands. In other words, different frequency bands may each correspond to one network capacity optimization requirement information.

[0076] For specific details regarding the network capacity optimization objectives and network capacity optimization limits in the fourth aspect, please refer to the description in the first aspect. Further details are not provided herein.

[0077] In a possible implementation of the present application, the communication module is further configured to transmit a second request message, which is used to request monitoring / reporting of network capacity performance indicators in a first area based on third information. The third information includes one or more of the following: a target network capacity performance indicator used to describe the network capacity performance indicators to be monitored, or network capacity performance monitoring limit conditions used to describe the conditions for the network capacity performance indicators to be monitored.

[0078] In a possible implementation of this application, before the second functional unit transmits a second request message, the method provided in this application includes: The second functional unit determines third information used to describe the network capacity performance monitoring requirements of the first area.

[0079] In a possible implementation of this application, the target network capacity performance indicator includes one or more of the following information: namely, the number of overloaded cells, the percentage of overloaded cells, the number of unbalanced cells, or the percentage of unbalanced cells. The network capacity performance monitoring limiting condition includes one or more of the following information: namely, information relating to a third frequency band indicating the conditions for monitoring the network capacity performance indicator in the third frequency band, second time information used to describe the duration for monitoring or reporting the network capacity performance indicator, or address information used to describe the address for monitoring or reporting the network capacity performance indicator.

[0080] In a possible implementation of the present application, the communication module is further configured to receive first information corresponding to a first area, wherein the first information includes one or more of the following information: a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first percentage of high-load cells, or a first percentage of unbalanced load cells. The second functional unit then adjusts network capacity optimization requirements information based on the first information.

[0081] In a possible implementation of the present application, the communication module is further configured to receive information relating to one or more second frequency bands. Accordingly, the first information includes one or more of the following information relating to each of the second frequency bands: a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first proportion of high-load cells, or a first proportion of unbalanced load cells.

[0082] In a possible implementation of this application, the communication module is further configured to receive second information, which is used to determine whether the network capacity of a first area satisfies a network capacity optimization target. The processing module is configured to adjust network capacity optimization requirement information based on the second information. Specifically, if the second information indicates that the network capacity of the first area does not satisfy the network capacity optimization target, the processing module is configured to increase the maximum value of the percentage of high-load cells / the maximum value of the percentage of unbalanced load cells in the network capacity optimization target. If the second information indicates that the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization target, the processing module is configured to decrease the maximum value of the percentage of high-load cells / the maximum value of the percentage of unbalanced load cells in the network capacity optimization target.

[0083] In a possible implementation of this application, the processing module being configured to determine network capacity optimization requirements information includes the following: the processing module is configured to receive user-inputted network capacity optimization requirements information for a first area through a communication module, and / or the processing module is configured to receive service requirements information for one or more services in the first area through a communication module, wherein the service requirements information includes one or more of the following: service type, service traffic model, and number of terminals accessing the service. The processing module is then configured to obtain network capacity optimization requirements information for the first area through calculation based on the service requirements information for one or more services.

[0084] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization requirements information includes a network capacity optimization target. The processing module is configured to determine the network capacity optimization requirements information, which includes the following: the processing module is configured to adjust the first network capacity optimization target based on the fourth information and network capacity intention satisfaction information for the first area, to obtain the network capacity optimization target, wherein the fourth information includes one or more of the following information corresponding to the first area: the first quantity of high-load cells, the first quantity of unbalanced load cells, the first percentage of high-load cells, or the first percentage of unbalanced load cells. The network capacity intention satisfaction information indicates whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the first network capacity optimization target. The first network capacity optimization target is the optimization target corresponding to the first area before the network capacity of the first area is optimized based on the network capacity optimization requirements information.

[0085] In a possible implementation of this application, the processing module is configured to determine the network capacity optimization limit conditions for a first area, which includes the following: The processing module is configured to obtain performance indicator information for all or some cells in the first area by using a communication module. The second functional unit determines the network capacity optimization limit conditions for the first area based on the performance indicator information for all or some cells in the first area. Here, the cell performance indicator information includes one or more of the following: cell PRB utilization, average number of users in the cell, number of users connected to the cell RRC, or available capacity of the cell.

[0086] For example, if the communication device is a chip or chip system within a second functional unit, the processing module may be a processor, and the communication module may be a communication interface. For example, the communication interface may be an input / output interface, pins, circuitry, etc. The processing module executes instructions stored in the storage module to enable the second functional unit to implement the network capacity optimization method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The storage module may be a storage module within a chip (e.g., registers or cache), or a storage module located within the second functional unit and outside the chip (e.g., read-only memory or random access memory).

[0087] According to the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform a network capacity optimization method described in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0088] According to the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform a network capacity optimization method described in the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0089] According to the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product including instructions. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform a network capacity optimization method described in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0090] According to the eighth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a computer program product including instructions. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform a network capacity optimization method described in the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0091] In accordance with the ninth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device configured to implement the method in the first aspect, the second aspect, or any one of the possible designs of the first or second aspect. The communication device may be the first functional unit described above, a device including the first functional unit, or a component used in the first functional unit (e.g., a chip). Alternatively, the communication device may be the second functional unit described above, a device including the second functional unit, or a component used in the second functional unit (e.g., a chip). The communication device includes a corresponding module or unit for implementing the method described above. The module or unit may be implemented by hardware or software, or by hardware running the corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0092] According to a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes at least one processor and a communication interface. When the communication device is in operation, the processor executes computer executable instructions or programs stored in the communication device, enabling the communication device to perform a method in any one of the possible designs in any aspect of the first aspect. For example, the communication device may be a first functional unit or a component used in a first functional unit.

[0093] According to the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes at least one processor and a communication interface. When the communication device is in operation, the processor executes computer executable instructions or programs stored in the communication device, enabling the communication device to perform a method in any one of the possible designs in any aspect of the second aspect. For example, the communication device may be a second functional unit or a component used in a second functional unit.

[0094] It should be understood that the communication devices described in the tenth and eleventh embodiments may further include a bus and memory, and the memory is configured to store code and data. Optionally, at least one processor, a communication interface, and memory are coupled to each other.

[0095] According to a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes at least one processor, which is coupled to memory. When the communication device is operating, the processor executes computer executable instructions or programs stored in memory, enabling the communication device to perform a method in the first aspect or any one of a possible design thereof. For example, the communication device may be a first functional unit or a chip used in the first functional unit.

[0096] According to a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes at least one processor, which is coupled to memory. When the communication device is operating, the processor executes computer executable instructions or programs stored in memory, enabling the communication device to perform a method in a second aspect or any one of a possible design of the second aspect. For example, the communication device may be a second functional unit or a chip used in a second functional unit.

[0097] It should be understood that the memory described in either the 12th or 13th aspect may be replaced by a storage medium instead. This is not limited to the embodiments of this application. In possible implementations, the memory described in either the 12th or 13th aspect may be memory within a communication device. Indeed, the memory may be located outside the communication device instead. However, at least one processor can still execute computer executable instructions or programs stored in memory.

[0098] According to the 14th aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes one or more modules configured to carry out a method according to either the first or second aspect. One or more modules may correspond to a step in the method according to the first or second aspect.

[0099] According to the 15th aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a chip comprising a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the network capacity optimization method described in the first aspect or a possible implementation of the first aspect. The communication interface is configured to communicate with another module other than the chip.

[0100] According to the sixteenth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a chip comprising a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions to implement a network capacity optimization method described in the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect. The communication interface is configured to communicate with another module other than the chip.

[0101] Specifically, the chip provided in this embodiment of the present application further includes memory configured to store computer programs or instructions.

[0102] According to the 17th aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication system, the communication system comprising a first functional unit and a second functional unit. The first functional unit is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect or one of the possible implementations of the first aspect. The second functional unit is configured to implement the method described in the second aspect or one of the possible implementations of the second aspect. Alternatively, the first functional unit is a communication device described in the third aspect or one of the possible implementations of the third aspect. The second functional unit is a communication device described in the fourth aspect or one of the possible implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0103] In possible embodiments of this application, the communication system may further include one or more network elements, the one or more network elements being configured to provide network capacity performance data of the network elements.

[0104] Any device, computer storage medium, computer program product, chip, or communication system provided above is configured to implement the corresponding method provided above. Therefore, for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the device, computer storage medium, computer program product, chip, or communication system, refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding solution in the corresponding method provided above. Further details are not described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0105] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional network capacity optimization method. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram relating to a system architecture according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram relating to the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart relating to interaction in a network capacity optimization method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of the interaction in a network capacity optimization method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of the interaction in a network capacity optimization method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a schematic diagram relating to the structure of another communication device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram relating to the structure of a chip according to one embodiment of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0106] To clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, terms such as “first” and “second” are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish the same or similar items that provide essentially the same function or purpose. For example, “first information” and “second information” are used simply to distinguish different information and do not limit the order of the first and second information. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as “first” and “second” do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that terms such as “first” and “second” do not indicate a clear difference.

[0107] It should be noted that in this application, the terms “an example” or “for example” are used to indicate that an embodiment, illustration, or explanation is being provided. No embodiment or scheme described as “an example” or “for example” in this application should be described as being preferable to or having more advantages than another embodiment or scheme. Strictly speaking, the use of terms such as “an example” and “for example” is intended to present the relevant concepts in a particular way.

[0108] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality of" means two or more. The term "and / or" describes a relationship between related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may mean: that only A exists, that both A and B exist, or that only B exists, where A and B may be singular or plural. The letter " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between related objects. At least one of the following items (pieces) or similar expressions indicates any combination of these items and includes one item (piece) or any combination of multiple items (pieces). For example, at least one item (piece) of a, b, or c may mean a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0109] Before describing this application, the relevant terms used in this application are first explained as follows:

[0110] (1) Management object: Used to describe information about a specific management object or a specific management task in a management system. Here, the management object information model may be used as an interaction parameter in the management interface, and creating a management object means creating management information in the management system, and as a result the management system can manage management objects or perform management tasks based on the management information.

[0111] (2) Cell: A radio coverage area identified by a base station identification code or cell global identification. Here, one base station serves one or more cells.

[0112] (3) Grid: The grid structure is the simplest and most direct spatial data structure, meaning that the earth surface is divided into an array of adjacent, equally sized grid boxes. Here, each grid box is defined by rows and columns, and contains either a code indicating the attribute type or value of the pixel, or only a pointer to the attribute record of the pixel. Thus, the grid structure is a data organization that uses a regular array to represent spatial clutter or phenomenon distribution, and each data piece in the organization represents a non-geometric attribute feature of the clutter or phenomenon.

[0113] (4) Frequency band: The continuous frequency between two specified limiting frequencies. Note: The frequency band is represented by two values ​​that specify the position of the frequency band in the spectrum (e.g., upper frequency limit and lower frequency limit), or it is described by the midpoint of the two values.

[0114] Figure 1 shows a conventional method for optimizing network capacity. Currently, a load balance function (LBF) is introduced at base stations to distribute the load across multiple cells of a single base station, achieving the best possible radio resource utilization efficiency at the base station. A load balance control function 2 (load balance control function 1) is introduced on the domain management unit side to coordinate the load balance functions of different base stations (base stations managed by different domain management functions (Domain MnFs)) and to generate control policies for each base station (including load balance function switching, RRC setup failure rate, handover success rate, etc.). A load balance control function 1 is introduced at the domain management unit to coordinate the load balance functions of different base stations (base stations managed by different Domain MnFs) and to generate control policies for each base station (including load balance function (LBF) switching, RRC setup failure rate, handover success rate, etc.).

[0115] However, in the aforementioned technologies, the operator's operational and maintenance personnel need to separately configure the control policies of each base station across many frequency bands and cells, including optimizing mobility-related parameters such as handover / reselection, or enabling load balancing algorithms based on expert experience. However, as user traffic increases, the amount of frequency band deployed in the network gradually increases, and so does the number of cells. In addition, the LBF policies of different cells in different base stations affect each other. As a result, it is difficult to achieve optimal capacity performance for multiple cells in multiple base stations while also meeting the operator's expected capacity targets.

[0116] Figure 2 shows a system architecture according to one embodiment of the present application. The architecture includes a service management system 100, an end-to-end network manager system (NMS) 200, one or more domain manager systems (DMS), and one or more network elements corresponding to the domain manager systems.

[0117] For example, one or more domain management systems include a wireless access domain management system 300, a core domain management system 400, a transmission domain management system 500, and so on.

[0118] The service management system 100 provides service operation functions, including functions such as service provisioning, service assurance, service scheduling, and user management, and includes a service operation system for a vertical industry or an operator (e.g., a service support system or a communication service management function).

[0119] The end-to-end network management system 200 provides end-to-end network operation and maintenance functions, including end-to-end network lifecycle management functions, configuration management functions, fault management functions, performance management functions, intent management functions, intelligent analysis functions, and the like. The network in the embodiments of this application may include one or more network elements or subnets.

[0120] The domain management system provides subnet operation and maintenance functions for a specific domain, as well as network element operation and maintenance functions, including subnet or network element lifecycle management functions, configuration management functions, fault management functions, performance management functions, intent management functions, intelligent analysis functions, etc. The specific domain in this application may be a technical domain, specifically a wireless access domain, a core domain, a transmission domain, etc. Here, the network operation and maintenance system architecture may include a wireless access domain management system, a core domain management system, and a transmission domain management system, and may be a vendor domain, specifically one vendor domain for one vendor, for example, a Vendor 1 domain or a Vendor 2 domain, or a vendor + technical domain, specifically a Vendor 1 wireless access domain and a Vendor 2 wireless access domain.

[0121] Network elements refer to entities that provide network services and can be classified into wireless network elements (e.g., base stations, central unit control planes (CUCPs), central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), and central unit user planes (CUUPs)), core network elements (e.g., access management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, or network data analytics function (NWDAF)) and transmission network elements (e.g., gateways). In embodiments of this application, a base station may be, for example, a next-generation node B (gNB).

[0122] Figure 3 shows a communication system according to one embodiment of the present application. The communication system includes a network capacity intelligent execution module 600 and a network capacity intelligent control module 700. The network capacity intelligent execution module 600 communicates with the network capacity intelligent control module 700 via a logical interface.

[0123] The Network Capacity Intelligent Execution Module 600 includes the following management functions: Interpreting network capacity optimization intent, specifically, translating network capacity optimization intent (including network capacity optimization goals and network capacity optimization constraints) into specific actions or policies, Implementing a closed-loop network capacity optimization procedure that includes network capacity detection (including network capacity-related data collection), analysis (including network capacity problem identification, demarcation, and root cause analysis), decision-making (including network capacity adjustment or configuration solution decision-making), and execution (network capacity adjustment or configuration solution execution), and This is a network capacity optimization intent assessment, used to evaluate whether the network capacity optimization intent has been satisfied.

[0124] The network capacity intelligent control module 700 includes the following management capabilities: defining network capacity optimization intent, specifically determining or adjusting network capacity optimization targets and limits; and monitoring network capacity optimization intent, specifically monitoring the satisfaction status of the network capacity optimization intent.

[0125] The network capacity intelligent execution module 600 and the network capacity intelligent control module 700 in this embodiment of the present application have several deployment scenarios as follows:

[0126] Deployment Scenario 1: The network capacity intelligent execution module 600 is implemented by the domain management system shown in Figure 2, and the network capacity intelligent control module 700 is implemented by the end-to-end network management system 200 shown in Figure 2.

[0127] Deployment Scenario 2: The network capacity intelligent execution module 600 is implemented by network elements (e.g., transmission network elements, core network elements, or wireless network elements), and the network capacity intelligent control module 700 is implemented by the domain management system shown in Figure 2.

[0128] In a service-based management architecture, the network capacity intelligent control module 700 is the management service consumer, and the network capacity intelligent execution module 600 is the management service provider. The logical interface is either the network capacity optimization management service or the network capacity intent management service.

[0129] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram relating to the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. For the structure of the first / second functional unit in this embodiment of the present application, see the structure of the communication device. As shown in Figure 4, the communication device includes a processor 401, a communication line 404, and at least one communication interface (communication interface 403 is used as an example for illustrative purposes in Figure 4).

[0130] The processor 401 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to control the program execution of the solution in this application.

[0131] The communication line 404 may include a path for transmitting information between the above-mentioned components.

[0132] The communication interface 403 is configured to exchange information with another device, for example, by using any type of device such as a transceiver, and to communicate with another device or communication network, such as Ethernet®, a radio access network (RAN), or a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0133] Optionally, the communication device may further include memory 402.

[0134] Memory 402 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, or a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or it may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or another compact disc storage, an optical disc storage (including compact optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital multipurpose discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or another magnetic storage device, or any other medium used to carry or store expected program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and which can be accessed by a computer. However, it is not limited to these. Memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor by using a communication line 404. Memory may, alternatively, be integrated with the processor.

[0135] Memory 402 is configured to store computer-executable instructions for executing the solution of this application, and the processor 401 controls its execution. The processor 401 is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in memory 402 and implements the network capacity optimization method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0136] Optionally, the computer executable instructions in this embodiment of the present application may also be referred to as application program code. This is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0137] In one embodiment, during the implementation process, the processor 401 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU 0 and CPU 1 in Figure 4.

[0138] In one embodiment during a specific implementation, the communication device may include a plurality of processors, for example, processors 401 and 405 in Figure 4. Each processor may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. A processor as used herein may be one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores configured to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0139] In this embodiment of the present application, the specific structure of the execution body of the network capacity optimization method is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application, provided that communication can be performed according to the network capacity optimization method in this embodiment of the present application by executing a program that records the code of the network capacity optimization method in this embodiment of the present application. For example, the execution body of the network capacity optimization method provided in this embodiment of the present application may be a functional module that can call and execute a program in a first functional unit, or a communication device used in the first functional unit, such as a chip. The execution body of the network capacity optimization method provided in this embodiment of the present application may be a functional module that can call and execute a program in a second functional unit, or a communication device used in the second functional unit, such as a chip. This is not limited in this application. The following embodiments are described by using examples in which the execution body of the network capacity optimization method is a first functional unit and a second functional unit.

[0140] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart relating to interaction in a network capacity optimization method according to one embodiment of this application. This method includes the following steps.

[0141] Step 501: The second functional unit determines the network capacity optimization requirements information. The network capacity optimization requirements information includes network capacity optimization targets and network capacity optimization limits, or the network capacity optimization requirements information includes network capacity optimization targets. Alternatively, the network capacity optimization requirements information includes network capacity optimization limits.

[0142] Network capacity performance that is relevant to an area and satisfies the network capacity optimization objective satisfies the requirements. In other words, the network capacity optimization objective is used to measure whether the network capacity performance of an area satisfies the requirements. In other words, the network capacity optimization objective is used to describe the requirements for the network capacity performance of a first area. In other words, the network capacity optimization objective enables the network capacity of a first area to be optimal, or to have optimized network capacity performance. In other words, the network capacity optimization objective is a target that can be achieved by the network capacity of a first area and is expected by the operator or a third party. Typically, if the network capacity of an area satisfies the network capacity optimization objective, the network capacity performance of the area satisfies the requirements, or the network capacity is optimal. If the network capacity of an area does not reach the network capacity optimization objective, the network capacity performance of the area does not satisfy the requirements.

[0143] The network capacity optimization requirements information in this embodiment of the present application may also be referred to as a network capacity optimization intent or a network capacity optimization task. In one example, the network capacity optimization requirements information includes one or more of the network capacity optimization objectives and network capacity optimization constraints.

[0144] In one example, the network capacity optimization goal may include one or more parameters. If the network capacity performance of an area satisfies the requirements, the one or more parameters corresponding to the area may be the percentage of high-load cells, the number of high-load cells, the number of unbalanced-load cells, the percentage of unbalanced-load cells, the throughput of the first area, and the average number of users in each cell in the first area.

[0145] For example, a network capacity optimization goal includes one or more of the following information: the first parameter, the second parameter, the third parameter, and the fourth parameter. The first parameter is used to determine the maximum percentage of high-load cells in the first area, and / or the maximum quantity of high-load cells in the first area. The second parameter is used to determine the maximum percentage of unbalanced load cells in the first area, and / or the maximum quantity of unbalanced load cells in the first area. The third parameter is used to determine the average number of users in each cell in the first area. The fourth parameter is used to determine the throughput of the first area.

[0146] The maximum percentage of high-load cells in Area 1 is used to limit the maximum quantity of high-load cells in Area 1, i.e., the maximum ratio of the quantity of high-load cells in Area 1 to the total quantity of cells in Area 1. In other words, in order to allow the network capacity of Area 1 to satisfy the requirements, the maximum ratio of the quantity of high-load cells in Area 1 to the total quantity of cells in Area 1 is less than or equal to the maximum percentage of high-load cells in Area 1.

[0147] In one implementation, the first parameter may be the maximum percentage of high-load cells in the first area. Alternatively, the first parameter may be the maximum percentage of non-high-load cells in the first area. Alternatively, the first parameter may be the maximum number of high-load cells and the maximum total number of cells in the first area.

[0148] For example, if there are a total of 100 cells in Area 1, that is, the total number of cells is 100. If the maximum percentage of high-load cells is 30%, then there can be a maximum of 30 high-load cells in Area 1.

[0149] The maximum percentage of unbalanced cells is used to limit the maximum quantity of unbalanced cells in Area 1, i.e., the maximum ratio of the quantity of unbalanced cells in Area 1 to the total quantity of cells in Area 1. In other words, in order to allow the network capacity of Area 1 to satisfy the requirements, the maximum ratio of the quantity of unbalanced cells in Area 1 to the total quantity of cells in Area 1 is less than or equal to the maximum percentage of unbalanced cells in Area 1.

[0150] In one implementation, the second parameter may be the maximum percentage of unbalanced cells in the first area. Alternatively, the first parameter may be the maximum percentage of non-unbalanced cells in the first area. Alternatively, the first parameter may be the maximum quantity of unbalanced cells in the first area and the total quantity of cells in the first area.

[0151] For example, Area 1 has a total of 100 cells, and the percentage of unbalanced cells is 20%. In this case, the maximum number of unbalanced cells in Area 1 is 20. Cells A and B are unbalanced cells if a pair of adjacent cells (for example, cells A and B are adjacent cells) have a load imbalance.

[0152] The average user count is the average number of devices accessing all cells in the first area. For example, the first area includes cells 1 and 2. The average user count for the first area may be the average of the number of devices accessing cell 1 and the number of devices accessing cell 2, or the average user count may be the maximum number of devices that can perform access in the first area.

[0153] The throughput of Area 1 may refer to the sum of the throughputs of all cells in Area 1. Specifically, the network capacity of Area 1 satisfies the requirement if the sum of the throughputs of all cells in Area 1 is equal to or greater than the throughput of Area 1.

[0154] Network capacity optimization limit conditions describe the criteria for determining the network capacity performance of a first area, or are used to determine whether the network capacity performance of an area satisfies the network capacity optimization objective. For example, network capacity optimization limit conditions include one or more of the following information: first determination conditions, second determination conditions, and time information. The first determination conditions include one or more conditions used to determine that a cell is a high-load cell. In other words, the first determination conditions are used to determine whether a cell in the first area is a high-load cell. The second determination conditions include one or more conditions used to determine that a cell is a load-unbalanced cell. In other words, the second determination conditions are used to determine whether a cell in the first area is a load-unbalanced cell. Time information indicates the duration for assessing whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization objective. For example, the time information may indicate a period T1 for evaluating whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal, or the time information may indicate the periodicity for evaluating whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal.

[0155] In one example, the first determination criterion includes at least one of the following: the cell's physical resource block (PRB) utilization is greater than or equal to a first threshold (e.g., a first PRB high load threshold); the cell's average user count is greater than or equal to a second threshold (e.g., a first user count high load threshold); the cell's radio resource control (RRC) connected user count is greater than or equal to a third threshold (e.g., a first RRC connected user count high load threshold); and the cell's available capacity is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold (e.g., available capacity high load threshold). In other words, a cell may be considered a high-load cell if any of its parameters satisfy one or more of the conditions in the first determination criterion.

[0156] In one example, the second determination criterion includes at least one of the following: the difference in PRB utilization between adjacent cells is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold (e.g., a PRB imbalance threshold); the difference in average user quantity between adjacent cells is greater than or equal to an active user quantity imbalance threshold; the RRC connected user quantity of adjacent cells is greater than or equal to a sixth threshold (e.g., an RRC connected user quantity imbalance threshold); and the available capacity of adjacent cells is less than or equal to a seventh threshold (e.g., an available capacity imbalance threshold). In other words, an adjacent cell may be considered a load-imbalanced cell if its parameters satisfy any one or more of the second determination criterion.

[0157] In this embodiment of the present application, the first area may include one or more network devices (e.g., base stations), and each base station may cover one or more cells. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application. If the first area covers one base station, the network capacity of the one or more cells covered by the base station may be considered optimized.

[0158] In an optional embodiment of this application, if the network capacity performance indicator of the first area does not satisfy a pre-configured network capacity performance indicator, the second functional unit may determine that the network capacity of the first area needs to be optimized and, therefore, determine network capacity optimization requirement information. Alternatively, if an optimization command is detected, the second functional unit may determine that the network capacity of the first area needs to be optimized. For example, if the second functional unit is implemented by an end-to-end network management system, the service management system may send an optimization command to the second functional unit. The optimization command is used to instruct the network capacity of the first area to be optimized. Optionally, the optimization command may carry network capacity optimization requirement information. For example, if the second functional unit is implemented by a domain management system, the service management system may send an optimization command to the second functional unit via the end-to-end network management system 200.

[0159] If the second functional unit is implemented by a domain management system or an end-to-end network management system 200, a single domain management system or end-to-end network management system 200 may manage multiple areas, so the optimization instructions may further include information about the first area so that the second functional unit can determine which areas the network capacity optimization requirement information is applicable to.

[0160] In another embodiment, the determination by the second functional unit that the network capacity performance indicator of the first area does not satisfy a pre-configured network capacity performance indicator can be carried out in the following manner: The second functional unit obtains from the first functional unit a parameter used to reflect the network capacity performance indicator of the first area (e.g., the percentage of high-load cells / quantity of high-load cells, or the quantity / percentage of unbalanced load cells). The second functional unit then compares the parameter with the pre-configured network capacity performance indicator, and finally, based on the comparison result, the second functional unit determines whether the network capacity performance indicator of the first area satisfies the pre-configured network capacity performance indicator. Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, the first functional unit compares the network capacity performance indicator of the first area with the pre-configured network capacity performance indicator to obtain a comparison result, and then feeds the comparison result back to the second functional unit. In this way, the second functional unit can determine, based on the comparison result, whether the network capacity performance indicator of the first area satisfies the pre-configured network capacity performance indicator.

[0161] In this embodiment of the present application, the acquisition of parameters used to reflect the network capacity performance indicators of the first area by a second functional unit from a first functional unit may be carried out in the following manner: The second functional unit requests the first functional unit to report the network capacity performance indicators of the first area. The first functional unit reports to the second functional unit, based on the request of the second functional unit, the monitored parameters used to reflect the network capacity performance indicators of the first area. Alternatively, the first functional unit may proactively report to the second functional unit the parameters used to reflect the network capacity performance indicators of the first area, provided that reporting periodicity is satisfied.

[0162] It should be noted that the first area may be a single area or may include multiple sub-areas. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application. When the first area includes multiple sub-areas, if the network capacity optimization requirements information is associated with the multiple sub-areas, it indicates that the network capacity optimization requirements information is applicable to the multiple sub-areas. If the network capacity optimization requirements information includes network capacity optimization request sub-information for each of the sub-areas, then each sub-area is applicable to the network capacity optimization request sub-information associated with the sub-area. That is, in this case, the network capacity optimization requirements information of the first area includes network capacity optimization request sub-information for multiple sub-areas.

[0163] The second functional unit in this embodiment of the present application is a unit configured to manage network capacity optimization in at least a first area. For example, the second functional unit in this embodiment of the present application may be the network capacity intelligent control module 700 shown in Figure 3.

[0164] Step 502: The second functional unit sends a first request message to the first functional unit, and in response, the first functional unit receives the first request message from the second functional unit.

[0165] The first request message contains network capacity optimization requirement information. The first request message is used to request the first functional unit to optimize the network capacity of the first area based on the network capacity optimization requirement information for the first area. In this way, the optimized network capacity of the first area can satisfy the network capacity optimization requirement information for the first area as much as possible.

[0166] In one example, the first request message may further include a first instruction, which instructs the first functional unit to optimize the network capacity of the first area based on network capacity optimization requirements information for the first area.

[0167] In one example, the first request message further includes an identifier for a first area, and as a result, the first functional unit determines one or more areas to which the network capacity optimization requirement information is applicable. For example, the first request message may include information about area 1, information about area 2, and the network capacity optimization requirement information. In this way, the first functional unit may determine that the network capacity optimization requirement information is applicable to both area 1 and area 2. Alternatively, the first request message may include {information about area 1, network capacity optimization requirement information 1} and {information about area 2, network capacity optimization requirement information 2}. In this way, the executable module may determine that network capacity optimization requirement information 1 is applicable to area 1 and network capacity optimization requirement information 2 is applicable to area 2. It should be noted that network capacity optimization requirement information for different areas may be carried in different messages. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0168] In one example, the first request message could be a network capacity optimization intent management request. For example, a network capacity optimization intent management request could be either a network capacity optimization intent creation request or a network capacity optimization intent modification request. A network capacity optimization intent creation request may be a request sent for the first time to adjust the network capacity of a particular area. For example, if the first functional unit optimizes the network capacity of area 1 based on network capacity optimization requirement information A in phase I, but the optimized network capacity of area 1 does not satisfy the network capacity optimization goal, or if the network capacity requirements for the same area change at a different point in time (assuming the network capacity requirements for area 1 change in phase II), then the second functional unit may send network capacity optimization requirement information B to the first functional unit through a network capacity optimization intent change request in phase II. In this case, it should be noted that the content of network capacity optimization requirement information B is different from the content of network capacity optimization requirement information A.

[0169] In one example, a logical interface exists between the second functional unit and the first functional unit, and the second and first functional units communicate with each other through this logical interface.

[0170] In one example, a logical interface may be a communication interface dedicated solely to adjusting the network capacity between a second functional unit and a first functional unit. In other words, multiple interfaces (including logical interfaces) may exist between the second and first functional units, but only the logical interface is dedicated to adjusting the network capacity between the two functional units. In another example, all communication between the second and first functional units may be implemented via a logical interface.

[0171] In this embodiment of the present application, the first functional unit is a unit configured to adjust the network capacity of at least a first area. As shown in Figure 3, the first functional unit in this embodiment of the present application may be a network capacity intelligent execution module 600.

[0172] Step 503: The first functional unit determines a network capacity optimization solution for the first area based on the network capacity optimization requirements information. The network capacity optimization solution is used to address at least one network capacity problem present in the first area.

[0173] It should be noted that the network capacity problem is a problem that allows the network capacity performance of Area 1 to fail to meet the requirements. For example, the proportion of unbalanced cells is greater than or equal to the maximum proportion of unbalanced cells, the proportion of overloaded cells is greater than or equal to the maximum proportion of overloaded cells, or the quantity of unbalanced cells is greater than or equal to the maximum quantity of unbalanced cells.

[0174] Step 504: The first functional unit optimizes the network capacity of the first area based on the network capacity optimization solution for the first area.

[0175] In this embodiment of the present application, optimizing the network capacity of an area can be considered as adjusting the network resources of an area.

[0176] This application provides a method for optimizing network capacity. In this method, network capacity optimization requirements information is obtained. Here, the obtained network capacity optimization requirements information includes at least a network capacity optimization target, and the network capacity optimization target is used to describe the requirements for the network capacity performance of a first area. In other words, the network capacity optimization target carried in the network capacity optimization requirements information in this embodiment of this application indicates a requirement that can be satisfied by the network capacity of the first area and is expected by the operator or another third party. Accordingly, a network capacity optimization solution determined for the first area based on the network capacity optimization target can be used to address at least the network capacity problem present in the first area. Thus, if the network capacity of the first area is subsequently optimized by using the network capacity optimization solution, the network capacity optimization target can be quickly satisfied, i.e., the network capacity performance of the optimized area can satisfy the requirements as quickly as possible.

[0177] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization requirement information is the requirement information for a first area in one or more first frequency bands. In other words, each of the one or more first frequency bands corresponds to a network capacity optimization goal and / or network capacity optimization limit condition. Therefore, when the first functional unit optimizes the network capacity of a first area, it is necessary to optimize the network capacity of the first area in each first frequency band, so that the network capacity in each first frequency band satisfies the network capacity optimization goal corresponding to the first frequency band. Indeed, the network capacity optimization goals corresponding to different first frequency bands may be the same or different. For example, the multiple first frequency bands are frequency band 1 and frequency band 2. The maximum percentage of high-load cells corresponding to frequency band 1 may be greater than the maximum percentage of high-load cells corresponding to frequency band 2. Similarly, the network capacity optimization limit conditions corresponding to different first frequency bands may be the same or different and may be set based on the requirements of the actual process. The network capacity of the same area across different frequency bands will all satisfy the requirements by limiting the network capacity optimization targets and / or network capacity optimization limits corresponding to each first frequency band.

[0178] It should be noted that each first frequency band corresponds to one or more of the following parameters: the first parameter, the second parameter, the third parameter, and the fourth parameter. For example, the first parameter corresponding to the first frequency band indicates the maximum percentage of high-load cells in the first area within the first frequency band, and / or is used to determine the maximum number of high-load cells in the first area within the first frequency band. The second parameter corresponding to the first frequency band indicates the maximum percentage of unbalanced load cells in the first area within the first frequency band, and / or is used to determine the maximum number of unbalanced load cells in the first area within the first frequency band. The third parameter corresponding to the first frequency band indicates the average number of users for each cell in the first area within the first frequency band. The fourth parameter corresponding to the first frequency band is used to determine the throughput (which may also be called traffic) of the first area within the first frequency band. The throughput of the first area may be the maximum throughput of the first area. For example, multiple first frequency bands are different frequency bands. For example, multiple first frequency bands include frequency band 1 and frequency band 2. In this case, frequency band 1 and frequency band 2 may separately correspond to one or more of the following parameters, namely the first parameter, second parameter, third parameter, and fourth parameter.

[0179] In one example, the network capacity optimization target for the first frequency band includes one or more of the following information: the maximum percentage of high-load cells in the first frequency band, the maximum percentage of unbalanced load cells in the first frequency band, the average number of users per cell in the first frequency band, and the throughput in the first frequency band.

[0180] For example, regarding the maximum percentage of high-load cells in the first frequency band, for example, the maximum percentage of high-load cells in F10M (where the frequency band is 10 MHz), the ratio of the number of high-load cells in F10M to the total number of cells in F10M in the first area is less than or equal to the maximum percentage of high-load cells in F10M.

[0181] In one example, the ratio of the number of unbalanced cells in the first frequency band to the total number of cells in the first frequency band in the first area is less than or equal to the maximum ratio of unbalanced cells in the first frequency band. For example, there are a total of 100 F10M cells in the first area, where there is a load imbalance between 20 F10M cells and the F10M cells adjacent to those 20 F10M cells. In this case, the proportion of unbalanced cells in the F10M frequency band is 20%. If a pair of adjacent cells (for example, cells A and B are adjacent cells, and both are F10M cells) has a load imbalance, then cells A and B are unbalanced cells in the F10M frequency band. It should be noted that unbalanced cells can alternatively have load imbalances in two frequency bands.

[0182] The maximum percentage of unbalanced cells in the first frequency band is the ratio of the number of unbalanced cells in the two frequency bands to the total number of cells in both frequency bands in the first frequency band. For example, if there are a total of 100 F10M cells and 100 F20M cells in the first area, and there is a load imbalance between 20 F10M cells and 20 adjacent F20M cells, then the percentage of unbalanced cells in the F10M and F20M cells is 20%. Cells A and B are unbalanced cells in the F10M and F20M frequency bands when a pair of adjacent cells (for example, cells A and B are adjacent cells, cell A is an F10M cell, and cell B is an F20M cell) has a load imbalance.

[0183] The average number of users in the first frequency band is the average of the number of users in all cells within the first frequency band in the first area, for example, the average number of users in cell F10M.

[0184] The throughput in the first frequency band, i.e., the throughput within the first frequency band in the first area, may be the sum of the throughputs of all cells within the first frequency band in the first area, for example, the traffic of an F10M cell.

[0185] The network capacity optimization limiting conditions for the first frequency band include a first determination condition for the first frequency band, and include at least one of the following: namely, the cell physical resource block PRB utilization rate in the first frequency band is equal to or greater than the first PRB high load threshold; the average number of users of a cell in the first frequency band is equal to or greater than the first user quantity high load threshold; the number of users connected to the cell radio resource control RRC in the first frequency band is equal to or greater than the first RRC connected user quantity high load threshold; and the available capacity of a cell in the first frequency band is equal to or greater than the first available capacity high load threshold. The second determination condition for the first frequency band includes at least one of the following: namely, the difference in PRB utilization rates between adjacent cells in the first frequency band is equal to or greater than the PRB imbalance threshold; the difference in average number of users between adjacent cells in the first frequency band is equal to or greater than the active user quantity imbalance threshold; the number of RRC connected users of adjacent cells in the first frequency band is equal to or greater than the RRC connected user quantity imbalance threshold; and the available capacity of adjacent cells in the first frequency band is equal to or less than the available capacity imbalance threshold. Determining load-imbalanced cells in different frequency bands includes at least one of the following: that the difference in PRB utilization between adjacent cells in two frequency bands is greater than or equal to a specified PRB imbalance threshold; that the difference in average user quantity between adjacent cells in two frequency bands is greater than or equal to a specified active user quantity imbalance threshold; that the RRC-connected user quantity of adjacent cells between two frequency bands is greater than or equal to a specified RRC-connected user quantity imbalance threshold; and that the available capacity of adjacent cells between two frequency bands is greater than or equal to a specified available capacity imbalance threshold.

[0186] Adjacent cells in two frequency bands may mean that cell 1 in frequency band 1 and cell 2 in frequency band 2 are adjacent cells.

[0187] It should be noted that the cells in this embodiment of the present application may be replaced by grids. For example, the maximum percentage of high-load cells in the network capacity optimization objective may be replaced by the maximum percentage of high-load grids. The maximum percentage of unbalanced cells may be replaced by the maximum percentage of unbalanced grids.

[0188] Regarding the maximum percentage of high-load grids, the ratio of the number of high-load grids in the first area to the total number of grids in the first area should be less than or equal to the maximum percentage of high-load grids. For example, if there are a total of 100 grids in the first area, and the maximum percentage of high-load grids is 30, then the maximum number of high-load grids in the first area is 30. In this embodiment of the present application, the percentage of high-load grids in a particular area is determined by the number of high-load grids in the area and the total number of grids in the area. For example, the percentage of high-load grids in an area = number of high-load grids in the area / total number of grids in the area.

[0189] Regarding the maximum percentage of load-unbalanced grids, the ratio of the number of load-unbalanced grids in Area 1 to the total number of grids in Area 1 is less than or equal to the maximum percentage of load-unbalanced grids. dea In this embodiment of the present application, the proportion of high-load grids in a particular area is determined by the number of high-load grids in the area and the total number of grids in the area. For example, the proportion of unbalanced grids in an area = number of unbalanced grids in the area / total number of grids in the area. For example, there are a total of 100 grids in the first area. If the number of unbalanced grids in the first area is 20, the proportion of unbalanced grids is 20%. Grids A and B are unbalanced cells if a pair of adjacent grids (for example, grids A and B are adjacent grids) have a load imbalance.

[0190] In possible implementations of this application, if the network capacity optimization requirement information corresponds to a plurality of first frequency bands, the network capacity optimization limiting condition further includes a determination condition for load-unbalanced cells in the plurality of first frequency bands (i.e., a third determination condition), and the third determination condition is used to determine the load-unbalanced cells in the plurality of first frequency bands. For example, the third determination condition may include one or more conditions for determining the load-unbalanced cells in the plurality of first frequency bands. For example, the third determination condition may include one or more of the following: Specifically, the following conditions must be met: the difference in physical resource block utilization between adjacent cells in multiple first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the eighth threshold (e.g., a specified physical resource block imbalance threshold); the difference in average user quantity between adjacent cells in multiple first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold (a specified active user quantity imbalance threshold); the number of wireless resource control connected users in adjacent cells in multiple first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the tenth threshold (e.g., a specified wireless resource control connected user quantity imbalance threshold); and the available capacity of adjacent cells in multiple first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the eleventh threshold (e.g., a specified available capacity imbalance threshold). For example, the difference in physical resource block utilization between cell 1 in frequency band 1 and cell 2 in frequency band 2 is parameter 1. If parameter 1 is greater than the specified physical resource block imbalance threshold, cells 1 and 2 may be considered load-unbalanced cells in frequency band 1 and frequency band 2.

[0191] In a possible implementation of this application, if network capacity optimization requirement information corresponds to multiple first frequency bands, the first determination condition includes at least one of the following: that the physical resource block utilization rate of a cell in each first frequency band is equal to or greater than a first threshold; that the average number of users of a cell in each first frequency band is equal to or greater than a second threshold; that the number of wireless resource control connected users of a cell in each first frequency band is equal to or greater than a third threshold; and that the available capacity of a cell in each first frequency band is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold. Specifically, for any one of the first frequency bands, a cell may be considered a high-load cell in the first frequency band if its physical resource block utilization rate in that first frequency band is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

[0192] In a possible implementation of this application, if the network capacity optimization requirement information corresponds to multiple first frequency bands, the second determination condition includes at least one of the following: that the difference in physical resource block utilization between adjacent cells in each first frequency band is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold; that the difference in average user quantity between adjacent cells in each first frequency band is greater than or equal to the active user quantity imbalance threshold; that the number of wireless resource control connected users in adjacent cells in each first frequency band is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold; and that the available capacity of adjacent cells in each first frequency band is less than or equal to the seventh threshold. For example, if the difference in physical resource block utilization between cell 1 and cell 2 in the first frequency band is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, then cell 1 and cell 2 may be considered load-unbalanced cells in the first frequency band.

[0193] The following describes various possible implementations of step 501 separately.

[0194] In a possible implementation of this application, step 501 may be carried out in the following manner: The second functional unit detects one or more of the network capacity optimization targets and network capacity optimization constraints entered by the user (e.g., operations and maintenance personnel). Specifically, the operations and maintenance personnel input network capacity optimization requirement information to the second functional unit based on the network planning requirements.

[0195] In another possible implementation of this application, step 501 may be carried out in the following manner: a second functional unit obtains service requirement information for one or more services within a first area; the second functional unit obtains network capacity optimization requirement information for the first area based on the service requirement information for one or more services through calculation; in one example, the service requirement information for a service includes one or more of the following information corresponding to the service: service type, service traffic model, and number of users. The number of users corresponding to the service is the number of terminals accessing the service. For example, the second functional unit may obtain service requirement information from a service management system 100.

[0196] In yet another possible implementation of this application, step 501 may be carried out in the following manner: The second functional unit obtains the quantity or percentage of high-load cells and the quantity or percentage of unbalanced load cells in the first area. The second functional unit determines the network capacity evaluation result for the first area based on the quantity or percentage of high-load cells, the quantity or percentage of unbalanced load cells, and the first network capacity optimization target for the first area. Based on the network capacity evaluation result for the first area, the second functional unit adjusts the first network capacity optimization target in the first network capacity optimization intention to obtain a network capacity optimization target. Alternatively, the second functional unit obtains the network capacity evaluation result for the first area from the first functional unit. Based on the network capacity evaluation result for the first area, the second functional unit adjusts the first network capacity optimization target in the first network capacity optimization intention to obtain a network capacity optimization target. The first network capacity optimization intention is the network capacity optimization intention corresponding to the first area before network capacity optimization. The first network capacity optimization target is the network capacity optimization target corresponding to the first area before network capacity optimization.

[0197] In one example, to obtain a network capacity optimization target, the second functional unit may adjust the first network capacity optimization target based on the network capacity assessment results of the first area in the following manner: If the network capacity assessment results of the first area indicate that the network capacity of the first area does not satisfy the first network capacity optimization target, the second functional unit readjusts the first network capacity optimization target to obtain the second network capacity optimization target based on the quantity or percentage of high-load cells and the quantity or percentage of unbalanced load cells obtained in the first area. (For example, the maximum value of the percentage of high-load cells and the maximum value of the percentage of unbalanced load cells are increased.) In another example, if the network capacity assessment results of the first area indicate that the network capacity of the first area satisfies the first network capacity optimization target, and the percentage or quantity of high-load cells and the percentage or quantity of unbalanced load cells in the first area are much less than the first network capacity optimization target, the second functional unit may adjust the first network capacity optimization target to obtain the second network capacity optimization target. (For example, the maximum percentage of high-load cells and the maximum percentage of unbalanced-load cells are reduced.)

[0198] In one implementation of this application, the determination of network capacity optimization limiting conditions for the first area by a second functional unit can be implemented in the following manner.

[0199] Step 11: The second functional unit obtains performance indicator information for all cells or some cells (grids) in the first area. The cell performance indicator information includes one or more of the following performance indicators: cell PRB utilization, average number of users in the cell, number of RRC-connected users in the cell, and available capacity of the cell. The average number of users in the cell is the average number of terminals accessing the cell during a specific period. The number of RRC-connected users in the cell is the average number of terminals connected to the cell via RRC. The available capacity of the cell is the capacity still available in the cell, and is equal to the total capacity of the cell minus the capacity used.

[0200] It should be noted that the second functional unit comprises all or some cells (grids) of the first area and is capable of acquiring performance indicator information within the first period. The first period may be one day, one week, or one month. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0201] In one example, a second functional unit can obtain performance indicator information for all cells, or several cells (grids), in a first area from all base stations in the first area. For example, the second functional unit is a radio access domain management system. The second functional unit can notify radio network elements (e.g., base stations) managed by the second functional unit to report performance indicator information for one or more cells covered by the base stations in the first area. For example, the second functional unit is a core domain management system. The second functional unit can notify core network elements (e.g., AMF network elements) corresponding to the first area to report performance indicator information for one or more cells in the first area. In this way, the AMF network elements can obtain performance indicator information for all cells in the first area from one or more base stations included in the first area.

[0202] Step 12: The second functional unit determines the network capacity optimization limit conditions for the first area based on the performance indicator information of all or some of the cells in the first area.

[0203] For example, the second functional unit can use the average of any performance indicator (first performance indicator) of all cells in the first area as the threshold corresponding to the first performance indicator. Alternatively, the second functional unit may use the average of the first performance indicators of cells that are present in all cells in the first area and whose first performance indicator is smaller than the average of the performance indicators of all cells in the first area as the threshold corresponding to the first performance indicator. Alternatively, the second functional unit may calculate the average of the performance indicators of all cells in the first area based on any performance indicator of the cells in the first area and the respective weights corresponding to those cells, and then use the resulting average as the threshold corresponding to the first performance indicator.

[0204] For example, how the second functional unit determines the first threshold can be explained using an example where the first performance indicator is cell PRB utilization. The second functional unit may use the average of the cell PRB utilization rates of all cells in the first area as the first threshold. Alternatively, the second functional unit may use the average of the PRB utilization rates of cells that exist in all cells in the first area and whose PRB utilization rate is less than the average of the cell PRB utilization rates of all cells in the first area as the first threshold. Alternatively, the second functional unit may calculate the average of the cell PRB utilization rates of all cells in the first area based on the cell PRB utilization rates of the cells in the first area and the corresponding weights of the cells, and use the resulting average as the first threshold.

[0205] In another example, the second functional unit may determine the threshold of the first performance indicator corresponding to each adjacent cell in all or some cells, based on the acquired performance indicator information for all or some cells. For the specific determination process, see the process for determining the threshold of the first performance indicator corresponding to each cell. Further details are not described herein.

[0206] Figure 6 shows another network capacity optimization method according to this application. In addition to steps 601 to 604 (corresponding to steps 501 to 504), the method may further include the following steps.

[0207] Step 605: The second functional unit transmits a network capacity performance monitoring intent corresponding to the first area to the first functional unit, and in response, the first functional unit receives a network capacity performance monitoring intent corresponding to the first area from the second functional unit. The network capacity performance monitoring intent corresponding to the first area is used to describe the network capacity performance monitoring requirements for the first area. The network capacity performance monitoring intent may also be referred to as a network capacity performance monitoring task, or by another name. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0208] In this embodiment of the present application, the network capacity performance monitoring intent and the aforementioned network capacity optimization requirements information may be carried in the same message. Indeed, both may, alternatively, be carried in different messages. For example, the network capacity performance monitoring intent may be carried in a second request message. The second request message is used to request a first functional unit to monitor / report the network capacity performance indicators of a first area.

[0209] In possible embodiments, prior to step 504, the method provided in this embodiment of the application may further include: a second functional unit determining a network capacity performance monitoring intent corresponding to a first area; correspondingly, a second request message containing a network capacity performance monitoring intent corresponding to the first area; the network capacity performance monitoring intent is used to describe the network capacity performance monitoring requirements for the first area; for example, the network capacity performance monitoring intent includes a target network capacity performance metric and network capacity performance monitoring limiting conditions; the network capacity performance monitoring intent may also be referred to as a network capacity performance monitoring task and is used to describe network capacity performance monitoring requirements information and further controls a network capacity intelligent execution module to monitor network capacity performance (including the collection and reporting of network capacity performance data) based on the network capacity performance monitoring requirements information.

[0210] The target network capacity performance indicator is used to describe the network capacity performance indicator that needs to be monitored by the network capacity intelligent control module, and includes one or more of the following information: the number of overloaded cells, the percentage of overloaded cells, the number of unbalanced cells, and the percentage of unbalanced cells.

[0211] The network capacity performance monitoring limit conditions are used to describe the network capacity performance conditions monitored by the first functional unit. For example, the network capacity performance monitoring limit conditions include one or more of the following information: information on the third frequency band / second time information, and address information. The information on the third frequency band indicates the conditions for monitoring the network capacity performance indicator in the third frequency band. For example, if the frequency bands indicated by the information on the third frequency band are frequency band 1 and frequency band 2, the first functional unit may then monitor the network capacity performance indicator in the first area in frequency band 1 and frequency band 2.

[0212] Second-hour information, also known as monitoring or reporting periodicity, is used to describe the periodicity in which the first functional unit monitors or reports network capacity performance indicators. For example, the monitoring or reporting period is one day.

[0213] Address information is also referred to as a monitoring or reporting address and is used to describe the address to which the first functional unit monitors or reports network capacity performance indicators.

[0214] In a possible implementation of this application, the first information and the intent to monitor the network capacity performance indicator may be carried in the same message. Specifically, in addition to the first information, the first request message further carries the intent to monitor the network capacity performance indicator. Alternatively, in another possible implementation of this application, the first information and the intent to monitor the network capacity performance indicator may be carried in different messages.

[0215] Step 606: The first functional unit monitors parameters used to reflect the network capacity of the first area (e.g., the number of overloaded cells, the percentage of overloaded cells, the number of unbalanced cells, and the percentage of unbalanced cells) based on the intent to monitor network capacity performance.

[0216] It should be noted that if the network capacity performance monitoring intent instruction indicates monitoring but not reporting, the first functional unit may evaluate whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization objective based on the monitored network capacity parameters and network capacity optimization objective. The first functional unit may feed the evaluation results back to the second functional unit. In other words, step 607 is not performed.

[0217] The first functional unit may perform step 607 if the network capacity performance monitoring intent instruction indicates monitoring and reporting.

[0218] Step 607: The first functional unit reports to the second functional unit the parameters used to reflect the network capacity of the first area, based on the intent to monitor network capacity performance.

[0219] For example, the first functional unit monitors or reports the network capacity parameters of the first area within the time range indicated by the second time information.

[0220] For example, the first functional unit monitors the network capacity parameters of the first area in the third frequency band, as indicated by the information regarding the third frequency band.

[0221] For example, if the target network capacity performance indicator instructs the first functional unit to monitor the percentage of high-load cells in the first area, the first functional unit will acquire cell performance indicator information in the first area in order to determine the percentage of high-load cells in the first area.

[0222] For example, the network capacity performance monitoring intent includes second-time information, and the target network capacity performance indicator includes the percentage of high-load cells, the percentage of unbalanced load cells, and information regarding the third frequency band. In this case, the first functional unit monitors the percentage of high-load cells and the percentage of unbalanced load cells in the first area in the third frequency band based on the second-time information.

[0223] The second time information may include time information 1 and time information 2, where it should be noted that time information 1 is the time range for monitoring the network capacity parameters of the first area. Time information 2 is the range for reporting the network capacity parameters of the first area. Alternatively, the second time information may indicate that the monitored parameters will be reported immediately after monitoring the network capacity parameters of the first area within the second time range, or that the monitored parameters will be reported within a predetermined time.

[0224] It should be noted that steps 605 to 607 may also be performed before steps 601 to 604. Specifically, the second functional unit may first instruct the first functional unit to report the network capacity parameters of the first area based on the network capacity performance monitoring intent. The second functional unit then determines the network capacity optimization target based on the network capacity parameters of the first area, and then steps 601 to 604 are performed. Indeed, steps 605 to 607 may alternatively be performed after steps 601 to 604. Specifically, the second functional unit first provides the first functional unit with network capacity optimization requirement information for the first area, and then the first functional unit monitors the optimized network capacity parameters of the first area based on the network capacity performance monitoring intent.

[0225] In a possible implementation of this application, step 503 may be carried out in the following manner.

[0226] Step 31: The first functional unit acquires first data based on network capacity optimization requirements information. The first data is used to determine at least the root cause of network capacity problems existing in the first area.

[0227] Specifically, step 31 may be carried out in the following way:

[0228] Step 311: The first functional unit determines data collection rules based on network capacity optimization requirements information. The data collection rules include one or more of the following information: identifiers of one or more first network elements in the first area, data types, and network element data collection periodicity. One or more first network elements are network elements that provide network element data. The data type indicates the type of network element data obtained from one or more first network elements. The network element data collection period indicates the period during which network element data is collected. Network element performance data and configuration data can be considered network element data. For example, the first network element may be an identifier of an AMF network element that manages the first area. In this case, the first functional unit may obtain network element performance data and configuration data for one or more cells in the first area from the AMF network element. Alternatively, the first network element may be an identifier of one or more base stations in the first area. In this way, the first functional unit may obtain network element performance data and configuration data from each base station corresponding to one or more cells covered by the base station. Alternatively, the first network element may be an NWDAF network element. In this way, the first functional unit may obtain network element performance data and configuration data corresponding to cells in the first area from the NWDAF network element. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0229] Step 312: The first functional unit collects network element performance data and configuration data as first data from each of one or more first network elements in accordance with the data collection rules. The network element performance data includes one or more of the following information: the physical resource block utilization rate of the cell, the average number of users of the cell, and the number of wireless resource control connected users of the cell. The configuration data includes one or more of the following information corresponding to the network element: load balancing function configuration parameters, adjacency relationships, and grid information.

[0230] Step 32: Based on the first data, the first functional unit determines the root cause of the network capacity problem occurring in the first area.

[0231] In one example, step 32 may be carried out in the following way: The first functional unit determines the network capacity problem present in the first area based on the first data. The first functional unit analyzes the network capacity problem present in the first area in order to obtain the root cause of the network capacity problem.

[0232] In a specific implementation, if it is determined that a network capacity problem exists in Area 1, a Functional Unit will perform an in-depth analysis of the network capacity problem and identify its root cause (for example, improperly configured LB parameters for some cells, or excessively frequent handovers for some cells).

[0233] Step 33: The first functional unit determines a network capacity optimization solution for the first area based on the root cause of the network capacity problem occurring in the first area. For example, the network capacity optimization solution may include LB parameter adjustments, handover-related parameter adjustments, etc., for cells or base stations where several network capacity problems exist.

[0234] In possible embodiments of this application, the first functional unit may further determine a network capacity optimization policy for a first area based on network capacity optimization requirements information. The network capacity optimization policy includes one or more of the following: a network capacity problem root cause analysis policy and a network capacity optimization adjustment policy. The network capacity problem root cause analysis policy is a policy that analyzes the root causes of network capacity problems present in the area, i.e., a manner in which the root causes of network capacity problems present in the area are analyzed with reference to the first data. The network capacity optimization adjustment policy is used to reflect which parameters relating to a second network element (e.g., a base station or cell) are preferentially adjusted during network capacity optimization, and for example, network element handover-related parameters or LB-related parameters are preferentially adjusted. Alternatively, the network capacity optimization adjustment policy is used to reflect adjustments to one or more of the handover-related parameters and LB-related parameters.

[0235] It should be noted that once a network capacity optimization adjustment policy is obtained, the first functional unit adjusts one or more of the following parameters corresponding to the second network element, namely the load balancing function control parameters and handover-related parameters, based on a sequence of adjustments made to the load balancing function control parameters and handover-related parameters of the second network element during network capacity optimization, as reflected in the network capacity optimization adjustment policy. The network capacity optimization adjustment policy corresponding to the second network element may be the same. Specifically, if the network capacity optimization adjustment policy indicates that the network element handover type parameter should be adjusted preferentially, the first functional unit will adjust the handover type parameter of the second network element in the first area preferentially when optimizing the network capacity of the first area. The network capacity optimization adjustment policy corresponding to the second network element may be different. Specifically, the first functional unit may determine an appropriate network capacity optimization adjustment policy for the second network element based on the actual situation. If the network capacity optimization adjustment policies of second network element A and second network element B are different, the first functional network element may adjust one or more of the following parameters corresponding to second network element A, namely load balancing function control parameters and handover-related parameters, according to the network capacity optimization adjustment policy of second network element A. The first functional network element may also adjust one or more of the following parameters corresponding to second network element B, namely load balancing function control parameters and handover-related parameters, according to the network capacity optimization adjustment policy of second network element B. For example, the network capacity optimization adjustment policy of second network element A may adjust the load balancing function control parameters. The network capacity optimization adjustment policy of second network element B may adjust the load balancing function control parameters and handover-related parameters.

[0236] One or more second network elements may be all network elements in the first area, or some network elements in the first area, for example, network elements that support LB functions in the first area. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0237] In a possible implementation of this application, when a first functional unit determines a network capacity problem root cause analysis policy, the first function determining the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in a first area based on first data includes the following: that is, the first function determines the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in a first area based on the network capacity problem root cause analysis policy and first data.

[0238] In a possible implementation of this application, the determination of a network capacity optimization solution for a first area based on the root cause of a network capacity problem occurring in the first area may be carried out in the following manner: The first function unit determines one or more solutions to address the network capacity problem in the first area based on the root cause of the network capacity problem occurring in the first area. The first function unit determines the evaluation result of each solution to address the network capacity problem. The evaluation result of the solution to address the network capacity problem is used to reflect one or more of the following parameters corresponding to the solution to address the network capacity problem, namely, user experience, whether the network capacity optimization goal is satisfied, and adjustment cost. Based on the evaluation result of each solution to address the network capacity problem, the first function unit uses the optimal solution for addressing the network capacity problem from one or more solutions to address the network capacity problem as the network capacity optimization solution. The network capacity optimization solution includes at least the following: identifiers of one or more second network elements for which load balancing functionality needs to be enabled in the first area, and one or more of the following parameters corresponding to one or more second network elements, namely, load balancing functionality control parameters and handover-related parameters. For example, the second network element could be a cell or a base station.

[0239] It should be noted that different solutions to address network capacity issues, whether one or more, will address different types of content.

[0240] In one example, the first functional unit can evaluate each solution to address a network capacity problem, or it can feed back the network capacity problem existing in the first area, and each solution to address the network capacity problem, to another device (e.g., a network data analytics network element NWDAF, or an MDAF (Management Data Analytics Function)), which then evaluates each solution to address the network capacity problem. The other device can then feed back the evaluation results of each solution to address the network capacity problem, or the identifier of the target solution, to the first functional unit. The identifier of the target solution identifies the target solution. Optionally, the first functional unit may further provide the identifier of each solution to address the network capacity problem for the other device. The target solution is one or more of the solutions to address the network capacity problem. It should be noted that when the first functional unit obtains evaluation results for each solution to address the network capacity problem from another device, the first functional unit may select one solution from among the solutions to address the network capacity problem as a target solution, based on the evaluation results of each solution to address the network capacity problem.

[0241] It should be noted that if a single solution to address the network capacity problem is determined for the first area, the first functional unit may directly use the solution to address the network capacity problem as the network capacity optimization solution. Alternatively, if a single solution to address the network capacity problem is determined for the first area, the first functional unit may evaluate the solution. If the evaluation results indicate that the requirements are not satisfied (for example, the evaluation results indicate that using the solution to address the network capacity problem will cause one or more of the following cases: user experience is below a pre-defined user experience threshold, network capacity optimization objectives cannot be satisfied, and adjustment costs are above a pre-defined adjustment cost threshold), the first functional unit may update the solution to address the network capacity problem, and as a result, the following indicators corresponding to the updated solution to address the network capacity problem will satisfy the requirements: user experience is above a pre-defined user experience threshold, network capacity optimization objectives are satisfied, and adjustment costs are below a pre-defined adjustment cost threshold. In this way, the first functional unit can determine an updated solution to address network capacity problems as a network capacity optimization solution.

[0242] If multiple solutions to solve the network capacity problem have been determined for the first area, the first functional unit may select one of the multiple solutions to address the network capacity problem as the network capacity optimization solution. Alternatively, the first functional unit may select one solution as the network capacity optimization solution based on the evaluation results of each solution to address the network capacity problem. When selecting a solution as the network capacity optimization solution based on evaluation results, it should be noted that the first functional unit may not only use the optimal solution as the network capacity optimization solution, but also use a solution among the multiple solutions that satisfies pre-configured requirements as the network capacity optimization solution. For example, if the adjustment costs of Solution 1 and Solution 2 are the same, and the user experience of Solution 1 is higher than that of Solution 2, but both the user experience of Solution 1 and Solution 2 are higher than a pre-configured user experience threshold, the first functional unit may use Solution 1 as the network capacity optimization solution. Alternatively, Solution 2 may be used as the network capacity optimization solution. When network capacity optimization solutions are selected from multiple options, it should be noted that different factors such as user experience, adjustment costs, and whether the network capacity optimization objectives are met are satisfied with different weights; that is, the comparison results of factors with higher weights should be given priority when determining the evaluation results.

[0243] For example, if the weight of whether or not the network capacity optimization goal is satisfied is higher than the weight of user experience, and the weight of user experience is higher than the weight of adjustment cost, then if Solution A satisfies the network capacity optimization goal, Solution B does not, the adjustment cost corresponding to Solution A is higher than the adjustment cost corresponding to Solution B, and the user experience of Solution A is higher than the user experience of Solution B, then Solution A is determined to be the network capacity optimization solution.

[0244] It should be noted that the weights corresponding to different elements in user experience, adjustment costs, and network capacity optimization goals may be determined by a first functional network element or indicated to the first functional network element by a second functional network element. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0245] For example, the adjustment cost in this embodiment of the present application could be the cost incurred when network capacity is optimized by using a solution to address a network capacity problem, such as the number of base stations / cells for which LB functionality needs to be enabled. For example, if Solution 1 indicates that LB functionality needs to be enabled for 100 cells / base stations when the network capacity problem is addressed, and Solution 2 indicates that LB functionality needs to be enabled for 50 cells / base stations when the network capacity problem is addressed, then the adjustment cost of Solution 1 may be considered higher than that of Solution 2. In addition, if the number of cells / base stations for which LB functionality needs to be enabled is the same or close in Solution 1 and Solution 2, then the adjustment cost of Solution 1 may also be higher than that of Solution 2 if the user experience of Solution 1 is lower than that of Solution 2.

[0246] In a possible implementation of this application, the network capacity optimization solution includes at least identifiers of one or more second network elements in a first area, and one or more of the following parameters corresponding to one or more second network elements, namely load balancing function control parameters and handover-related parameters. The second network elements are network elements on which load balancing functionality needs to be enabled. Accordingly, in this embodiment of this application, step 503 may be carried out as follows: The first functional network element enables the load balancing functionality of one or more second network elements based on the network capacity optimization solution, and adjusts the load balancing function control parameters of one or more second network elements and / or adjusts the handover-related parameters of the second network elements, where the handover-related parameters include the handover failure rate.

[0247] In possible embodiments of this application, if a first functional unit acquires network capacity optimization requirement information, the method provided in this embodiment of this application further includes: the first functional unit determines a management object for network capacity optimization intentions and configures the received network capacity optimization requirement information in the management object for network capacity optimization intentions. Optionally, the first functional unit further assigns a network capacity optimization intention identifier, which may further be an identifier for the management object for network capacity optimization intentions. Specifically, if the first functional unit determines that no management object for network capacity optimization intentions exists, it creates a management object for network capacity optimization intentions.

[0248] The above solution describes a process in which a first functional unit interacts with a second functional unit to optimize the network capacity of a first area. Typically, after the network capacity of the first area has been optimized, it is necessary to further evaluate whether the optimized network capacity is satisfactory. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, in addition to steps 701 to 704 (corresponding to steps 501 to 504), another network capacity optimization method provided in embodiments of this application may further include the following steps.

[0249] Step 7051: The first functional unit determines the first information corresponding to the first area. The first information includes one or more of the following: the first quantity of high-load cells, the first quantity of unbalanced load cells, the first percentage of high-load cells, and the first percentage of unbalanced load cells.

[0250] Optionally, the first information includes one or more of the following information corresponding to each second frequency band: namely, the first quantity of high-load cells, the first quantity of unbalanced load cells, the first proportion of high-load cells, and the first proportion of unbalanced load cells.

[0251] For example, the first information includes a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first percentage of high-load cells, and a first percentage of unbalanced load cells, corresponding to frequency band 1. Alternatively, the first information includes a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first percentage of high-load cells, and a first percentage of unbalanced load cells, corresponding to frequency band 1 and frequency band 2, respectively.

[0252] For example, the first functional unit transmits multiple groups of [frequency band information, number of high-load cells, number of unbalanced load cells, percentage of high-load cells, percentage of unbalanced load cells] to the second functional unit. For example, [F10M, number of high-load cells, number of unbalanced load cells, percentage of high-load cells, percentage of unbalanced load cells] and [F20M, number of high-load cells, number of unbalanced load cells, percentage of high-load cells, percentage of unbalanced load cells].

[0253] In one example, step 7051 may be carried out in the following manner: A first functional unit collects network capacity performance data for any cell in the first area from one or more network elements in the first area. The network capacity performance data includes one or more of the following information: the physical resource block utilization rate of the cell, the average number of users of the cell, the number of wireless resource control connected users of the cell, and the available capacity of the cell. Based on the network capacity optimization constraints and the network capacity performance data for any cell, the first functional unit determines first information corresponding to the first area.

[0254] For example, the first functional unit obtains the cell physical resource block utilization rate corresponding to each of the 100 cells in the first area. If the cell physical resource block utilization rate corresponding to 30 of the 100 cells is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it can be determined that the 30 cells are high-load cells, i.e., the number of high-load cells in the first area is 30. If the difference in physical resource block utilization rates between 30 adjacent cells out of the 100 cells is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, it can be determined that the number of load-unbalanced cells in the first area is 30.

[0255] It should be noted that the method by which the first functional unit counts the number of wireless resource control connected users and the available capacity of cells in the first area based on the first information corresponding to the first area should refer to the aforementioned method for counting the number of high-load cells, and that further details will not be explained here.

[0256] In addition, if the first information includes one or more of the following information corresponding to one or more second frequency bands, namely the first quantity of high-load cells, the first quantity of unbalanced load cells, the first percentage of high-load cells, and the first percentage of unbalanced load cells, the first functional unit can acquire network capacity performance data corresponding to each cell in the second frequency band, and then, by referring to the method described above, count the first quantity of high-load cells, the first quantity of unbalanced load cells, the first percentage of high-load cells, and the first percentage of unbalanced load cells corresponding to each second frequency band. The first functional unit then compares the first quantity of high-load cells corresponding to the second frequency band with the maximum value of the quantity of high-load cells corresponding to the second frequency band in order to determine whether the network capacity of the second frequency band satisfies the requirements.

[0257] Step 7061: The first functional unit transmits the first information to the second functional unit, and in response, the second functional unit receives the first information from the first functional unit.

[0258] Step 7071: The second functional unit determines the network capacity evaluation result for the first area based on the first information and the network capacity optimization goal. The evaluation result is used to reflect whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal.

[0259] Specifically, step 7071 may be carried out in the following way: The second functional unit determines whether the first quantity of high-load cells in the first area is less than or equal to the maximum quantity of high-load cells. If the first quantity (first proportion) of high-load cells is less than or equal to the maximum quantity (maximum proportion) of high-load cells, it is determined that the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal. Alternatively, if the first quantity (first proportion) of unbalanced load cells is less than or equal to the maximum quantity (maximum proportion) of unbalanced load cells, it is determined that the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal. Alternatively, if the first quantity (first proportion) of high-load cells is less than or equal to the maximum quantity (maximum proportion) of high-load cells, AND the first quantity (first proportion) of unbalanced load cells is less than or equal to the maximum quantity (maximum proportion) of unbalanced load cells, the second functional unit determines that the network capacity optimization goal is satisfied. If the first quantity (first proportion) of high-load cells is greater than the maximum quantity (maximum proportion) of high-load cells, it is determined that the network capacity of the first area does not satisfy the network capacity optimization target. If the first quantity (first proportion) of unbalanced load cells is greater than the maximum quantity (maximum proportion) of unbalanced load cells, it is determined that the network capacity of the first area does not satisfy the network capacity optimization target. Alternatively, if the first quantity (first proportion) of unbalanced load cells is greater than the maximum quantity (maximum proportion) of unbalanced load cells, AND the first quantity (first proportion) of high-load cells is greater than the maximum quantity (maximum proportion) of high-load cells, it is determined that the network capacity of the first area does not satisfy the network capacity optimization target.

[0260] Step 7081: The second functional unit updates the network capacity optimization target based on the network capacity evaluation results for the first area.

[0261] It should be noted that if the network capacity evaluation results indicate that the network capacity optimization target is not being met, the second functional unit may increase the maximum value of the proportion of unbalanced cells or the maximum value of the number of unbalanced cells in the network capacity optimization target. Alternatively, the second functional unit may increase the maximum value of the proportion of overloaded cells or the maximum value of the number of overloaded cells in the network capacity optimization target, based on the actual situation.

[0262] It should be noted that if the network capacity evaluation results indicate that the network capacity optimization goal is satisfied, the second functional unit does not need to adjust the network capacity optimization goal. Optionally, if the first quantity (first proportion) of high-load cells in the first area is much smaller than the maximum quantity (maximum proportion) of high-load cells, the second functional unit may reduce the maximum proportion or quantity of high-load cells within the network capacity optimization goal. If the first quantity (first ratio) of unbalanced load cells in the first area is much smaller than the maximum quantity (maximum ratio) of unbalanced load cells, the second functional unit may reduce the maximum quantity (maximum ratio) of unbalanced load cells within the network capacity optimization goal. Alternatively, if the first quantity (first proportion) of high-load cells in the first area is close to the maximum quantity (maximum proportion) of high-load cells, the second functional unit may keep the maximum proportion or quantity of high-load cells within the network capacity optimization goal unchanged. If the first quantity (first ratio) of load-unbalanced cells in the first area is close to or less than the maximum quantity (maximum ratio) of load-unbalanced cells, the second functional unit can maintain the maximum quantity (maximum ratio) of load-unbalanced cells within the network capacity optimization target unchanged. It should be noted that if either the number (ratio) of high-load cells or the number (ratio) of load-unbalanced cells satisfies the maximum ratio or maximum quantity, but the other does not, the second functional unit can only update the maximum ratio or maximum quantity corresponding to the one that does not satisfy the other.

[0263] In another possible embodiment of this application, after the network capacity optimization target has been updated, the second functional unit may feed back the updated network capacity optimization target to the first functional unit. In this way, the first functional unit may redetermine the network capacity optimization solution for the first area based on the updated network capacity optimization target.

[0264] As shown in Figure 7, in addition to steps 701 to 704 (corresponding to steps 501 to 504), the network capacity optimization method provided in this embodiment of the present application may further include the following steps:

[0265] Step 7052: The first functional unit determines the first information corresponding to the first area. Here, the first information includes one or more of the following: the first quantity of high-load cells, the first quantity of unbalanced load cells, the first proportion of high-load cells, and the first proportion of unbalanced load cells.

[0266] For specific instructions on how to carry out Step 7052, see the description in Step 7051. Further details are not provided herein.

[0267] Step 7062: The first functional unit determines, based on the first information and the network capacity optimization goal, whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal.

[0268] It should be noted that in possible embodiments of this application, if the first functional unit determines, by using steps 7052 and 7062, that one or more of the first proportion of high-load cells and the first proportion of unbalanced-load cells in the optimized first area do not satisfy the network capacity optimization goal, the first functional unit may continue to execute steps 501 to 504, i.e., continue to optimize the network capacity of the first area. If the network capacity of the first area still does not satisfy the network capacity optimization goal after multiple optimizations, the first functional unit may execute steps 7072 and 7082. In this case, the second information indicates that the network capacity of the first area does not satisfy the network capacity optimization goal. If the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal after multiple optimizations, the second information fed back by the first functional unit indicates that the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal. In one example, if the network capacity optimization objective is not met, the number of times the first functional unit continues to perform optimization may be indicated by the second functional unit or determined by the first functional unit. In other words, the second functional unit may indicate to the first functional unit the maximum number of times to perform network capacity optimization for one piece of network capacity optimization requirement information. The maximum number may be 1 or 3. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application. When the maximum number has been achieved, if the network capacity of the first area still does not satisfy the network capacity optimization objective after multiple optimizations, the first functional unit may perform step 7072.

[0269] Step 7072: The first functional unit transmits the second information to the second functional unit, and in response, the second functional unit receives the second information from the first functional unit. The second information is used to determine whether the network capacity of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal. For example, the second information may be the network capacity evaluation result of the first area. Alternatively, the second information may further include the first information in addition to the network capacity evaluation result.

[0270] Step 7082 is identical to step 7081, and the details will not be explained here again.

[0271] It should be noted that the difference between steps 7051 to 7081 and steps 7052 to 7082 is that in steps 7051 to 7081, the first functional unit evaluates whether or not the network capacity is satisfied. In steps 7052 to 7082, the second functional unit evaluates whether or not the network capacity is satisfied based on the information from the first functional unit.

[0272] It should be noted that the first functional unit may proactively transmit the second information / first information to the second functional unit, or the first functional unit may transmit the second information / first information to the second functional unit when the first functional unit satisfies pre-set conditions. For example, the first functional unit reports the second information / first information to the second functional unit at a frequency indicated by the second functional unit. Alternatively, the first functional unit receives a trigger message from the second functional unit, which indicates that the second information / first information should be reported to the second functional unit. It should be noted that the trigger message may further indicate the type of data that the first functional unit will feed back to the second functional unit, specifically whether the first information or evaluation results will be fed back.

[0273] In possible embodiments of this application, the method provided in this embodiment of this application may further include: a first functional unit transmits a network capacity optimization intent identifier to a second functional unit, and in response, the second functional unit receives the network capacity optimization intent identifier from the first functional unit.

[0274] It should be noted that the identifier for network capacity optimization intent and the first / second information may be carried in the same message. Indeed, the identifier for network capacity optimization intent and the first / second information may, alternatively, be carried in different messages. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0275] When the second functional unit receives the identifier for the network capacity optimization intention, and updates the network capacity optimization target, the second functional unit may further transmit the identifier for the network capacity optimization intention when feeding back the updated network capacity optimization target to the first functional unit. This helps the first functional unit configure the updated network capacity optimization target within the management object associated with the identifier for the network capacity optimization intention.

[0276] In possible embodiments of this application, in addition to updating the network capacity optimization target, the second functional unit may further update the network capacity optimization limit conditions. Specifically, the second functional unit may update the network capacity optimization limit conditions for the first area based on performance indicator information obtained by the first functional unit, which is a cell in the first area. For example, see the process of determining thresholds corresponding to the performance indicators described in step 12 for a specific update process. Further details are not described herein.

[0277] The above describes the solutions in the embodiments of this application primarily from the perspective of interaction between network elements. To implement the aforementioned functions, it can be understood that network elements such as the first and second functional units include corresponding structures and / or software modules for performing the functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize, in combination with the units and algorithmic steps relating to the embodiments described herein, that this application can be implemented in hardware or in combination of hardware and computer software. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the functions described for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0278] In embodiments of this application, functional unit partitioning may be performed based on the first and second functional units in the method examples described above. For example, functional units may be obtained by partitioning based on corresponding functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into a single processing unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in hardware form or in the form of a software functional unit. It should be noted that in embodiments of this application, partitioning into units is just one example and is merely a logical functional partitioning. Other partitioning methods may be used during actual implementation.

[0279] The above describes the method in the embodiment of this application with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The following describes a communication device provided in the embodiment of this application that performs the method described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the method and the device can be combined and referenced together. The communication device provided in the embodiment of this application can perform the steps performed by the first and second functional units in the network capacity optimization method described above.

[0280] When an integrated unit is used, Figure 8 shows the communication device in the above embodiment. This communication device may include a communication module 813 and a processing module 812.

[0281] In an optional implementation, the communication device may further include a storage module 811 configured to store the communication device's program code and data.

[0282] In one example, the communication device is a first functional unit or a chip used in the first functional unit. In this case, the communication module 813 is configured to support the communication device in communicating with an external network element (e.g., a second functional unit). For example, the communication module 813 is configured to perform the signal reception and transmission operations of the first functional unit in the embodiment of the method described above. The processing module 812 is configured to perform the signal processing operations of the first functional unit in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0283] For example, the communication module 813 is configured to perform the receiving operation performed by the first functional unit in step 502 of Figure 5 in the embodiment described above. The processing module 812 is configured to support the communication device when performing the operations performed by the first functional unit in steps 503 and 504 of Figure 5.

[0284] In possible embodiments of this application, if the communication device is a first functional unit or a chip used in the first functional unit, the communication module 813 is further configured to support the communication device when performing the receive operation in step 605 of Figure 6 and the transmit operation in step 607 of Figure 6, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The processing module 812 is further configured to support the communication device when performing the operation performed by the first functional unit in step 606 of Figure 6. Alternatively, the communication module 813 is further configured to support the communication device when performing the transmit operation in step 7061 of Figure 7. The processing module 812 is further configured to support the communication device when performing the operation performed by the first functional unit in step 7051 of Figure 7. Alternatively, the communication module 813 is further configured to support the communication device when performing the transmit operation in step 7072 of Figure 7. The processing module 812 is further configured to support the communication device when performing the operations performed by the first functional unit in steps 7052 and 7062 of Figure 7.

[0285] In another example, the communication device is a second functional unit, or a chip used in the second functional unit. In this case, the communication module 813 is configured to support the communication device in communicating with an external network element (e.g., a first functional unit). For example, the communication module 813 is configured to perform the signal reception and transmission operations of the second functional unit in the embodiment of the method described above. The processing module 812 is configured to perform the signal processing operations of the second functional unit in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0286] For example, the communication module 813 is configured to perform the transmission operation performed by the second functional unit in step 502 of Figure 5 in the embodiment described above. The processing module 812 is configured to support the communication device when performing the operation performed by the second functional unit in step 501 of Figure 5.

[0287] Book In possible embodiments of the application, when the communication device is a first functional unit or a chip used in the first functional unit, the communication module 813 is further configured to support the communication device when performing a transmit operation performed by the second functional unit in step 605 of Figure 6, a receive operation performed by the second functional unit in step 607 of Figure 6, a receive operation performed by the second functional unit in step 7061 or step 7072 of Figure 7, and the steps in steps 7071 and 7081 or step 7082 performed by the second functional unit in Figure 7.

[0288] The processing module 812 may be a processor or a controller. For example, the processing module may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or another programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. The processing module may implement or run various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits as described with reference to the contents disclosed in this application. Alternatively, the processor may be a combination of processors that implement computing functions, for example, a combination of one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor. The communication module may be a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, a communication interface, etc. The storage module may be memory.

[0289] When the processing module 812 is the processor 401 or the processor 405, the communication module 813 is the communication interface 403, and the storage module 811 is the memory 402, the communication device in the present application may be the communication device shown in FIG. 4.

[0290] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 90 according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip 90 includes one or more (including two) processors 9l0 and a communication interface 930.

[0291] Optionally, the chip 90 further includes a memory 940. The memory 940 includes a read-only memory and a random access memory, and can provide operating instructions and data to the processor 910. A part of the memory 940 may further include a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0292] In some embodiments, the memory 940 stores the following elements: executable modules or data structures, subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof.

[0293] In this embodiment of the present application, the corresponding operation is executed by calling an operation instruction stored in the memory 940 (the operation instruction may be stored in the operating system).

[0294] In a possible implementation, the structure of the chip used by the first functional unit is the same as the structure of the chip used by the second functional unit, and different devices may use different chips to implement their respective functions.

[0295] The processor 910 controls the processing operation of either the first function unit or the second function unit, and the processor 910 may also be called a central processing unit (CPU).

[0296] Memory 940 may include read-only memory and random-access memory, and may provide instructions and data to the processor 910. A portion of memory 940 may further include NVRAM. For example, during application, memory 940, communication interface 930, and memory 940 are interconnected by using bus system 920. In addition to the data bus, bus system 920 may further include a power bus, control bus, status signal bus, etc. However, for clarity, various buses are shown as bus system 920 in Figure 9.

[0297] The methods disclosed in embodiments of this application may be applied to or implemented by a processor 910. The processor 910 may be an integrated circuit chip having signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the aforementioned method may be implemented by hardware integrated logic circuits within the processor 910 or by instructions in software form. The processor 910 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processing (DSP), an ASIC, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or another programmable logic device, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It may implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed with reference to embodiments of this application may be performed directly and may be achieved via a hardware decoding processor, or by using a combination of hardware modules and software modules within the decoding processor. The software module may be placed in a mature storage medium in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. The storage medium is located in memory 940. The processor 910 reads information from memory 940 and, in combination with its hardware, completes the steps of the method described above.

[0298] In possible implementations, the communication interface 930 is configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps of the first and second functional units in the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 7. The processor 910 is configured to perform the processing steps of the first and second functional units in the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 7.

[0299] A communication module may be the communication interface of a device and is configured to receive signals from other devices. For example, if the device is implemented as a chip, the communication module is the communication interface used by the chip to receive signals from or to send signals to another chip or device.

[0300] A computer-readable storage medium is provided according to one embodiment. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When these instructions are executed, the functions performed by the first functional unit shown in Figures 5 to 7 are carried out.

[0301] A computer-readable storage medium is provided according to one embodiment. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When these instructions are executed, the functions performed by the second functional unit shown in Figures 5 to 7 are carried out.

[0302] In one embodiment, a computer program product including instructions is provided, wherein the computer program product includes instructions. When these instructions are executed, the functions performed by the second functional unit shown in Figures 5 to 7 are carried out.

[0303] In another embodiment, a computer program product including instructions is provided, wherein the computer program product includes instructions. When these instructions are executed, the functions performed by the first functional unit shown in Figures 5 to 7 are carried out.

[0304] A chip is provided according to one embodiment. This chip is used in a first terminal. The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to at least one processor. The processor is configured to execute instructions in order to perform the functions performed by the first functional unit shown in Figures 5 to 7.

[0305] In another aspect, one embodiment of the present application provides a chip used in an access management network element. The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to at least one processor. The processor is configured to execute instructions in order to perform a function performed by the second functional unit shown in Figures 5 to 7.

[0306] Embodiments of this application provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first functional unit and a second functional unit. The first functional unit is configured to perform functions performed by the first functional unit shown in Figures 5 to 7. The second functional unit is configured to perform functions performed by the second functional unit shown in Figures 5 to 7.

[0307] In possible embodiments, the communication system may further include one or more first network elements (e.g., base stations), and one or more first network elements are configured to provide network capacity performance data of the first network elements.

[0308] All or part of the embodiments described above may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement an embodiment, all or part of the embodiment may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs and instructions. When a computer program or instruction is loaded into a computer and executed, all or part of the procedures or functions in the embodiments of this application are executed. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, a network device, user equipment, or another programmable device. The computer program or instruction may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program or instruction may be transmitted by wire or wirelessly from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, or a data storage device that integrates one or more available media, such as a server or data center. The usable media may be magnetic media, such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, or magnetic tapes; optical media, such as digital video discs (DVDs); or semiconductor media, such as solid-state drives (SSDs).

[0309] While this application is described with reference to embodiments, a person skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by looking at the accompanying drawings, disclosed content and accompanying claims in the process of implementing this application for which protection is claimed. In the claims, “comprising” does not exclude other components or other steps, and “one” or “an” does not exclude multiple cases. A single processor or another unit may implement some of the functions enumerated in the claims. Although some means are described in different dependent claims, this does not mean that these means cannot be combined to produce a better effect.

[0310] While this application is described with reference to its specific features and embodiments, it is evident that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, the specification and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of this application as defined by the accompanying claims and should be considered as any or all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents that encompass the scope of this application. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, this application is intended to encompass these modifications and variations of this application, insofar as they fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of this application and their equivalent technologies.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing network capacity, wherein the method is performed by a communication device. This is the step of receiving the first request message, The first request message includes network capacity optimization requirement information, and the network capacity optimization requirement information includes network capacity optimization targets and network capacity optimization limiting conditions. The aforementioned network capacity optimization target is used to describe the requirements for the network capacity performance of the first area, and, The aforementioned network capacity optimization limiting conditions are used to describe the conditions for determining the network capacity performance of the first area. Steps and This step involves determining a network capacity optimization solution for the first area based on the aforementioned network capacity optimization requirements information. The network capacity optimization solution is used to address at least one network capacity problem present in the first area. Steps and The steps include optimizing the network capacity of the first area based on the network capacity optimization solution, Includes, The aforementioned network capacity optimization target is based on the following information: A first parameter, which is used to determine the maximum value of the proportion of high-load cells in the first area, and / or, which is used to determine the maximum value of the quantity of high-load cells in the first area. A second parameter, which is used to determine the maximum value of the proportion of load-unbalanced cells in the first area, and / or, which is used to determine the maximum value of the quantity of load-unbalanced cells in the first area. A third parameter, which is used to determine the average number of users in each cell in the first area, or The fourth parameter is used to determine the throughput of the first area, Includes one or more of the following: If the network capacity optimization requirements information includes the network capacity optimization limit conditions, the network capacity optimization limit conditions include the following information: A first determination condition, which includes one or more conditions used to determine that a cell is a high-load cell, or A second determination condition, which includes one or more conditions used to determine that a cell is a load-unbalanced cell, Includes one or more of the following: The first decision condition is as follows: The physical resource block utilization of the cell is above the first threshold. The average number of users in a cell must be above the second threshold. The number of wireless resource control connected users in the cell is equal to or greater than the third threshold, or The available capacity of the cell is above the fourth threshold. Includes one or more of the following: The second determination condition is as follows: The difference in physical resource block utilization between adjacent cells is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold. The difference in the average number of users between adjacent cells is greater than or equal to the active user quantity imbalance threshold. The number of wireless resource control connected users in adjacent cells is equal to or greater than the sixth threshold, or The available capacity of the adjacent cell is less than or equal to the seventh threshold. It includes one or more of the following, If the network capacity optimization requirement information includes optimization requirement information in a plurality of first frequency bands, the network capacity optimization limiting condition further includes a condition for determining load imbalance cells in the plurality of first frequency bands. The determination conditions for the load imbalance cells in the plurality of first frequency bands are as follows: The difference in physical resource block utilization rates between adjacent cells in the plurality of first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the eighth threshold. The difference in the average number of users between adjacent cells in the plurality of first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold. The number of wireless resource control connected users in adjacent cells in the plurality of first frequency bands is equal to or greater than the tenth threshold, or The available capacity of adjacent cells in the plurality of first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the 11th threshold. Including one or more of the following: method.

2. The network capacity optimization requirement information includes optimization requirement information in one or more first frequency bands. The method according to claim 1.

3. The step of determining a network capacity optimization solution for the first area based on the network capacity optimization requirements information is: The steps include: acquiring first data based on the aforementioned network capacity optimization requirements information; A step of determining the root cause of the network capacity problem occurring in the first area based on the first data, A step of determining the network capacity optimization solution for the first area based on the root cause of the network capacity problem occurring in the first area, The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

4. After the step of optimizing the network capacity of the first area based on the network capacity optimization solution, the method further: This is a step in determining the first information corresponding to the first area, The first information includes one or more of the following: a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first proportion of high-load cells, and a first proportion of unbalanced load cells. Steps and The steps include transmitting the first information, The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

5. The above method further, This is a step in determining the first information corresponding to the first area, The first information includes one or more of the following: a first quantity of high-load cells, a first quantity of unbalanced load cells, a first proportion of high-load cells, and a first proportion of unbalanced load cells. Steps and A step of determining whether the network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization target based on the first information and the network capacity optimization target, This is the step of sending the second piece of information. The second information indicates whether the network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization target. Steps and The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

6. A method for optimizing network capacity, wherein the method is performed by a communication device. This is a step in determining network capacity optimization requirements. The aforementioned network capacity optimization requirements information includes network capacity optimization targets and network capacity optimization constraints, The aforementioned network capacity optimization target is used to describe the network capacity performance requirements for the first area, and The aforementioned network capacity optimization limiting conditions are used to describe the conditions for determining the network capacity performance of the first area. Steps and This is the step of sending the first request message, The first request message includes the network capacity optimization requirement information, The first request message is used to request that the network capacity of the first area be optimized based on the network capacity optimization requirement information. Steps and Includes, The aforementioned network capacity optimization target is based on the following information: A first parameter, which is used to determine the maximum value of the proportion of high-load cells in the first area, and / or, which is used to determine the maximum value of the quantity of high-load cells in the first area. A second parameter, which is used to determine the maximum value of the proportion of load-unbalanced cells in the first area, and / or, which is used to determine the maximum value of the quantity of load-unbalanced cells in the first area. A third parameter, which is used to determine the average number of users in each cell in the first area, or The fourth parameter is used to determine the throughput of the first area, Includes one or more of the following: If the network capacity optimization requirements information includes the network capacity optimization limit conditions, the network capacity optimization limit conditions include the following information: A first determination condition, which includes one or more conditions used to determine that a cell is a high-load cell, or A second determination condition, which includes one or more conditions used to determine that a cell is a load-unbalanced cell, Includes one or more of the following: The first decision condition is as follows: The physical resource block utilization of the cell is above the first threshold. The average number of users in a cell must be above the second threshold. The number of wireless resource control connected users in the cell is equal to or greater than the third threshold, or The available capacity of the cell is above the fourth threshold. Includes one or more of the following: The second determination condition is as follows: The difference in physical resource block utilization between adjacent cells is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold. The difference in the average number of users between adjacent cells is greater than or equal to the active user quantity imbalance threshold. The number of wireless resource control connected users in adjacent cells is equal to or greater than the sixth threshold, or The available capacity of the adjacent cell is less than or equal to the seventh threshold. It includes one or more of the following, If the network capacity optimization requirement information includes optimization requirement information in a plurality of first frequency bands, the network capacity optimization limiting condition further includes a condition for determining load imbalance cells in the plurality of first frequency bands. The determination conditions for the load imbalance cells in the plurality of first frequency bands are as follows: The difference in physical resource block utilization rates between adjacent cells in the plurality of first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the eighth threshold. The difference in the average number of users between adjacent cells in the plurality of first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold. The number of wireless resource control connected users in adjacent cells in the plurality of first frequency bands is equal to or greater than the tenth threshold, or The available capacity of adjacent cells in the plurality of first frequency bands is greater than or equal to the 11th threshold. Including one or more of the following: method.

7. The network capacity optimization requirement information includes optimization requirement information in one or more first frequency bands. The method according to claim 6.

8. The above method further, The first step is to receive first information, the first information being the following information, The first quantity of high-load cells, the first quantity of unbalanced load cells, the first proportion of high-load cells, and the first proportion of unbalanced load cells, A step that includes one or more of the following, A step of adjusting the network capacity optimization requirements information based on the first information and the network capacity optimization limit conditions, The method according to claim 6, including the method described in claim 6.

9. The above method further, The step of receiving second information, wherein the second information indicates whether the network capacity performance of the first area satisfies the network capacity optimization goal. The steps include adjusting the network capacity optimization requirements information based on the second information, The method according to claim 6, including the method described in claim 6.

10. A communication device comprising a communication module and a processing module, The communication module is configured to perform the receiving step / transmitting step in any one of claims 1 to 5 or claims 6 to 9, and The processing module is configured to perform the processing steps in any one of claims 1 to 5 or 6 to 9. Communication device.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the aforementioned instruction is executed, The method described in any one of claims 1 to 5 is carried out, The method described in any one of claims 6 to 9 is carried out. Computer-readable storage medium.

12. It's a tip, The aforementioned chip includes a processor, The aforementioned processor is coupled to a communication interface, The processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions, and performs the method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or the method described in any one of claims 6 to 9, The aforementioned communication interface is configured to communicate with another module other than the aforementioned chip. Tip.

13. A communication system comprising a first functional unit and a second functional unit, The first functional unit is configured to carry out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, and The second functional unit is configured to carry out the method described in any one of claims 6 to 9. Communication system.

14. A computer program that includes instructions, When the aforementioned instruction is executed, the computer is instructed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or the method according to any one of claims 6 to 9. Computer program.

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