Utilization of adjacency related data in dual connectivity wireless networks, and related devices, methods and computer programs

Abstract

Devices, methods and computer programs for utilization of adjacency related data in dual connectivity wireless networks are disclosed. At least some example embodiments may allow better adjacency plans, as a result of which, e.g., physical cell identity (PCI) planning may become easier.

Description

[0001] UTILIZATION OF ADJACENCY RELATED DATA IN DUAL CONNECTIVITY WIRELESS NETWORKS, AND RELATED DEVICES, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAMS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates generally to communications and, more particularly but not exclusively, to utilization of adjacency related data in dual connectivity wireless networks, as well as related devices, methods and computer programs .

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In mobile or wireless communication networks, cell pair level data may be used to assess interactions between individual cells in the network. The cell pair level data comprises relational configuration management (CM) objects, and performance data.

[0006] The relational CM objects are also referred to as "adjacencies" or "neighbors" in the network. They are utilized, e.g., in order to enable mobility, i.e., handovers, in the network. If an adjacency exists in the network, then performance data may be mapped to the object in question. However, performance data may also exist without an associated adjacency object in the network .

[0007] Network infrastructure vendors may provide functionalities to delete adjacencies in the network. This functionality is often referred to as an automatic neighbor relation (ANR) process. However, e.g., in the case of E-UTRAN new radio - dual connectivity (ENDC) it has been observed that these functionalities provided by the infrastructure vendors may not be sufficient. In ENDC, adjacencies may be required between a fourth-generation (4G) wireless technology -based network (such as a long-term evolution (LTE) -based network) and a fifth-generation ( 5G) wireless technology -based network ( such as a 5G new radio (NR) -based network) in the case of a non-standalone (NSA) feature or mode that makes it possible for mobi le devices to acces s both 5G and 4G LTE networks at the same time . At least in some situations , in the NSA mode , a NR / 5G network may not function without LTE , and hence "ENDC adj acencies" may be needed .

[0008] However, at least in some situations , current ANR algorithms may delete adj acencies in the network too easily - adj acencies that might still be needed in the network . For example , this may lead to a ping-pong effect , meaning that an adj acency obj ect is deleted in the network but due to a creation process by ANR it is immediately created again . Furthermore , due to problems in the creation part of ANR, the creation may sometimes fail , and hence the needed adj acency does not appear back in the network . This may lead to degradation of quality as mobility in the network may then not work in a desired way .

[0009] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0010] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims . The example embodiments and features , if any, described in thi s specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various example embodiments of the invention .

[0011] An example embodiment of a method comprises obtaining, by an apparatus , performance metrics data related to a pair of neighboring multi-technology cells in a radio access network, the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells comprising a first cell based on a first wireless network technology and a second cell based on a second wireless network technology . The method further comprises mapping, by the apparatus , the obtained performance metrics data with corresponding configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells . The method further comprises determining, by the apparatus , at least a first key performance indicator, KPI , based on results of the mapping . The method further comprises , at least in response to the determined first KPI exceeding a first threshold, performing, by the apparatus , a layering optimi zation operation for the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells . The layering optimi zation operation comprises at least one of an adj acency relation removal , an antenna tilting modification, or a non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm .

[0012] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the first threshold comprises a cell level threshold and the adj acency relation removal comprises : further in response to the determined first KPI falling below an adj acency relation level threshold, removing, by the apparatus , an adj acency relation between the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells from the configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multitechnology cells .

[0013] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the performance metrics data comprises at least one of : a signal level distribution of the first cell , or a signal level distribution of the second cell .

[0014] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the performance metrics data is obtained from layer 3 mes saging in the radio access network .

[0015] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the performance metrics data is further obtained in response to a Bl event occurring in the first cell , the Bl event involving a measurement of a signal received from a neighboring inter-radio access technology, RAT , cell becoming greater than that of a threshold .

[0016] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the performance metrics data further comprises at least one of : a number of samples per cell pair, or a distance from the first cell where the Bl event occurred .

[0017] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the first KPI comprises at least one of : a number of samples , a cell power level of the first cel l , a cell power level of the second cell , or a weight of the adj acency relation .

[0018] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the adj acency relation is removed from the configuration management data further in response to at least one of : the adj acency relation remaining unused longer than an inactivity period, or a total amount of adj acency relations in the radio access network exceeding a total adj acency relations threshold .

[0019] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the antenna tilting modification comprises obtaining, by the apparatus , a cell power level of the first cell and a cell power level of the second cell . The antenna tilting modification further comprises determining, by the apparatus , the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells as an interfering pair of neighboring multi-technology cells when a difference between the cell power level of the first cell and the cell power level of the second cell exceeds an interference threshold . The antenna tilting modification further comprises initiating, by the apparatus , an antenna downtilting operation for a corresponding access node in the first cell or in the second cell , in response to a total number of interfering pairs of neighboring multi-technology cells in the radio access network exceeding a total interference threshold .

[0020] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm comprises determining, by the apparatus , a distance between the first cell and the second cell . The non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm further comprises determining, by the apparatus , an average inter-site distance . The non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm further comprises , in response to a coverage layer in the first cell being non-continuous and further in response to a ratio of the determined average inter-site distance to the determined di stance between the first cel l and the second cell exceeding a distance threshold, triggering, by the apparatus , an alarm about a potential layering problem in the radio access network .

[0021] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the first wireless network technology comprises a fourthgeneration wireless network technology and the second wireless network technology comprises a fifth-generation wireless network technology .

[0022] An example embodiment of an apparatus comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to obtain performance metrics data related to a pair of neighboring multi-technology cells in a radio access network . The pair of neighboring multi-technology cells comprises a first cell based on a first wireless network technology and a second cell based on a second wireless network technology . The instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to map the obtained performance metrics data with corresponding configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells . The instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to determine at least a first key performance indicator , KPI , based on results of the mapping . The instructions , when executed by the at least one proces sor , further cause the apparatus at least to perform a layering optimi zation operation for the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells at least in response to the determined first KPI exceeding a first threshold . The layering optimi zation operation comprises at least one of an adj acency relation removal , an antenna tilting modification, or a non- continuous cell coverage layering alarm .

[0023] An example embodiment of an apparatus comprises means for carrying out a method according to any of the above-described example embodiments .

[0024] An example embodiment of a computer program comprises instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following : obtaining performance metrics data related to a pair of neighboring multi-technology cells in a radio access network, the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells comprising a first cell based on a first wireless network technology and a second cell based on a second wireless network technology; mapping the obtained performance metrics data with corresponding configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells ; determining at least a first key performance indicator , KPI , based on results of the mapping; and at least in response to the determined first KPI exceeding a first threshold, performing a layering optimi zation operation for the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells . The layering optimi zation operation comprises at least one of an adj acency relation removal , an antenna tilting modification, or a non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm .

[0025] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings , which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description help to explain the principles of the embodiments . In the drawings :

[0026] FIG . 1 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating an example system, where various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0027] FIG . 2 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating an apparatus ;

[0028] FIGS . 3A-3D show an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating disclosed methods ; and

[0029] FIG . 4 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating an example of cell pair data .

[0030] Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings .

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utili zed . The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example . However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples .

[0033] Fig . 1 illustrates example system 100 , where various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented . The system 100 may comprise one or more devices 140 , which may be also referred to as client nodes, user nodes, or user equipment (UE) . An example of device 140 is a UE which may communicate with one or more access nodes of radio access network (RAN) 110. The system 100 may therefore comprise a radio network. The RAN 110 may comprise one or more transmission sites, also simply referred to as sites. A site may comprise one or more access nodes 122, 124. One access node may be configured to serve one or more cells 132, 134, illustrated in Fig. 1 with dotted circles, which may correspond to geographical area(s) covered by signals transmitted by the access node for a corresponding cell. Signals transmitted by an access node to UE 140 may be referred to as downlink signals. Signals transmitted by UE 140 to an access node may be referred to as uplink signals. Access node 122, 124 may be also referred to as an access point or a base station (BTS) .

[0034] System 100 may be configured for example in accordance with the 4thor 5thgeneration (4G, 5G) digital cellular communication networks, as defined by the 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) . For example, system 100 may be configured to operate according to 3GPP (4G) LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and / or 3GPP 5G NR (New Radio) specifications. It is however appreciated that example embodiments presented herein are not limited to these example networks and may be applied in any present or future wireless communication networks, or combinations thereof, for example other type of cellular networks such as Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) or universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) , short-range wireless networks, multicast networks, broadcast networks, or the like. Access nodes 122, 124 of RAN 110 may for example comprise 5thgeneration access nodes (gNBs) or 4thgeneration access nodes (eNodeBs) .

[0035] Referring to Fig. 1, system 100 may further comprise core network 150, which may comprise various network functions (NF) for establishing, configuring, and controlling data communication sessions of users , for example UE 140 . The data communication sessions may carry data traffic, for example application data associated with one or more applications running on UE 140 . The system 100 may further comprise network controller 160 , for example a centrali zed self-organi zed network (C-SON) controller, which may be responsible of configuring various operations of RAN 110 . Network controller 160 may be also referred to as a centrali zed network controller . Network controller 160 may interface an operations support system (OSS ) 170 , which may be configured to deliver various information, such as for example inventory management ( IM) data, configuration management (CM) data, or performance management ( PM) data between RAN 110 and network controller 160 . Even though illustrated as a separate entity, network controller 160 may be also embodied as part of any suitable network device of function, for example as part of OSS 170 . Even though some operations may be described as being performed by network controller 160 , it is to be understood that similar functions may be performed alternatively by other network device ( s ) or network function ( s ) of system 100 , which may be in general referred to as network obj ects .

[0036] In the following, various example embodiments will be discussed . At least some of these example embodiments described herein may allow utili zation of adj acency related data in dual connectivity wireless networks .

[0037] Furthermore , at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow better adj acency plans , as a result of which, e . g . , physical cel l identity ( PCI ) planning may become easier when unnecessary adj acencies are removed in the network, since neighboring cells or even "neighboring - neighboring" cells may not be able reuse a same PCI at least in some situations . Furthermore, at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow correct antenna tilts in the network, thereby maximizing the performance (e.g., throughput) in the network due to minimizing interference via the correct antenna tilts.

[0038] Furthermore, at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow correct layering parameters, thereby resulting in optimal network performance .

[0039] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of apparatus 200, in accordance with an example embodiment. For example, apparatus 200 may be comprised in network controller 160 or in OSS 170.

[0040] Apparatus 200 comprises one or more processors 202 and one or more memories 204 that comprise computer program code. Apparatus 200 may also include other elements not shown in Fig. 2.

[0041] Although apparatus 200 is depicted to include only one processor 202, apparatus 200 may include more processors. In an embodiment, memory 204 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications. Furthermore, memory 204 may include a storage that may be used to store, e.g., at least some of the information and data used in the disclosed embodiments.

[0042] Furthermore, processor 202 is capable of executing the stored instructions. In an embodiment, processor 202 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, processor 202 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP) , a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (AS IC) , a field programmable gate array ( FPGA) , a microcontroller unit (MCU) , a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, a neural network (NN) chip, an artificial intelligence (Al ) accelerator, a tensor processing unit ( TPU) , a neural processing unit (NPU) , or the like . In an embodiment , processor 202 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality . In an embodiment , processor 202 is embodied as an executor of software instructions , wherein the instructions may specifically configure processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed .

[0043] Memory 204 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices , one or more non-volatile memory devices , and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices . For example , memory 204 may be embodied as semiconductor memories ( such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM) , EPROM (erasable PROM) , flash ROM, RAM ( random access memory) , etc . ) .

[0044] When executed by the at least one processor 202 , instructions stored in at least one memory 204 cause apparatus 200 at least to obtain performance metrics data related to a pair of neighboring multi-technology cells in a radio access network 110 .

[0045] The pair of neighboring multi-technology cells comprises a first cell 132 based on a first wireless network technology and a second cell 134 based on a second wireless network technology . For example , the first wireless network technology may comprise a fourthgeneration ( 4G) wireless network technology ( such as long-term evolution (LTE ) -based technology) , and the second wireless network technology may comprise a fifthgeneration ( 5G) wireless network technology ( such as a 5G new radio (NR) -based technology) .

[0046] At least in some embodiments , the performance metrics data may comprise a signal level distribution of the first cell 132 and / or a signal level distribution of the second cell 134 .

[0047] At least in some embodiments , the performance metrics data may be obtained from layer 3 (L3 ) messaging in the radio access network 110 .

[0048] At least in some embodiments , the performance metrics data may further be obtained in response to a Bl event occurring in the first cel l 132 . Herein, the Bl event involves a measurement of a signal received from a neighboring inter-radio access technology (RAT ) cell becoming greater than that of a threshold .

[0049] In other words , at least in some situations , with L3 data, it may be possible to collect every event in a network, even on user level . Herein, a Bl event may be used . The event Bl may be used for inter-RAT handover procedures which do not depend upon the coverage of a serving cell . The Bl event may be defined as "inter-RAT neighbor becomes better than threshold" . This means that when UE 140 is served by an LTE system and when an NR cell signal level exceeds a Bl threshold, then an NR addition process may be triggered .

[0050] At least in some embodiments , the performance metrics data may further comprise a number of samples per cell pair, and / or a distance from the first cell 132 where the Bl event occurred .

[0051] For example , LTE cell - NR cell pair level data may be collected for a given period of time , such as for one week . The performance metrics data or performance management data may include metrics such as :

[0052] - a signal level (distribution) of the LTE cell ,

[0053] - a signal level (distribution) of the measured NR cell ,

[0054] - a number of samples per cell pair, and / or

[0055] - a distance (e . g . , with a 78 meter resolution) from the LTE cell where the Bl event happened . The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 202, further cause the apparatus 200 at least to map the obtained performance metrics data with corresponding configuration management (CM) data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells.

[0056] In other words, the data processed and aggregated from L3 messages may be compared and combined with the CM data. The performance metrics data may be mapped to the CM data using, e.g., source and target cell information. For example, BTS level aggregation may be combined with source target information, sample count, and / or source / target power levels.

[0057] At least in some embodiments, an NR PCI to NR cell identification (ID) mapping may also be performed.

[0058] The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 202, further cause the apparatus 200 at least to determine at least a first key performance indicator (KPI) based on results of the mapping.

[0059] At least in some embodiments, the first KPI may comprise a number of samples, a cell power level of the first cell 132, a cell power level of the second cell 134, and / or a weight of the adjacency relation.

[0060] The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 202, further cause the apparatus 200 at least to perform a layering optimization operation for the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells, at least in response to the determined first KPI exceeding a first threshold. The layering optimization operation comprises an adjacency relation removal, an antenna tilting modification, and / or a non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm.

[0061] At least in some embodiments, the first threshold may comprise a cell level threshold, and the adjacency relation removal may comprise removing an adjacency relation between the pair of neighboring multitechnology cells from the configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells further in response to the determined first KPI falling below an adjacency relation level threshold.

[0062] In other words, KPIs may be calculated, e.g., from counter data (collected from the L3 messages) , and the KPI data may be correlated with the CM data, such that the aggregations may include, e.g. :

[0063] - cell level (e.g., LNCEL) ,

[0064] - cell pair level (e.g., LNCEL - NRCEL) , and / or

[0065] - pairs between base stations (e.g., LNBTS - NRBTS) , and the KPIs may include, e.g. :

[0066] - a Sample_count , a source reference signal received power (RSRP) (LTE) ,

[0067] - a target RSRP (NR) , and / or a relations weight: count*min(l; ( 121+NR_RSRP) )

[0068] Then, if on relation level Sample_count < threshold! and on cell level Sample_count> thresholdl, the object may be deleted from the network.

[0069] At least in some embodiments, the adjacency relation may be removed from the configuration management data further in response to the adjacency relation remaining unused longer than an inactivity period, and / or a total amount of adjacency relations in the radio access network 110 exceeding a total adjacency relations threshold.

[0070] In other words, an automatic neighbor relation (ANR) process running in network elements may add LTE - 5G relations automatically. At least in some embodiments, the disclosed adjacency deletion may ensure that an LTE - 5G connection which the ANR process has created is always available for customers, since there can only exist a limited number of relational objects within one cell or BTS. At least in some embodiments, the disclosed adjacency deletion may identify and delete LTE - 5G base station and cell level adjacencies that are not used in an "x days" time window. X may be for example 7.

[0071] A CM-object for establishing an X2 interface between an LTE eNB and a 5G gNB from the LTE side (such as LNADJGNB) may define LTE - 5G neighbors on a BTS level. These may also be referred to as ENDC X2 neighbors. At least in some embodiments, one 5G base station may have a maximum number of 256 working neighboring LTE base stations. If the number of LNADJGNB objects is more than 256, the neighbor relationships exceeding the count 256 may not work.

[0072] Accordingly, the disclosure includes an automated process taking care that the 256 limit is not exceeded .

[0073] Based on the processed input data, an example algorithm may find and delete all LTE - 5G relationships if, e.g., at least some of the conditions below are fulfilled :

[0074] - there is more than 200 LTE LNADJGNB objects towards one 5G base station,

[0075] - alternatively, all relations with 0 attempts within a given time period may be deleted,

[0076] - in addition, unavailable links in objects in which the count does not exceed 256 may also be investigated and further troubleshooting may be performed as to why they are unavailable,

[0077] - when LNADJGNB parameter "status of X2 link to gNB" equals "available", it may not be allowed to remove unavailable status X2 links because an X2 link may go down, e.g., if a 5G base station is out of service,

[0078] - L3 user level data indicates that certain LTE - 5G relationship has not been used for, e.g., seven days, and / or - the number of attempts on a BTS level are greater than n (e . g . , 1000 ) . This may allow limiting the deletions in very low traffic BTSs .

[0079] At least in some embodiments , the antenna tilting modification may comprise obtaining a cell power level of the first cel l 132 and a cell power level of the second cell 134 . The antenna tilting modification may further comprise determining the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells as an interfering pair of neighboring multi-technology cells when a difference between the cell power level of the first cell 132 and the cell power level of the second cell 134 exceeds an interference threshold . The antenna tilting modification may further comprise initiating an antenna downtilting operation for a corresponding access node in the first cell 132 or in the second cell 134 in response to a total number of interfering pairs of neighboring multitechnology cells in the radio access network 110 exceeding a total interference threshold .

[0080] In other words , for NR and LTE cell s the cell pair level data may be valuable input for antenna tilting . The basic idea is that the more adj acencies an NR cell is having, with high RSRP values , the higher the probability is that the cell is an overshooter . The reason is that the more LTE cells in the surrounding network are adding the NR cell as a dual connectivity cell (ENDC mode of operation) , the bigger the probability that the NR cell is an overshooter . Here , overshooter means that the cel l is serving in an unwanted area . It also possible that the LTE cell is an overshooter .

[0081] Thus , if an NR cel l is having lots of adj acency relations , then the NR cell is likely to be an overshooter . I f an LTE cell is having lots of adj acency relations , then the LTE cell is likely to be an overshooter . The disclosure proposes using, e.g., a source LTE RSRP level, a target NR RSPR level, and number of cell pair relations, to provide candidates and weighting factors for antenna tilt algorithms. An action to perform may include, e.g., downtilting an NR or LTE cell more aggressively.

[0082] An example algorithm for finding the downtilt candidates may include, e.g., at least some of the following :

[0083] - C_total = Count of LTE - NR cell pairs > M. M may be, e.g., 100.

[0084] - C_interf ering = Count of LTE - NR cells pairs where (LTE RSRP - NR RSRP) > N dB . N may be, e.g., 10 dB.

[0085] - if C_interf ering > k or C_interf ering / C_total > x, input (e.g. weighting factor) for a tilt tool may be provided.

[0086] The above is illustrated in diagram 400 of Fig. 4. One dot represents one cell pair. The dots in the square represent potential adjacency relations indicating an overshooter (LTE RSRP is high but NR RSRP is low) .

[0087] At least in some embodiments, the non-contin- uous cell coverage layering alarm may comprise determining a distance between the first cell 132 and the second cell 134. The non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm may further comprise determining an average inter-site distance. The non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm may further comprise triggering an alarm about a potential layering problem in the radio access network 110 in response to a coverage layer in the first cell 132 being non-continuous and further in response to a ratio of the determined average inter-site distance to the determined distance between the first cell 132 and the second cell 134 exceeding a distance threshold.

[0088] For example, the inter-site distance may comprise a distance between two or more sites in radio access network 110. The distance may be measured in kilometers, or other units of length, and may be determined at least by a physical distance between the two sites. At least in some embodiments, the inter-site distance may be determined based on timing advance (TA) measurements, as discussed below.

[0089] In other words, in cases when there's non-con- tinuous LTE coverage layers in the network, it' s possible that at least some UEs may be camping in a wrong LTE layer. This is due to absolute priorities and thresholds defined for idle mode mobility, more specifically cell reselection priority (cellReselectionPriority) and threshold high ( threshX-High) . Typically, higher frequency bands have a higher reselection priority, and an UE may need to camp on a higher priority frequency layer in case a receive (RX) level access minimum plus a threshold high (i.e., RxLevMin + threshX-High) is exceeded .

[0090] Camping on the wrong layer may cause problems in the performance (for example low throughput) if path loss and interference levels become too high.

[0091] An example algorithm to detect the possible problems may include, e.g., at least some of the following :

[0092] - a coverage layer is non-continuous ,

[0093] - a distance d between LTE and NR cell may be calculated,

[0094] - an average inter-site distance D may be calculated,

[0095] - x=D / d,

[0096] - if x > n, (n, e.g., 3) , then an alarm may be raised, and / or

[0097] - utilization of the distance (TA data) : estimate the distance to an NR base station compensated by a TA distance.

[0098] Corrective actions may include, e.g., at least some of the following: - increase threshold high -parameters (this may be, e.g., in a co-located L2600 site, or in a surrounding network without an L2600 frequency layer) , and / or

[0099] - remove mobility from the surrounding network to higher bands, e.g., L2600.

[0100] Figs. 3A-3D illustrate an example flow chart of method 300 for apparatus 200, in accordance with an example embodiment. Figs. 3B-3D are optional embodiments of operation 304 of Fig. 3A.

[0101] At operation 301, apparatus 200 obtains the performance metrics data related to the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells in radio access network 110. As discussed above in more detail, the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells comprises first cell 132 based on the first wireless network technology and second cell 134 based on the second wireless network technology .

[0102] At operation 302, apparatus 200 maps the obtained performance metrics data with the corresponding configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells.

[0103] At operation 303, apparatus 200 determines at least the first KPI based on the results of the mapping.

[0104] At operation 304, apparatus 200 performs the layering optimization operation for the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells at least in response to the determined first KPI exceeding the first threshold. As discussed above in more detail, the layering optimization operation comprises the adjacency relation removal 304A, the antenna tilting modification 304B, and / or the non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm 304C.

[0105] In the optional embodiment of Fig. 3B, the layering optimization operation may comprise the adjacency relation removal 304A, and the first threshold may comprise the cell level threshold. At optional operation 304A1 , apparatus 200 may determine whether first KPI falls below the adj acency relation level threshold . I f not , adj acency relation removal 304A may exit at operation 304A2 .

[0106] I f yes , adj acency relation removal 304A may proceed to operation 304A3 in which apparatus 200 may remove an adj acency relation between the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells from the configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells .

[0107] In the optional embodiment of Fig . 3C, the layering optimi zation operation may comprise the antenna tilting modification 304B .

[0108] At optional operation 304B1 , apparatus 200 may obtain the cell power level of first cell 132 and the cell power level of second cell 134 .

[0109] At optional operation 304B2 , apparatus 200 may determine the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells as the interfering pair of neighboring multi-technology cel ls when the di fference between the cel l power level of first cell 132 and the cell power level of second cell 134 exceeds the interference threshold .

[0110] At optional operation 304B3 , apparatus 200 may initiate the antenna downtilting operation for the corresponding access node in first cel l 132 or in second cell 134 in response to the total number of interfering pairs of neighboring multi-technology cells in radio access network 110 exceeding the total interference threshold .

[0111] In the optional embodiment of Fig . 3D, the layering optimi zation operation may comprise the non-con- tinuous cell coverage layering alarm 304C .

[0112] At optional operation 304C1 , apparatus 200 may determine the distance between first cell 132 and second cell 134 .

[0113] At optional operation 304C2 , apparatus 200 may determine the average inter-site distance . At optional operation 304C3 , apparatus 200 may trigger the alarm about the potential layering problem in radio access network 110 , in response to the coverage layer in first cell 132 being non-continuous and further in response to the ratio of the determined average in- ter-site distance to the determined distance between first cell 132 and second cell 134 exceeding the distance threshold .

[0114] Embodiments and examples with regard to Figs . 3A-3D may be carried out by apparatus 200 of Fig . 2 . Operations 301 -304 , 304A1 -304A3 , 304B1 -304B3 , 304C1 -

[0115] 304C3 may, for example , be carried out by at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204 . Further features of method 300 directly resulting from the functionalities and parameters of apparatus 200 are not repeated here . Method 300 can be carried out by computer programs or portions thereof .

[0116] Another example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples with regard to Figs . 3A-3D comprises means for : obtaining, at operation 301 , performance metrics data related to the pair of neighboring multitechnology cell s in radio acces s network 110 , the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells comprising first cell 132 based on first wireless network technology and second cell 134 based on second wireless network technology; mapping, at operation 302 , the obtained performance metrics data with the corresponding configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multitechnology cells ; determining, at operation 303 , at least the first KPI based on the results of the mapping; and at least in response to the determined first KPI exceeding the first threshold, performing, at operation 304 , the layering optimi zation operation for the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells , the layering optimi zation operation comprising at least one of adj acency relation removal 304A, antenna tilting modification 304B, or non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm 304C .

[0117] The functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part , by one or more computer program product components such as software components . According to an embodiment , apparatus 200 may comprise a processor or processor circuitry, such as for example a microcontroller, configured by the program code when executed to execute the embodiments of the operations and functionality described . Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part , by one or more hardware logic components . For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays ( FPGAs ) , Application-specific Integrated Circuits (AS ICs ) , Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs ) , System- on-a-chip systems ( SOCs ) , Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs ) , Tensor Processing Units ( TPUs ) , and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs ) .

[0118] Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought . Also , any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment unless explicitly disallowed .

[0119] Although the subj ect matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts , it is to be understood that the subj ect matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above . Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims .

[0120] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments . The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benef its and advantages . It wi ll further be understood that reference to ' an ' item may refer to one or more of those items .

[0121] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate . Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subj ect matter described herein . Aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the effect sought .

[0122] The term ' comprising ' is used herein to mean including the method, blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements .

[0123] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modif ications may be made by those s kil led in the art . The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments . Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments , those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification .

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A method (300) , comprising: obtaining (301) , by an apparatus (200) , performance metrics data related to a pair of neighboring multi-technology cells in a radio access network (110) , the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells comprising a first cell (132) based on a first wireless network technology and a second cell (134) based on a second wireless network technology; mapping (302) , by the apparatus (200) , the obtained performance metrics data with corresponding configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells; determining (303) , by the apparatus (200) , at least a first key performance indicator, KPI, based on results of the mapping; and at least in response to the determined first KPI exceeding a first threshold, performing (304) , by the apparatus (200) , a layering optimization operation for the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells, wherein the layering optimization operation comprises at least one of an adjacency relation removal (304A) , an antenna tilting modification (304B) , or a non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm (304C) .

2. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold comprises a cell level threshold and the adjacency relation removal (304A) comprises: further in response to the determined first KPI falling (304A1) below an adjacency relation level threshold, removing (304A3) , by the apparatus (200) , an adjacency relation between the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells from the configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells .

3. The method (300) according to claim 2, wherein the performance metrics data comprises at least one of: a signal level distribution of the first cell (132) , or a signal level distribution of the second cell (134) .

4. The method (300) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the performance metrics data is obtained from layer 3 messaging in the radio access network (110) .

5. The method (300) according to claim 4, wherein the performance metrics data is further obtained in response to a Bl event occurring in the first cell (132) , the Bl event involving a measurement of a signal received from a neighboring inter-radio access technology, RAT, cell becoming greater than that of a threshold.

6. The method (300) according to claim 5, wherein the performance metrics data further comprises at least one of: a number of samples per cell pair, or a distance from the first cell (132) where the Bl event occurred .

7. The method (300) according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first KPI comprises at least one of: a number of samples, a cell power level of the first cell (132) , a cell power level of the second cell (134) , or a weight of the adjacency relation.

8. The method (300) according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the adjacency relation is removed from the configuration management data further in response to at least one of: the adjacency relation remaining unused longer than an inactivity period, or a totalamount of adjacency relations in the radio access network (110) exceeding a total adjacency relations threshold.

9. The method (300) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the antenna tilting modification (304B) comprises : obtaining (304B1) , by the apparatus (200) , a cell power level of the first cell (132) and a cell power level of the second cell (134) ; determining (304B2) , by the apparatus (200) , the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells as an interfering pair of neighboring multi-technology cells when a difference between the cell power level of the first cell (132) and the cell power level of the second cell (134) exceeds an interference threshold; and initiating (304B3) , by the apparatus (200) , an antenna downtilting operation for a corresponding access node in the first cell (132) or in the second cell (134) , in response to a total number of interfering pairs of neighboring multi-technology cells in the radio access network (110) exceeding a total interference threshold.

10. The method (300) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm (304C) comprises: determining (304C1) , by the apparatus (200) , a distance between the first cell (132) and the second cell (134) ; determining (304C2) , by the apparatus (200) , an average inter-site distance; and in response to a coverage layer in the first cell (132) being non-continuous and further in response to a ratio of the determined average inter-site distance to the determined distance between the first cell (132) and the second cell (134) exceeding a distance threshold, triggering (304C3) , by the apparatus (200) , analarm about a potential layering problem in the radio access network (110) .

11. The method (300) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first wireless network technology comprises a fourth-generation wireless network technology and the second wireless network technology comprises a fifth-generation wireless network technology.

12. An apparatus (200) , comprising: at least one processor (202) ; and at least one memory (204) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (202) , cause the apparatus (200) at least to: obtain performance metrics data related to a pair of neighboring multi-technology cells in a radio access network (110) , the pair of neighboring multitechnology cells comprising a first cell (132) based on a first wireless network technology and a second cell (134) based on a second wireless network technology; map the obtained performance metrics data with corresponding configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells; determine at least a first key performance indicator, KPI, based on results of the mapping; and at least in response to the determined first KPI exceeding a first threshold, perform a layering optimization operation for the pair of neighboring multitechnology cells, wherein the layering optimization operation comprises at least one of an adjacency relation removal, an antenna tilting modification, or a non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm.

13. An apparatus, comprising means for carrying out the method (300) according to any of claims 1 to 11.14 . A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following : obtaining performance metrics data related to a pair of neighboring multi-technology cells in a radio access network, the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells comprising a first cell based on a first wireless network technology and a second cel l based on a second wireless network technology; mapping the obtained performance metrics data with corresponding configuration management data of the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells ; determining at least a first key performance indicator, KPI , based on results of the mapping; and at least in response to the determined first KPI exceeding a first threshold, performing a layering optimi zation operation for the pair of neighboring multi-technology cells , wherein the layering optimi zation operation comprises at least one of an adj acency relation removal , an antenna tilting modification, or a non-continuous cell coverage layering alarm .

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