Mass event detection in a communication network

Abstract

A method is disclosed. The method may comprise: Calculating, per cell within a plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of a first time interval, using control plane trace data, a value for a user quantity for the cell. Calculating, per cell within the plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of the first time interval, from the calculated values for the user quantity for the cell, a value for an average user quantity for the cell within a second time interval. Activating, in response to the average user quantity value for a first cell within the plurality of cells meeting a mass event threshold, a mass event process.

Description

[0001] MASS EVENT DETECTION IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications. Some example embodiments relate to fast mass event detection within a communication network.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Mass events may cause extreme load to communication networks. Also, traffic profiles during such events may differ from typical usage. Monitoring network load using base station statistics may cause delay in detecting high traffic events, possibly counted in hours. This poses challenges for adjusting the network for the high traffic load. Therefore, there is a need for enabling a solution for fast detection of mass events and activating appropriate network changes.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] Example embodiments of the present disclosure enable a fast detection of a mass event within a communication network. This benefit may be achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further example embodiments are provided in the dependent claims, the detailed description, and the drawings.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a method is disclosed. The method may be computer-implemented. The method may comprise: Calculating, per cell within a plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of a first time interval, using control plane trace data, a value for a user quantity for the cell. Calculating, per cell within the plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of the first time interval, from the calculated values for the user quantity for the cell, a value for an average user quantity for the cell within a second time interval. Activating, in response to the average user quantity value for a first cell within the plurality of cells meeting a mass event threshold, a mass event process. With such a method, fast detection of load caused by a mass event to the first cell may be enabled. Adjustments to the communication network may be implemented swiftly.

[0010] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the method may further comprise: Activating, in response to the average user quantity value for the first cell within the plurality of cells meeting the mass event threshold, the mass event process for the plurality of cells. With such a method, performance of all cells within a site may be adjusted to handle load efficiently.

[0011] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the method may further comprise: Monitoring the average user quantity value for the first cell. Deactivating, in response to the average user quantity value for the first cell not meeting the mass event threshold during a fourth time interval, the mass event process. With such a method, the mass event process may be deactivated when the first cell is no longer experiencing such high load.

[0012] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the method may further comprise: Monitoring, per cell within the plurality of cells, the average user quantity value for the cell. Deactivating, in response to the average user quantity values for the plurality of cells not meeting the mass event threshold during a fourth time interval, the mass event process. With such a method, the mass event process may be deactivated when the network is no longer experiencing such high load.

[0013] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the fourth time interval may be at least twelve hours and at most forty-eight hours. With such a method, the mass event process is deactivated when high load is not detected during a sufficient time interval.

[0014] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the method may further comprise: Storing, in response to the deactivating the mass event process, in a database, values for one or more key performance indicators corresponding to a site comprising the first cell. Evaluating, using the stored one or more key performance indicator values, functionality of the site. With such a method, functionality of the site during the mass event process may be evaluated.

[0015] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the activating the mass event process may comprise performing: Storing, to the database, an identity of the first cell and a time stamp corresponding to a time instant of calculating the average user quantity value for the first cell. Monitoring the database at regular time intervals of a third time interval for new stored cell identities. Changing, in response to detecting a new cell identity corresponding to the first cell in the database, one or more network parameters corresponding to at least the first cell. With such a method, detecting the mass event may be enabled.

[0016] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the method may further comprise: Changing, in response to detecting the new cell identity, the one or more network parameters corresponding to cells surrounding the first cell. With such a method, the mass event process may be extended to more than one cell.

[0017] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the third time interval may be at least one minute and at most fifteen minutes. With such a method, fast detection of the mass event from the database may be enabled.

[0018] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the first time interval may be one minute. With such a method, user quantity values may be calculated frequently to enable fast detection of the mass event.

[0019] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the second time interval may be at least two minutes and at most fifteen minutes. With such a method, average user quantity values may be calculated frequently to enable fast detection of the mass event.

[0020] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the activated mass event process may comprise performing at least one of the following: Deactivating proactive scheduling for the plurality of cells. Reducing inactivity timer. Balancing network load dynamically between frequency bands. Adapting physical downlink control channel by changing aggregation level. Optimizing physical uplink control channel. Optimizing uplink power control for the plurality of cells. Deactivating uplink carrier aggregation if needed. Activating a dedicated network slice for specific user groups. Deactivating 256 quadrature amplitude modulation for uplink. Deactivating power saving features.

[0021] According to a second aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus at least to perform: Calculating, per cell within a plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of a first time interval, using control plane trace data, a value for a user quantity for the cell. Calculating, per cell within the plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of the first time interval, from the calculated values for the user quantity for the cell, a value for an average user quantity for the cell within a second time interval. Activating, in response to the average user quantity value for a first cell within the plurality of cells meeting a mass event threshold, a mass event process.

[0022] According to a third aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may comprise program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: Calculating, per cell within a plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of a first time interval, using control plane trace data, a value for a user quantity for the cell. Calculating, per cell within the plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of the first time interval, from the calculated values for the user quantity for the cell, a value for an average user quantity for the cell within a second time interval. Activating, in response to the average user quantity value for a first cell within the plurality of cells meeting a mass event threshold, a mass event process.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect, a computer program is disclosed. The computer program may comprise instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: Calculating, per cell within a plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of a first time interval, using control plane trace data, a value for a user quantity for the cell. Calculating, per cell within the plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of the first time interval, from the calculated values for the user quantity for the cell, a value for an average user quantity for the cell within a second time interval. Activating, in response to the average user quantity value for a first cell within the plurality of cells meeting a mass event threshold, a mass event process.

[0024] Any example embodiment may be combined with one or more other example embodiments. Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the example embodiments and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate example embodiments and together with the description help to understand the example embodiments. In the drawings:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example communication network;

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of example cells of a sector of a transmission site,

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment; and

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an apparatus configured to practise one or more example embodiments.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to example 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 utilized. 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.

[0036] Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature may not apply to other embodiments. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, words “comprising” and “including” should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments / example, and the embodiments / examples may contain also features / structures that have not been specifically mentioned.

[0037] Furthermore, although numerative terminology, such as “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various embodiments, elements, or features, it should be understood that these embodiments, elements, or features should not be limited by this numerative terminology. This numerative terminology is used herein only to distinguish one embodiment, element, or feature from another embodiment, element, or feature. For example, a first time interval discussed below could be called a second time interval, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0038] According to an example embodiment, values for user quantity and average user quantity for cells within the network are calculated at regular time intervals. Whenever a calculated average user quantity value meets a mass event threshold, a mass event process is activated within the network.

[0039] According to the example embodiment, it is possible to enable a fast detection of network load related to a mass event and adjust the network capacity accordingly. Depending on the situation, the actions may be different.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a communication network, for which the mass event detection may be utilized. The communication network 100 may comprise one or more devices 110, which may be also referred to as client nodes, user nodes, or user equipment (UE). An example of a device is a UE 110, which may communicate with one or more access nodes of a radio access network (RAN) 120. The communication network 100 may therefore comprise a radio network. The RAN 120 may comprise one or more transmission sites, also simply referred to as sites (e.g., Sites 1 to 3). A site may comprise one or more access nodes. A transmission site may be further configured to provide communication services in one or more sectors, as will be further described with reference to FIG. 1. One access node may be configured to serve one or more sectors and / or one or more cells, 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 the UE 110 may be referred to as downlink signals. Signals transmitted by the UE 110 to an access node may be referred to as uplink signals. An access node may be also referred to as an access point or a base station.

[0041] The communication network 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, the communication network 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, 126 of the RAN 120 may for example comprise 5thgeneration access nodes (gNB) or 4thgeneration access nodes (eNodeB).

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of cells of a sector of a transmission site, where Site 1 of FIG. 1 is used as an example. The access node 122 may be configured to serve three sectors (A to C). In this example, two cells 132-1 and 132-2 may be configured at Sector B, but in general a sector may comprise one or more cells. The cells may be identified with different cell identifiers (e.g., physical cell ID). Cells associated with the same sector may be configured to operate at different frequencies or with different code bases in case of a code division multiple access (CDMA) system. As illustrated in FIG. 2, coverage areas of the cells of the same sector may overlap. A user quantity value according to an example embodiment may be calculated, e.g., for a subset of cells comprising a plurality of cells associated with the same sector or for a subset of cells configured to operate at a frequency or with a code basis.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the communication network 100 may further comprise a core network 130, which may comprise various network functions (NF) for establishing, configuring, and controlling data communication sessions of users, for example the UE 110. The data communication sessions may carry data traffic, for example application data associated with one or more applications running on the UE 110. The communication network 100 may further comprise a network controller 140, for example a centralized selforganized network (C-SON) controller, which may be responsible of configuring various operations of the RAN 120. The network controller 140 may be also referred to as a centralized network controller. The network controller 140 may interface an operations support system (OSS) 150, 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 the RAN 120 and the network controller 140. Even though illustrated as a separate entity, network controller 140 may be also embodied as part of any suitable network device of function, for example as part of the OSS 150. Even though some operations have been described as being performed by the network controller 140, it is understood that similar functions may be performed alternatively by other network device(s) or network function(s) of the communication network 100, which may be in general referred to as network objects. The operations may be performed by an automated network monitoring and controlling system or an automated network operation center (NOC) such as, e.g., a virtual NOC. The automated NOC may be understood as a network object responsible for monitoring power failures, communication line alarms, and other performance issues that may affect the network. In telecommunication environments the automated NOC may track details of call flows. One task of the network controller 140 may be to monitor load of the communication network 100, or network object(s) thereof, e.g., in order to determine whether to activate a mass event process to adjust to the load.

[0044] Operational characteristics of the communication network 100 may be analyzed and optimized with many different methods and based on various key performance indicators (KPI). Recognizing a mass event based on, e.g., changes in key performance indicator values may be slow compared to the urgency of needed adaptations in communication network parameters. Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods that may overcome such challenge.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart according to an example embodiment of a method for identifying a need for activation of a mass event process. The method may be computer-implemented. The apparatus 800 illustrated with FIG. 8 is configured to perform the operation of the method in the communication network 100 illustrated with FIG. 1.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, a value for a user quantity is calculated in operation 301, per cell within a plurality of cells, for the cell, using control plane trace data. The plurality of cells may be comprised within one site or a plurality of sites. The user quantity values for the plurality of cells are calculated at regular time intervals of a first time interval. In an example embodiment, the first time interval is one minute. A value for an average user quantity within a second time interval is calculated in operation 302, per cell within the plurality of cells, for the cell, from the calculated values for the user quantity for the cell. In an example embodiment, the second time interval is at least two minutes and at most fifteen minutes. In an example embodiment, the average user quantity value for the cell may be calculated, e.g., as a mean value, a median value, or a mode value of the user quantity values for the cell. It is determined in operation 303 whether the average value for a first cell within the plurality of cells meets a mass event threshold. The first cell may be understood as any cell within the plurality of cells. If the mass event threshold is met (operation 303: yes), a mass event process is activated in operation 304. The mass event process may be activated for all cells and techniques within a site comprising the first cell. In an example embodiment, the mass event process may be activated for the plurality of cells. In an example embodiment, the mass event process may be activated for the first cell. In an example embodiment, the mass event process may be activated for one or more cells within the plurality of cells. In an example embodiment, the activating the mass event process comprises performing at least one of: deactivating proactive scheduling for the plurality of cells, reducing inactivity timer, balancing network load dynamically between frequency bands, adapting physical downlink control channel by changing aggregation level, optimizing physical uplink control channel, optimizing uplink power control for the plurality of cells, deactivating uplink carrier aggregation if needed, activating a dedicated network slice for specific user groups, deactivating 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) for uplink, or deactivating power saving features. If the mass event threshold is not met (operation 303: no), the process continues by calculating the user quantity values at regular time intervals of the first time interval in operation 301.

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart according to an example embodiment of a method for activating the mass event process. The method may be computer-implemented. The functionalities illustrated with FIG. 4 are assumed to be performed after operation 304 in FIG. 3 by the apparatus 800 illustrated with FIG. 8 in the communication network 100 illustrated with FIG. 1.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, the calculated average user quantity value for the first cell is monitored in operation 401. It is determined in operation 402 whether the average user quantity value for the first cell meets the mass event threshold during a fourth time interval. In an example embodiment, the fourth time interval is at least twelve hours and at most forty-eight hours. If the average user quantity value for the first cell does not meet the mass event threshold during the fourth time interval (operation 402: no), the mass event process is deactivated in operation 403. If the average user quantity value for the first cell meets the mass event threshold during the fourth time interval (operation 402: yes), the process continues by monitoring the average user quantity value for the first cell in operation 401. The average user quantity value meeting the mass event threshold during the fourth time interval may be understood as at least one of the average user quantity values calculated for the first cell during the fourth time interval meeting the mass event threshold. The average user quantity value for the first cell not meeting the mass event threshold during the fourth time interval may be understood as none of the average user quantity values calculated for the first cell during the fourth time interval meeting the mass event threshold.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart according to an example embodiment of a method for activating the mass event process. The method may be computer- implemented. The functionalities illustrated with FIG. 5 are assumed to be performed after operation 304 in FIG. 3 by the apparatus 800 illustrated with FIG. 8 in the communication network 100 illustrated with FIG. 1.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, the calculated average user quantity value, per cell within the plurality of cells, for the cell is monitored in operation 501. The monitoring may be understood as monitoring the calculated user quantity values for the plurality of cells. It is determined in operation 502 whether the average user quantity value for at least one cell within the plurality of cells meets the mass event threshold during a fourth time interval. In an example embodiment, the fourth time interval is at least twelve hours and at most forty-eight hours. If the average user quantity value for the at least one cell does not meet the mass event threshold during the fourth time interval (operation 502: no), the mass event process is deactivated in operation 603. If the average user quantity value for the at least one cell meets the mass event threshold during the fourth time interval (operation 502: yes), the process continues by monitoring the average user quantity value for the plurality of cells in operation 501. The average user quantity value for the at least one cell within the plurality of cells meeting the mass event threshold during the fourth time interval may be understood as at least one of the average user quantity values calculated for the at least one cell during the fourth time interval meeting the mass event threshold. The average user quantity value for the at least one cell within the plurality of cells not meeting the mass event threshold during the fourth time interval may be understood as none of the average user quantity values calculated for the plurality of cells during the fourth time interval meeting the mass event threshold.

[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart according to an example embodiment of a method for activating the mass event process. The method may be computer- implemented. The functionalities illustrated with FIG. 6 are assumed to be performed after operation 403 in FIG. 4 or operation 503 in FIG. 5 by the apparatus 800 illustrated with FIG. 8 in the communication network 100 illustrated with FIG. 1.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, values for one or more key performance indicators (KPI) corresponding to a site comprising the first cell are stored in operation 601 in a database, in response to the deactivating the mass event process. Functionality of the site is evaluated in operation 602, using the stored one or more key performance indicator values. The key performance indicators may include, but are not limited to, the following: traffic channel (TCH) setup success rate, standalone dedicated control channel (SDCCH) setup success rate, cell availability, TCH drop rate, SDCCH drop rate, SDCCH traffic, TCH traffic, SDCCH congestion time, downlink EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) traffic, circuit-switched (CS) success rate, packet-switched (PS) success rate, radio resource control (RRC) mobile-oriented success rate, RRC mobile-terminated (MT) success rate, PS call drop rate, CS call drop rate, VoLTE success rate, Cell availability, Cell physical resource block utilization (uplink and downlink), Number of RRC-connected users, Volume of Speech by erlangs, high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA) traffic, CS traffic, highspeed downlink packet access (HSDPA) traffic, RRC setup success rate, evolved-UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) radio access bearer (E-RAB) setup success rate, RRC abnormal release rate, E-RAB drop rate , downlink data volume, uplink data volume, average reported channel quality indicator (CQI), and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) rank indicator.

[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart according to an example embodiment of a method for activating the mass event process. The method may be computer- implemented. The functionalities illustrated with FIG. 7 are assumed to be performed within operation 304 in FIG. 3 by the apparatus 800 illustrated with FIG. 8 in the communication network 100 illustrated with FIG. 1.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, an identity of the first cell is stored in operation 701 to the database. Additionally, a time stamp corresponding to a time instant of calculating the user quantity value for the first cell meeting the mass event threshold is stored in operation 701 to the database. The database is monitored in operation 702 for new cell identities at regular time intervals of a third time interval. In an example embodiment, the third time interval is at least one minute and at most fifteen minutes. It is determined in operation 703 whether a new cell identity corresponding to the first cell is detected in the database. If the new cell identity corresponding to the first cell is detected in the database (operation 703: yes), one or more network parameters corresponding to at least the first cell are changed in operation 704. In an example embodiment, additionally, the one or more network parameters corresponding to cells surrounding the first cell are changed in operation 704. In an example embodiment, the changing the one or more network parameters may be understood as performing the options explained above in more detail with reference to operation 304 in FIG. 3. If the new cell identity is not detected in the database (operation 703: no), the process continues by monitoring the database in operation 702. FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of an apparatus 800 configured to perform operations of one or more example embodiments, e.g., functionalities described below with reference to FIG. 2 to 7. The apparatus 800 may be for example used to implement the network controller 140. The apparatus 800 may comprise at least one processor 802. The at least one processor 802 may comprise, for example, one or more of various processing devices or processor circuitry, such as for example a co-processor, 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 (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like.

[0055] The apparatus 800 may further comprise at least one memory 804. The at least one memory 804 may be configured to store, for example, computer program code or the like, for example operating system software and application software. The at least one memory 804 may comprise one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination thereof. For example, the at least one memory 804 may be embodied as magnetic storage devices (such as hard disk drives, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc.), optical magnetic storage devices, or semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0056] The apparatus 800 may further comprise a communication interface 808 configured to enable apparatus 800 to transmit and / or receive information to / from other devices, functions, or entities. In one example, the apparatus 800 may use communication interface 808 to transmit or receive information over a service based interface (SBI) message bus of the core network 130, for example to the core network 130 and / or the RAN 120. The communication interface 808 may therefore comprise a data communication interface and be configured for communication between devices, for example according to one or more data communication protocols. The apparatus 800 may be for example configured to transmit indication(s) of verified or non-verified performance, for example to an automated service ticket system, or to provide network configuration instructions to the RAN 120 to cause reconfiguration of network object(s). The apparatus 800 may further comprise a user interface 810, for example for providing user output by the apparatus, such as for example visual and / or audible signal(s), for example by speaker(s), display(s), light(s), or the like. The user interface 810 may be used for example for outputting indication(s) of verified or non-verified performance to a human user.

[0057] When the apparatus 800 is configured to implement some functionality, some component and / or components of the apparatus 800, such as for example the at least one processor 802 and / or the at least one memory 804, may be configured to implement this functionality. Furthermore, when the at least one processor 802 is configured to implement some functionality, this functionality may be implemented using program code 806 comprised, for example, in the at least one memory 804.

[0058] The functionality described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components such as for example software components. According to an example embodiment, the apparatus 800 comprises 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. A computer program or a computer program product may therefore comprise instructions for causing, when executed, the apparatus 800 to perform the method(s) described herein. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein may 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 may be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).

[0059] The apparatus 800 comprises means for performing at least one method described herein. In one example, the means comprises the at least one processor 802, the at least one memory 804 including the program code 806 configured to, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus 800 to perform the method. The apparatus 800 may comprise a computing device such as for example an access point, an access node, a base station, a server, a network device, a network function device, or the like. Although the apparatus 800 is illustrated as a single device it is appreciated that, wherever applicable, functions of the apparatus 800 may be distributed to a plurality of devices, for example to implement example embodiments as a cloud computing service.

[0060] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subject 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 example embodiments of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0061] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one example embodiment or may relate to several example embodiments. The example 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 benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to 'an' item may refer to one or more of those items.

[0062] The steps or operations 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 scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the example embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other example embodiments described to form further example embodiments without losing the effect sought.

[0063] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example embodiments only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, example embodiments and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various example 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 example embodiments without departing from scope of this specification.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method comprising: calculating, per cell within a plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of a first time interval, using control plane trace data, a value for a user quantity for the cell; calculating, per cell within the plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of the first time interval, from the calculated values for the user quantity for the cell, a value for an average user quantity for the cell within a second time interval; and activating, in response to the average user quantity value for a first cell within the plurality of cells meeting a mass event threshold, a mass event process.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: activating, in response to the average user quantity value for the first cell within the plurality of cells meeting the mass event threshold, the mass event process for the plurality of cells.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: monitoring the average user quantity value for the first cell; and deactivating, in response to the average user quantity value for the first cell not meeting the mass event threshold during a fourth time interval, the mass event process.

4. A method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: monitoring, per cell within the plurality of cells, the average user quantity value for the cell; and deactivating, in response to the average user quantity values for the plurality of cells not meeting the mass event threshold during a fourth time interval, the mass event process.

5. A method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the fourth time interval is at least twelve hours and at most forty-eight hours.

6. A method according to any of claims 3 to 5, further comprising:storing, in response to the deactivating the mass event process, in a database, values for one or more key performance indicators corresponding to a site comprising the first cell; and evaluating, using the stored one or more key performance indicator values, functionality of the site.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the activating the mass event process comprises performing: storing, to the database, an identity of the first cell and a time stamp corresponding to a time instant of calculating the average user quantity value for the first cell; monitoring the database at regular time intervals of a third time interval for new stored cell identities; and changing, in response to detecting a new cell identity corresponding to the first cell in the database, one or more network parameters corresponding to at least the first cell.

8. A method according to claim 7, further comprising: changing, in response to detecting the new cell identity, the one or more network parameters corresponding to cells surrounding the first cell.

9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the third time interval is at least one minute and at most fifteen minutes.

10. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first time interval is one minute.

11. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second time interval is at least two minutes and at most fifteen minutes.

12. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the activated mass event process comprises performing at least one of: deactivating proactive scheduling for one or more cells within the plurality of cells;reducing inactivity tinier; balancing network load dynamically between frequency bands; adapting physical downlink control channel by changing aggregation level; optimizing physical uplink control channel; optimizing uplink power control for one or more cells within the plurality of cells; deactivating uplink carrier aggregation if needed; activating a dedicated network slice for specific user groups; deactivating 256 quadrature amplitude modulation for uplink; or deactivating power saving features.

13. An apparatus comprising: 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 perform: calculating, per cell within a plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of a first time interval, using control plane trace data, a value for a user quantity for the cell; calculating, per cell within the plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of the first time interval, from the calculated values for the user quantity for the cell, a value for an average user quantity for the cell within a second time interval; and activating, in response to the average user quantity value for a first cell within the plurality of cells meeting a mass event threshold, a mass event process.

14. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: calculating, per cell within a plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of a first time interval, using control plane trace data, a value for a user quantity for the cell; calculating, per cell within the plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of the first time interval, from the calculated values for the user quantity for the cell, a value for an average user quantity for the cell within a second time interval; and activating, in response to the average user quantity value for a first cell within the plurality of cells meeting a mass event threshold, a mass event process.

15. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: calculating, per cell within a plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of a first time interval, using control plane trace data, a value for a user quantity for the cell; calculating, per cell within the plurality of cells, at regular time intervals of the first time interval, from the calculated values for the user quantity for the cell, a value for an average user quantity for the cell within a second time interval; and activating, in response to the average user quantity value for a first cell within the plurality of cells meeting a mass event threshold, a mass event process.

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