Antenna line device auto recovery mechanism and inventory management

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an apparatus (114) configured to detect a disconnect between the apparatus (114) and an Antenna Line Device (ALD) (202). Further, the apparatus (114) is configured to initiate an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect. Further, the apparatus (114) upon an expiry of the auto-reconnect timer is configured to perform one or more of the following. The apparatus (114) is configured to transmit a reconnect request to re-establish a connection between the apparatus (114) and the ALD (202) with the detected disconnect. The apparatus (114) is configured to attempt an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the apparatus (114) to the ALD (202) prior to the detected disconnect. The apparatus (114) is configured to initiate a discovery procedure for the ALD (202) with the detected disconnect. The apparatus (114) is configured to reset a set of stored information associated with the ALD (202).

Description

ANTENNA LINE DEVICE AUTO RECOVERY MECHANISM AND INVENTORYMANAGEMENTCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority based on India Patent Application No. 202411065658. filed August 30, 2024 in the Indian Patent Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the Antenna Line Device (ALD) auto-recovery mechanism and inventory' management.BACKGROUND

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is only for the enhancement of understanding of the general background of the disclosure and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information fonns the prior art already- known to a person skilled in the art.

[0004] Antenna Line Devices (ALDs) are critical components in communication systems that facilitate the transmission and reception of Radio Frequency (RF) signals. The ALDs play a vital role in ensuring effective communication by managing the signals betw een the antenna and the rest of the communication equipment. The ALDs collectively refer to one or more devices connected in a path between User Equipment (UE) and a base station to amplify the signals for reception at the base station. The ALDs may include Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) antennas, signal boosters, and Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) measuring units.

[0005] Auto recovery of the Antenna Line Devices (ALDs) refers to the capability of these devices to automatically restore their operational state after experiencing a fault or disruption. In the existing techniques, there is an absence of accepted procedures for auto recovers- of ALDs by an ALD controller. The existing techniques fail to provide a mechanism to continuously check and ensure a connection between the ALD controller and the ALDs. The absence of such a mechanism results in undetected faults in the ALDs and disconnection between the controller and the ALDs. In existing techniques, such faults and disconnection are addressed by site visits to reconnect the ALDs and the controller. The process of manually reconnecting the ALDs is tedious and expensive.

[0006] Thus, there is a need to provide a methodology to overcome the above-mentioned issues in the conventional techniques.SUMMARY

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the disclosure nor is it intended to determine the scope of the disclosure.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to detect a disconnect between the apparatus and an Antenna Line Device (ALD) in a network comprising one or more ALDs. Further, the apparatus is configured to initiate an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect. Further, the apparatus upon an expiry of the auto-reconnect timer is configured to perform one or more of the following. The apparatus is configured to transmit a reconnect request to re-establish a connection betweenthe apparatus and the ALD with the detected disconnect. Further, the apparatus is configured to attempt an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the apparatus to the ALD prior to the detected disconnect. Further, the apparatus is configured to initiate a discovery procedure for the ALD with the detected disconnect. Furthermore, the apparatus is configured to reset a set of stored information associated with the ALD with the detected disconnect and trigger the auto-reconnect timer.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is disclosed. The method includes detecting a disconnect between a Distributed Unit (DU) and an Antenna Line Device (ALD) in a network comprising one or more ALDs. Further, the method includes initiating an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect. Further, the method upon an expiry of the auto-reconnect timer includes one or more of the following. The method includes transmitting a reconnect request to re-establish a connection between the DU and the ALD with the detected disconnect. Further, the method includes attempting an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the DU to the ALD prior to the detected disconnect. Further, the method includes initiating a discover}' procedure for the ALD with the detected disconnect. Furthermore, the method includes resetting a set of stored information associated with the ALD with the detected disconnect and trigger the auto-reconnect timer.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transi tory computer- readable medium is disclosed. The non-transitoiy computer-readable medium stores instructions. The instructions comprise one or more instructions that are executed by a Distributed Unit (DU). The DU comprises one or more processors. The one or more instructions cause the one or more processors to detect a disconnect between the apparatus and an Antenna Line Device (ALD) in a network comprising one or more ALDs. Further, the one or moreinstructions cause the one or more processors to initiate an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect. Furthen the one or more instructions upon an expiry of the auto-reconnect timer cause the one or more processors to perform one or more of the following. The one or more instructions cause the one or more processors to transmit a reconnect request to reestablish a connection between the apparatus and the ALD with the detected disconnect. Further, the one or more instructions cause the one or more processors to attempt an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the apparatus to the ALD prior to the detected disconnect. Further, the one or more instructions cause the one or more processors to initiate a discovery procedure for the ALD with the detected disconnect. Furthermore, the one or more instructions cause the one or more processors to reset a set of stored information associated with the ALD with the detected disconnect and trigger the auto-reconnect timer.

[0011] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0012] Features, aspects, and advantages of certain example embodiments of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:Figure 1 illustrates an example block diagram of a communication environment depicting anOpen Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;Figures 2A-2B illustrate a signalling flow diagram for maintaining connection and detecting a disconnect between the DU and the ALDs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;Figures 3A-3E illustrate a signalling flow diagram for auto-recovery of the ALD with detected disconnect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;Figures 4A-4B illustrate a signalling flow associated with inventory’ management for the ALD by the DU, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;Figure 5 illustrates a process flow depicting a method 500 for implementing ALD autorecovery, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; andFigure 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following detailed description of example embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from the practice of the implementations. Further, one or more features or components of one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with another embodiment (or one or more features of another embodiment). Additionally, in the flowcharts and descriptions of operations provided below, itis understood that one or more operations may be omitted, one or more operations may be added, one or more operations may be performed simultaneously (at least in part), and the order of one or more operations may be switched, as long as these modifications may not affect the resulting scope of the invention.

[0014] It will be apparent that systems and / or methods, described herein, may be implemented in different forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behaviour of the systems and / or methods were described herein without reference to specific software code. It is understood that software and hardware may be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0015] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below' may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0016] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a'’ and "an" are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably w ith “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” or the like are intended to be open-endedterms. Further, the phrase "based on” is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, expressions such as “at least one of |A] and IB]”, “[A] and / or [B]”, or “at least one of [A] or [B]” are to be understood as including only A, only B, or both A and B.

[0017] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from the practice of the implementations.

[0018] The present disclosure provides a method to continuously monitor the availability of the ALDs and detect a disconnect between an ALD and the ALD controller. The disclosed apparatus and method ensure a reconnection of the ALD with the ALD controller in case of disconnect. The present disclosure further reduces the need for performing discovery procedures to reconnect the disconnected ALD. The present disclosure provides a method for inventory management for the ALDs in the network. The inventory management includes storing the device configuration of each of the ALDs in storage at the ALD controller. The stored device configuration and associated information are used to recover and reconnect the disconnected ALD.

[0019] Now example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates an example block diagram of a communication environment depicting an Open Radio Access Network (0-RAN) architecture 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The architecture illustrated is exemplary and nonlimiting. The present disclosure is applicable to communication networks with ALDs. In anembodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus may correspond to an ALD controller. In an example, the ALD controller may correspond to a Distnbuted Unit (DU) in a network.

[0021] In Figure 1, a Service Management and Orchestration Framework (SMO) 102 provides data services to the network functions. The SMO 102 allows managed network functions to interoperate and communicate within the O-RAN. The SMO 102 connects to and manages the RAN Intelligent Controllers (RICs) 104 and 106, an O-Cloud 118, an O-RAN Central Unit (O- CU), and an O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU) 114 (also referred to as the DU 114).

[0022] The RICs may include a non-real-time RIC 104 and near-real-time RIC 106. The RICs are logical functions for controlling and optimizing the elements and resources of an O-RAN. A near-real-time RIC 106 controls and optimizes elements and resources with granular data collection. The interfaces connecting the different components of the O-RAN architecture are not illustrated for the sake of clarity.

[0023] The O-Cloud 118 is a cloud computing platform made up of the physical infrastructure nodes using the O-RAN architecture. The O-Cloud 118 creates and hosts the various virtual network functions (VNFs) used by the RICs and other infrastructure elements.

[0024] The O-CU is a logical node that hosts network protocols such as the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP). The O-CU may be further disaggregated into an O-CU-CP 110 corresponds to the O- RAN control unit for the control plane, and an O-CU-UP 112 corresponds to the O-RAN control unit for the user plane.

[0025] The O-DU 114 is a logical node that hosts network protocols such as the radio link control (RLC) protocol, medium access control (MAC) protocol, and the physical interface(PHY).

[0026] The O-RAN Radio Unit (O-RU) 116 processes radio frequencies received by the physical layer of the network. The processed radio frequencies are sent to the O-DU 114 through a front-haul interface.

[0027] The present disclosure in some of the non-limiting embodiments illustrates the SMO 102 as the network entity controlling the DU 114. The functions of the SMO 102 may be performed by another Core Network (CN) entity in some embodiments as obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0028] The O-RU 116 may be connected to one or more Antenna Line Devices (ALDs). The ALD is a generic term for an addressable physical device, such as an antenna drive or amplifier. In an example, the ALD may correspond to Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) antennas, signal boosters, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) measuring units, and the like.

[0029] As used in the present disclosure, auto-recovery of the ALD is associated with reconnecting the ALD 202 to the ALD controller (or DU) 114 without manual intervention.

[0030] As used in the present disclosure, inventory refers to the device information of the ALD 202 obtained by querying the ALDs in the network. Further, inventory management refers to reconnecting the ALD 202 and DU 114 using the stored inventory.

[0031] As used in the present disclosure, polling refers to the transmission of an Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) elementary7procedure request signal to maintain the connection between the DU 114 and the one or more ALDs 202. The detection of a disconnect between the DU 114 and the ALD 202 is based on a failure response to the transmitted AISG elementary7procedure request signal.

[0032] As used in the present disclosure, the term “discovery7or scan” is associated with a procedure performed to detect the ALDs in the network by the ALD controller.

[0033] Figures 2A-2B illustrate a signalling flow diagram 200 for maintaining connection and detecting a disconnect between the DU 114 and the ALDs 202. in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2A-2B illustrate the signalling flow diagram for establishing and maintaining the connection between the DU (or ALD controller) 114 and the one or more ALDs 202 in the network. Further, the signalling flow illustrates detecting a disconnect between the DU 114 and an ALD 202 in the network.

[0035] The tenn polling, used herein, refers to the transmission of an Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) elementary procedure request signal to maintain the connection between the DU 114 and the one or more ALDs 202. The detection of a disconnect between the DU 114 and the ALD 202 is based on a failure response to the transmitted AISG elementary procedure request signal.

[0036] Figure 2A illustrates a discovery (or scan) procedure to establish an initial connection between the DU and the one or more ALDs 202 in the network. The figure further illustrates obtaining device data associated with the one or more ALDs 202 after the establishing the initial connection.

[0037] At step 210, SMO 102 transmits a radio configuration message to the DU 114. Further at step 212, the radio configuration message is transmitted from the DU 114 to the RU 116.

[0038] At step 214, the DU 114 transmits an ALD discovery (or scan) request to the RU 116. The ALD discovery request is transmitted in response to the received radio configuration message. At step 216, the RU 116 transmits the received ALD discovery request message to the ALD 202. In an example, the ALD discovery request message may include a number ofmessages such as a scan message, an ALD address assignment message, and a connect message. The messages may be a part of the AISG protocol.

[0039] At step 218, each of the one or more ALD 202 responds to the ALD discovery request. The response of the ALD 202 is illustrated as the ALD discovers- response. Further, at step 220. the ALD discovery response is transmitted by the RU 116 to the DU 114.

[0040] Based on the received ALD discovery responses, the DU 114 establishes a connection with the ALD 202 and the same is illustrated at step 222.

[0041] At step 224, after establishing a connection with the ALD 202, a message may be transmitted by the DU 114 to the ALD 202 depicted as Get inventory request”. In an example, the ‘“Get inventory request” may correspond to AISG Elementary procedures such as GET INFO, GET DEVICE DATA, GET TILT, and the like. At step 226, in response to the “Get inventory request” the ALD 202 may provide the requested device details as a “Get inventory response” message.

[0042] At step 228, the DU 114 may transmit a “set device data request” message to set the device data (e.g., tilt of the ALD) based on the requirement. At step 230, based on the received “set device data request”, the ALD 202 may configure the device data of the ALD 202 and share a set device data response message. In an example, the set device data request message may correspond to the AISG elementary procedure such as SET DEVICE DATA and SET TILT.

[0043] At step 232, the ALD inventory data may be stored at a persistent storage. In an example, the persistent storage may be a part of the architecture of the DU 114. Further at step 234, in case the above-mentioned steps are successful, an ALD discovery' notification is transmitted to the SMO 102.

[0044] Figure 2B illustrates the two scenarios that may occur on periodically monitoring the connection between the ALD 202 and the DU 114. In the first scenario as depicted in loop 236, the periodic poll is successful, and the connection is monitored and maintained between the ALD 202 and the DU 114. In a second scenario as depicted in loop 244, periodic poll is failure and a disconnect is detected between the ALD 202 and the DU 114. The disclosure further provides a mechanism for auto-recovery from the disconnect and is illustrated as Figure 3.

[0045] At step 238, the DU 114 starts periodic ALD connection monitoring to ascertain the status of the connection between the ALD 202 and the DU 114.

[0046] At step 240, the DU 114 sends an AISG elementary procedure request to the ALD 202.In an example, the elementary procedure request may correspond to a “GET ALARM STATUS Requesf ’. At 242, an AISG elementary procedure success response may be received by the DU 114. The AISG procedure success response indicates a connection between the DU 114 and the 202. Further, the periodic poll process is repeated at regular intervals to ensure continuous connection between the DU 114 and the ALD 202. In an example, the periodic poll may be performed after a duration of 3 minutes. The periodic poll ensures continuous connection and reduces the need for performing a discovery procedure.

[0047] At step 246, periodic ALD connection monitoring is initiated. The step 248 and 240 are identical and are associated with a signal to ascertain the connection status of the ALD 202. At 250, an AISG elementary procedure failure response may be received by the DU 114. The reception of the AISG elementary procedure failure response indicates a disconnect between the DU 114 and the ALD 202.

[0048] Further, at step 254, an ALD connection failure notification may be transmitted to the SMO 102. At step 256, the ALD auto-recovery procedure may be initiated in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] In the explanation for Figure 2A-2B, the ALD 202 is illustrated as a single ALD 202. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ALD 202 may correspond to one or more ALDs 202 and the steps provided in the explanation may be performed for each of the one or more ALDs 202 in the network.

[0050] Figures 3A-3E illustrate a signalling flow diagram 300 for auto-recovery of the ALD 202 with detected disconnect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 3A illustrates a discovery (or scan) procedure to establish an initial connection between the DU 114 and the one or more ALDs 202 in the network. The figure further illustrates obtaining device data associated with the one or more ALDs 202 after the establishing the initial connection. The steps 310 to 334 are identical to the steps 210 to 234. The explanation for the steps is not repeated and omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0052] Figure 3B illustrates signalling diagram associated with the auto-recovery of the ALD 202 where the auto-reconnect attempt to the ALD 202 with detected disconnect is successful. Loop 336 includes the steps associated with auto-recovery of the ALD 202 and extends to the steps illustrated in Figures 3B to 3E.

[0053] At step 342, a disconnect is detected at an ALD 202. The disconnect may be detected by using the periodic polling mechanism as illustrated in Figure 2B. The periodic polling failure is used to detect a disconnect between the ALD 202 and the DU 114.

[0054] At step 344, the auto-recovery procedure is triggered. Further, loop 346 is associated with a series of steps that may be performed for auto-recovery of the ALD 202 in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] At step 348, a timer is started to trigger the auto-reconnect of the ALD 202. The timer may be termed “auto-reconnect timer” in the present disclosure. At step 350. an ALD connect request is sent from the DU 114 to the ALD 202. At step 352, the ALD 202 may respond with an ALD connect success response and the connection between the ALD 202 and the DU 114 is reconnected.

[0056] At step 354, the ALD 202 is depicted to be reconnected to the DU 114 based on the successful auto-reconnect procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] At step 356. an ALD connection success notification may be transmitted by the DU 114 to the SMO 102.

[0058] Figure 3C illustrates signalling diagram associated with auto-recovery of the ALD 202 where the auto-reconnect attempt to the ALD 202 with detected disconnect fails and an address assignment (or address reassignment) is performed for the auto-recovery of the ALD 202 with detected disconnect.

[0059] At step 359, a timer is started to trigger the auto-reconnect of the ALD 202. The timer may be termed “auto-reconnect timer”. At step 360, the DU 114 may send an ALD connect request. The ALD 202 may signal an ALD connect failure response at step 361. Thus, the ALD202 remains in a disconnected state.

[0060] At step 362, the DU 114 may attempt address reassignment by sending an address assignment request. At step 363, the ALD 202 may respond with an address assignment success response.

[0061] At step 364, to perform the auto-recovery of the ALD 202, the DU 114 may send ALD connect request again. At step 365, the ALD 202 may respond with an ALD connect success response. This results in auto-recovery of the connection between the ALD 202 and the DU 114.

[0062] At step 366, the ALD 202 is reconnected to the DU 114 based on the auto-recovery procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] At step 367, the DU 114 may send an ALD reconnect success notification.

[0064] Figure 3D illustrates signalling diagram associated with the auto-recovery of the ALD 202 where the auto-reconnect attempt to the ALD 202 with detected disconnect fails and further the address reassignment attempt also fails. An ALD discovery (or scan) procedure may be performed to auto-recover the disconnected ALD 202.

[0065] Loop 368 illustrates the signalling flow for auto-recovery of the ALD 202 by performing a discovery (or scan procedure). At step 369, a timer is started to trigger the auto-reconnect of the ALD 202. The timer may be termed “auto-reconnect timer”.

[0066] At step 370, an ALD connect request is sent from the DU 114 to the ALD 202. At step 371, the ALD 202 may respond with an ALD connect failure response.

[0067] At step 372, an address reassignment (or address assignment) is attempted by the DU 114 for the ALD with detected disconnect. At step 373, the ALD 202 may respond with an address reassignment (or address assignment) failure response.

[0068] At step 374, after the failed reconnect and address assignment procedure, the DU 114 may initiate a discovery (or scan) procedure for the auto recovery of the ALD 202. At step 375, the ALD 202 may respond with an ALD scan success response for a successful discovery procedure for the ALD 202.

[0069] At step 376. the DU 114 sends an address assignment request. At step 377. the ALD 202 responds with an address assignment success response.

[0070] At step 378, the DU 114 sends an ALD connect request to complete the auto-recovery process in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 379, the ALD 202 responds with an ALD connect success response and the auto-recovery of the ALD 202 is successful.

[0071] At step 380, the ALD 202 is connected to the DU 114. At step 381, the DU 114 may send an ALD connection success notification to the SMO 102. In an example, the address reassignment and the discovery procedure are performed using a High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol signal.

[0072] Figure 3E illustrates signalling diagram associated with auto-recovery of the ALD 202 where the auto-reconnect attempt to the ALD 202 with detected disconnect fails and further the address reassignment attempt also fails. An ALD discovery (or scan) procedure is performed a discovery failure response is received by the DU 114.

[0073] Loop 382 illustrates the signalling flow for auto-recovery of the ALD 202 and the initiated discovery procedure also fails. At step 383, a timer is started to trigger the autoreconnect of the ALD 202. The timer may be termed “auto-reconnect timer”.

[0074] At step 384, an ALD connect request may be sent by the DU 114 to the ALD 202. At step 385, the ALD 202 may respond with an ALD connect failure response.

[0075] At step 386, the DU 114 may attempt an address reassignment for the ALD 202. At step387, the ALD 202 may respond with an address reassignment failure response.

[0076] At step 388, the DU 114 initiates a discovery (or scan) procedure to auto-recover the ALD 202. At step 389. the ALD 202 may respond with an ALD scan failure response.

[0077] In such a scenario, the auto-recovery process may be performed again. At step 390. the ALD auto-recovery is re-triggered. The ALD management context may be reset and may involve resetting the set of stored information associated with the ALD 202. The reset information may correspond to the ALD inventory stored at the DU 114 (as illustrated in step 332).

[0078] In the explanation for Figure 3 A-3E, the ALD 202 is illustrated as a single ALD 202. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ALD 202 may correspond to one or more ALDs 202 and the steps provided in the explanation may be performed for each of the one or more ALDs 202 in the network.

[0079] Figures 4A-4B illustrate a signalling flow diagram 400 associated with inventory management for the ALD 202 by the DU 114, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 4A illustrates a discovery (or scan) procedure to establish an initial connection between the DU 114 and the one or more ALDs 202 in the network. The figure further illustrates obtaining device data associated with the one or more ALDs 202 after the establishing the initial connection. The steps 410 to 434 are identical to the steps 210 to 234. The explanation for the steps is not repeated and omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0081] As illustrated at step 432, the device information for each of the one or more ALDs 202 in the network may be stored at the storage unit at the DU 114. The device information is termedas inventory and may include the type of the ALD, serial number of the ALD, ALD configuration parameter (e.g., tilt), and the like. Loop 436 illustrates the signalling flow associated with inventory management after initial discovery and connect procedure between the ALD 202 and the DU 114. Inventory management may be required to restore the connection between DU 114 and the ALD 202 on the detection of one or more events. The one or more events may correspond to at least one of a detection of the disconnect between the DU 114 and the ALD 202 or a reset of the ALD 202 or a restart of the DU 114.

[0082] At step 438, the DU 114 is reinitialized after a restart and the stored ALD inventory is retrieved for inventory management.

[0083] At step 440, a re-connect request is sent from the DU 114 to the ALD 202. At step 442, the ALD 202 may respond with a successful connection response. Further, the configuration of the ALD 202 may be matched with the stored inventory for the ALD 202. At step 444, a configuration mismatch may be detected between the stored inventory at the DU 114 and the configuration of the ALD 202.

[0084] At step 446, the DU 114 may re-configure the ALD 202 with the retrieved data from the stored inventory'.

[0085] At step 448, the ALD 202 may respond with a response associated with successful reconfiguration of the ALD 202.

[0086] In the explanation for Figure 4A-4B, the ALD 202 is illustrated as a single ALD 202. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ALD 202 may correspond to one or more ALDs 202 and the steps provided in the explanation may be performed for each of the one or more ALDs 202 in the network.

[0087] Figure 5 illustrates a process flow depicting a method 500 for implementing ALD autorecovery, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] At step 502, the method 500 includes detecting a disconnect between the DU 114 and the ALD 202 in a network. The network may include the one or more ALDs 202.

[0089] In an embodiment, for detecting the disconnect between the DU 114 and the ALD 202. the method 500 may include transmitting periodically an Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) elementary procedure request signal. The AISG elementary procedure request signal is transmitted at a predetermined interval. The AISG elementary procedure request signal is transmitted to maintain the connection between the DU 114 and the one or more ALDs 202 in the network. Further, the method 500 may include detecting the disconnect between the DU 114 and the ALD 202. Further, the AISG elementary’ procedure request signal may correspond to the “GET ALARM STATUS Requesf ’ signal.

[0090] Further, the DU 114 detects the disconnect based on a received failure response to the AISG elementary procedure request signal. The failure response corresponds to an absence of response to the AISG elementary' procedure request signal by the ALD 202. The failure response to the AISG elementary' procedure request signal may be provided by the RU or the ALD 202. In an example, the detected disconnect may be communicated to a north-bound entity in the network. In an example, the north-bound entity may correspond to an SMO.

[0091] At step 504, the method 500 includes initiating an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect. In an example, during the auto-reconnect timer, the DU 114 waits for a response from the ALD 202 with the detected disconnect. In another example, the DU 114 may retransmit a connect request during the auto-reconnect timer to connect the ALD 202 with the detected disconnect.

[0092] At step 506, upon expiry of the auto-reconnect timer, the method 500 includes performing one or more of the steps 508 to 512.

[0093] At step 508, the method 500 may include transmitting a reconnect request to re-establish a connection between the DU 114 and the ALD 202 with the detected disconnect.

[0094] In some embodiments, the method 500 may include transmitting the reconnect request to re-establish the connection between the ALD 202 and the DU 114 (or apparatus). In an example, the reconnect request may be a message identical to the connect request message. On reception of a message corresponding to a successful reconnect from the ALD 202 with the detected disconnect, the connection between the ALD 202 and DU 114 is restored. Further, in case of reconnect failure, the method 500 may include performing one or more of the steps 510 and 512.

[0095] At step 510, the method 500 includes attempting an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the DU 114 to the ALD 202 prior to the detected disconnect.

[0096] In some embodiments, the method 500 may include attempting the address reassignment for reconnecting the ALD 202 with the detected disconnect. In an example, the reassigned address may be identical with the address assigned to the ALD 202 prior to the detected disconnect. Further, for an address reassignment success response received from the ALD 202, the method 500 may further include transmitting a reconnect request. The reconnect request may be transmitted to reconnect the ALD 202 with the DU 114.

[0097] At step 512, the method 500 includes initiating a discovery' procedure for the ALD 202 with the detected disconnect.

[0098] In an example embodiment, the address reassignment and the discovery' procedure are performed using a High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol signal.

[0099] In some embodiments, on failure response to the address reassignment attempt and the reconnect request, the method 500 may include initiating the ALD discovery (or scan) procedure. On receiving a successful response to the ALD discovery procedure, the method 500 may include reattempting the address reassignment procedure for the ALD 202. Further, on receiving a successful response to the address reassignment procedure, the method 500 may include transmitting a reconnect request to re-establish the connection between the ALD 202 and the DU 114. On receiving a success response to the ALD reconnect request, the ALD 202 with detected disconnect reconnects with the DU 114.

[0100] At step 514. the method 500 includes resetting a set of stored information associated with the ALD 202 with the detected disconnect and trigger the auto-reconnect timer.

[0101] In some embodiments, on failure response to the address reassignment attempt, the reconnect request, and the discovery procedure, the method 500 may include resetting the set of stored information associated with the ALD 202. In an example, the stored information may include a type of the ALD 202, a serial number of the ALD 202, an ALD configuration parameter (e.g., tilt), and the like. Further, the reset of the ALD 202 may be followed by triggering the auto-reconnect timer. Furthermore, the method 500 may include performing the discovery procedure on the ALD 202 upon expiry of the auto-reconnect timer.

[0102] In an embodiment, the method 500 may include performing inventory' management for the one or more ALDs 202 in the network. As used herein, the inventory management for the one or more ALDs 202 includes query ing device information from each of the one or more ALDs 202. The inventory' management may further includes storing the queried information in a storage associated with the DU 114. In an example, the storage associated with the DU 114 may be a persistent storage unit. The persistent storage unit retains data after power to thestorage unit is turned OFF. The inventory management may be further associated with restoring the connection between DU 114 and ALD 202. The connection may be restored remotely by the DU 1 14 acting as the ALD controller. Further, in the embodiment, the A1SG elementary procedure signal is used to query each of the one or more ALDs 202 in the network. In an example, the AISG elementary procedure signal may include AISG elementary procedures such as GET INFO. GET DEVICE DATA, GET TILT, and the like.

[0103] In the embodiment, the stored device information is used for restoring the connection between the DU 114 and the one or more ALDs 202 on detection of one or more predefined events. Further, in one or more embodiments, the one or more predefined events may correspond to one of a detection of the disconnect between the DU 114 and the ALD 202, a reset of the ALD 202 or a restart of the DU 114. The device infonnation may include an ALD identifier, the device type (e g. single RET, multi-RET. and the like), a device serial number, and device configuration parameters for each of the one or more ALDs 202 in the network. The device configuration parameters may include parameters such as ALD tilt, a vendor code, hardware and software versions associated with the ALD 202, device calibration status, and the like.

[0104] Furthermore, method 500 may include an identification of a mismatch between the configuration of the DU 114 and configuration of the one or more ALDs 202. Thereafter, the method may include reconfiguring the one or more ALDs 202 using the configuration of the DU 114.

[0105] While the above-discussed steps in Figure 5 are shown and described in a particular sequence, the steps may occur in variations to the sequence in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.

[0106] Further, the present disclosure also describes non-transitory computer program products (i.e., physically embodies computer program products) or non-transitory computer- readable mediums encoded with executable instructions that store instructions. The executable instructions, when executed by one or more processors, such as the processors 610, cause the one or more processors to perform a method for performing ALD auto-recovery and inventory management as described in the present disclosure, as elaborated in the preceding paragraphs. Examples of computer-readable mediums include non-volatile, hard-coded type mediums such as read-only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), and user-recordable type mediums such as floppy disks, hard disk drives and compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs).

[0107] Figure 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a device 600 associated with apparatus or the DU 114 and / or the ALD 202. As shown in Figure 6, the device 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620, a storage component 630, an input component 640, an output component 650, a communication interface 660, and a bus 670.

[0108] The processor 610, as used herein, means any type of computational circuit that may comprise hardware elements and software elements. The processor 610 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single-core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and / or one or more single-core processors, a distributed processing system, or the like. The processor 610 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component.

[0109] The memory' 620 includes a non-transitor ' computer-readable medium. The memory' 620 includes a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory' (ROM), and / or anothertype of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and / or an optical memory) that stores information and / or instructions for use by the processor 610. The memory 620 comprises machine-readable instructions which are executable by the processor 610. These machine-readable instructions when executed by the processor 610 cause the processor 610 to perform one or more method steps of an example embodiment described in the present disclosure.

[0110] The storage component 630 stores information and / or software related to the operation and use of the device 600. For example, the storage component 630 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, and / or a solid-state disk), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

[0111] The input component 640 is configured to receive information, such as user input. For example, the input component 640 may include, but not be limited to, a touchscreen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, and / or a microphone. Additionally, or alternatively, the input component 640 may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or an actuator).

[0112] The output component 650 is configured to provide output information from the device 600. For example, the output component 650 may be, but is not limited to, a display , a speaker, instructions to an external device, and / or one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0113] The communication interface 660 is an interface that provides a communication connection to other devices, such as external devices and internal devices. The connection by the communication interface 660 can be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections, and can be a direct connection or an indirectconnection via a communication network that exists between the device 600 and other devices.In other words, the standard of the communication interface 660 is not limited.

[0114] The bus 670 acts as an interconnect between the processor 610, the memory 620, the storage component 630, the input component 640, the output component 650. and the communication interface 660 of the device 600. The bus 670 may include a wired interconnection or a wireless interconnection.

[0115] The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 6 are provided as an example. In practice, the device 600 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Figure 6. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the device 600 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the device 600. Further, one or more method steps described in any of the exemplary embodiments may be performed utilizing a plurality of devices 600 in communication with one another.

[0116] An apparatus configured to detect a disconnect between the apparatus and an Antenna Line Device (ALD) in a network comprising one or more ALDs. Further, the apparatus is configured to initiate an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect. Further, the apparatus upon an expiry' of the auto-reconnect timer is configured to perform one or more of the following. The apparatus is configured to transmit a reconnect request to re-establish a connection between the apparatus and the ALD with the detected disconnect. Further, the apparatus is configured to attempt an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the apparatus to the ALD prior to the detected disconnect. Further, the apparatus is configured to initiate a discovery procedure for the ALD with the detected disconnect. Furthermore, theapparatus is configured to reset a set of stored information associated with the ALD with the detected disconnect and trigger the auto-reconnect timer.

[0117] The apparatus as described in

[0115] , wherein the apparatus is configured to transmit periodically an Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) elementary procedure request signal at a predetermined interval to maintain the connection between the apparatus and the one or more ALDs in the network. Further, the apparatus is configured to detect the disconnect between the apparatus and the ALD based on a received failure response to the AISG elementary procedure request signal.

[0118] The apparatus as described in

[0115] to

[0116] , wherein the address reassignment and the discovery procedure are perfonned using a High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol signal.

[0119] The apparatus as described in

[0115] to

[0117] , wherein the apparatus is configured to query each of the one or more ALDs in the network for corresponding device information. Further, the apparatus is configured to store the device information at a storage associated with the apparatus. The stored device information is used for restoring the connection between the apparatus and the one or more ALDs on detection of one or more events.

[0120] The apparatus as described in

[0115] to

[0118] , wherein the one or more events corresponds at least one of a detection of the disconnect between the apparatus and the ALD or a reset of the ALD or a restart of the apparatus.

[0121] The apparatus as described in

[0115] to

[0119] , wherein the device information comprises an ALD identifier, device type, device serial number, and device configuration parameters for each of the one or more ALDs in the network.

[0122] The apparatus as described in

[0115] to

[0120] , wherein the AISG elementary procedure signal is used to query each of the one or more ALDs in the network.

[0123] The apparatus as described in

[0115] to

[0121] , wherein the apparatus is configured to reconfigure the one or more ALDs using apparatus configuration. Further, wherein the one or more ALDs are reconfigured based on an identification of a mismatch between apparatus configuration and configuration of the one or more ALDs.

[0124] The apparatus as described in

[0115] to

[0122] , wherein the apparatus corresponds to an ALD controller at a Distributed Unit (DU) in the network.

[0125] A method comprises detecting a disconnect between a Distributed Unit (DU) and an Antenna Line Device (ALD) in a network comprising one or more ALDs. Further, the method comprises initiating an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect. Further, the method upon an expiry of the auto-reconnect timer, comprises performing one or more of the following. The method comprises transmitting a reconnect request to re-establish a connection between the DU and the ALD with the detected disconnect. Further, the method comprises attempting an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the DU to the ALD prior to the detected disconnect. Further, the method comprises initiating a discovery' procedure for the ALD with the detected disconnect. Furthermore, the method comprises resetting a set of stored information associated with the ALD with the detected disconnect and trigger the autoreconnect timer.

[0126] The method as described in

[0124] , wherein the method comprises transmitting periodically an Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) elementary' procedure request signal at a predetermined interval to maintain the connection between the DU and the one or more ALDs in the network. The method further comprises detecting the disconnect between the DUand the ALD based on a received failure response to the AISG elementary procedure request signal.

[0127] The method as described in

[0124] to

[0125] , wherein the address reassignment and the discovery procedure are performed using a High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol signal.

[0128] The method as described in

[0124] to

[0126] , wherein the method comprises querying each of the one or more ALDs in the network for corresponding device information. The method further comprises storing the device information at a storage of the DU. The stored device information is used for restoring the connection between the DU and the one or more ALDs on detection of one or more events.

[0129] The method as described in

[0124] to

[0127] , wherein the one or more events correspond at least one of a detection of the disconnect between the DU and the ALD, or a reset of the ALD, or a restart of the DU.

[0130] The method as described in

[0124] to

[0128] , wherein the device information comprises an ALD identifier, device ty pe, device serial number, and device configuration parameters for each of the one or more ALDs in the network.

[0131] The method as described in

[0124] to

[0129] , wherein the AISG elementary procedure signal is used to query each of the one or more ALDs in the network.

[0132] The method as described in

[0124] to

[0130] , wherein the method comprises reconfiguring the one or more ALDs using the configuration of the DU. Further, wherein the one or more ALDs are reconfigured based on an identification of a mismatch between the configuration of the DU and configuration of the one or more ALDs.

[0133] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by Distributed Unit (DU) comprising one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to detect a disconnect between the apparatus and an Antenna Line Device (ALD) in a network comprising one or more ALDs. Further, the instructions when executed cause the processor to initiate an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect. Further, upon an expiry of the auto-reconnect timer, the instructions when executed cause the processor to perform one or more of the following. The instructions when executed cause the processor to transmit a reconnect request to re-establish a connection between the apparatus and the ALD with the detected disconnect. Further, the instructions when executed cause the processor to attempt an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the apparatus to the ALD prior to the detected disconnect. Further, the instructions when executed cause the processor to initiate a discovery’ procedure for the ALD with the detected disconnect. Further, the instructions when executed cause the processor to reset a set of stored information associated with the ALD with the detected disconnect and trigger the auto-reconnect timer.

[0134] The non-transitory' computer-readable medium storing instructions as described in

[0132] , the one or more instructions cause the one or more processors to transmit periodically an Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) elementary procedure request signal at a predetermined interval. The AISG elementary procedure request signal transmitted to maintain the connection between the apparatus and the one or more ALDs in the network. Further, the instructions when executed cause the processor to detect the disconnect between the apparatus and the ALD based on a received failure response to the AISG elementary procedure request signal.

[0135] The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions as described in

[0132] to

[0133] wherein the address reassignment and the discovery procedure are performed using a High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol signal.

[0136] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the elements. The elements can be at least one of a hardware device or a combination of hardware devices and software modules.

[0137] It is understood that terms including “unif ' or “module” at the end may refer to the unit for processing at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0138] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0139] The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein.

[0140] Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown: nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope ofembodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

[0141] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.

[0142] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of at least one embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

We claim:

1. An apparatus configured to: detect a disconnect between the apparatus and an Antenna Line Device (ALD) in a network comprising one or more ALDs; initiate an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect; upon an expiry of the auto-reconnect timer, perfonn one or more of: transmit a reconnect request to re-establish a connection between the apparatus and the ALD with the detected disconnect; attempt an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the apparatus to the ALD prior to the detected disconnect; initiate a discovery procedure for the ALD with the detected disconnect; or reset a set of stored information associated with the ALD with the detected disconnect and trigger the auto-reconnect timer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein to detect the disconnect between the apparatus and the ALD, the apparatus is configured to: transmit periodically an Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) elementary procedure request signal at a predetermined interval to maintain the connection between the apparatus and the one or more ALDs in the network; and detect the disconnect between the apparatus and the ALD based on a received failure response to the AISG elementary procedure request signal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the address reassignment and the discovery procedure are performed using a High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol signal.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: query each of the one or more ALDs in the network for corresponding device information; and store the device information at a storage associated with the apparatus, wherein the stored device information is used for restoring the connection between the apparatus and the one or more ALDs on detection of one or more events.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more events corresponds at least one of a detection of the disconnect between the apparatus and the ALD or a reset of the ALD or a restart of the apparatus.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the device information comprises an ALD identifier, device type, device serial number, and device configuration parameters for each of the one or more ALDs in the network.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the AISG elementary procedure signal is used to query each of the one or more ALDs in the network.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus is configured to:reconfigure the one or more ALDs using apparatus configuration, wherein the one or more ALDs are reconfigured based on an identification of a mismatch between apparatus configuration and configuration of the one or more ALDs.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus corresponds to an ALD controller at a Distributed Unit (DU) in the network.

10. A method comprising: detecting a disconnect between a Distributed Unit (DU) and an Antenna Line Device (ALD) in a network comprising one or more ALDs; initiating an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect; upon an expiry of the auto-reconnect timer, performing one or more of: transmitting a reconnect request to re-establish a connection betw een the DU and the ALD with the detected disconnect; attempting an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the DU to the ALD prior to the detected disconnect; initiating a discovery procedure for the ALD with the detected disconnect; or resetting a set of stored information associated with the ALD with the detected disconnect and trigger the auto-reconnect timer.11 . The method of claim 10, wherein for detecting the disconnect between the DU and the ALD, the method comprises:transmiting periodically an Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) elementary procedure request signal at a predetermined interval to maintain the connection between the DU and the one or more ALDs in the network; and detecting the disconnect between the DU and the ALD based on a received failure response to the AISG elementary procedure request signal.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the address reassignment and the discovery procedure are performed using a High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol signal.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the method comprises: query ing each of the one or more ALDs in the network for corresponding device information; and storing the device information at a storage of the DU, wherein the stored device information is used for restoring the connection between the DU and the one or more ALDs on detection of one or more events.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more events correspond at least one of a detection of the disconnect between the DU and the ALD, or a reset of the ALD or a restart of the DU.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the device information comprises an ALD identifier. device type, device serial number, and device configuration parameters for each of the one or more ALDs in the network.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the AISG elementary procedure signal is used to query each of the one or more ALDs in the network.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the method comprises: reconfiguring the one or more ALDs using configuration of the DU, wherein the one or more ALDs are reconfigured based on an identification of a mismatch between the configuration of the DU and configuration of the one or more ALDs.

18. A non -transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions comprising: one or more instructions that, when executed by Distributed Unit (DU) comprising one or more processors, cause the one or more processors: detect a disconnect between the apparatus and an Antenna Line Device (ALD) in a network comprising one or more ALDs; initiate an auto-reconnect timer based on the detected disconnect; upon an expiry of the auto-reconnect timer, perform one or more of: transmit a reconnect request to re-establish a connection between the apparatus and the ALD with the detected disconnect;attempt an address reassignment with an address value assigned by the apparatus to the ALD prior to the detected disconnect; initiate a discovery procedure for the ALD with the detected disconnect; or reset a set of stored information associated with the ALD with the detected disconnect and trigger the auto-reconnect timer.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions of claim 18, wherein to detect the disconnect between the apparatus and the ALD, the one or more instructions cause the one or more processors to: transmit periodically an Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) elementary procedure request signal at a predetermined interval to maintain the connection between the apparatus and the one or more ALDs in the network; and detect the disconnect between the apparatus and the ALD based on a received failure response to the AISG elementary procedure request signal.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions of claim 18, wherein the address reassignment and the discovery' procedure are performed using a High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol signal.

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