5G PCI Configuration and MRO for Handover Conflict Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, issues such as PCI collisions and confusion arise due to the reuse of physical-layer cell identifiers, leading to impaired handover performance and network capacity, which existing network planning tools struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing distributed and centralized PCI configuration management, along with Mobility Robustness Optimization (MRO), to dynamically adjust handover parameters and resolve PCI conflicts by reassigning unique identifiers using network function (NF) provisioning and supervision mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PCI values are reused to increase network capacity, then network capacity is improved, but PCI collisions and confusion occur affecting handover performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of PCI conflicts before handover operations. The network node detects PCI confusion and collisions in advance by monitoring PCI values of neighboring cells, then proactively resolves conflicts by reassigning PCIs or adjusting handover parameters before they affect handover performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where handover performance metrics are monitored and fed back to the control algorithm. When PCI conflicts are detected through feedback from handover failure rates or PCI confusion detection, the system automatically adjusts handover parameters or reassigns PCIs to resolve the conflicts.
2Reliability
If handover parameters are adjusted to improve handover performance, then handover performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs self-configuration of handover parameters and automatic detection of PCI conflicts without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously monitors PCI values, detects conflicts, and adjusts handover parameters or reassigns PCIs automatically, reducing operational complexity while maintaining improved handover performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts handover parameters such as handover thresholds, hysteresis values, and timing advance parameters based on detected PCI conflict conditions. By changing these parameters adaptively rather than using fixed complex algorithms, the system improves handover performance while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
3Reliability
If distributed PCI configuration is implemented to reduce conflicts, then PCI conflict resolution is improved, but coordination overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCI configuration management is segmented and distributed to individual network nodes rather than centralized. Each network node independently detects PCI conflicts in its local neighborhood and autonomously resolves them by selecting alternative PCI values from available pools, reducing the coordination overhead while maintaining effective conflict resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and storage media are described for physical-layer cell identifier (PCI) configuration and Mobility Robustness Optimization (MRO). In particular, some embodiments may be directed to fifth-generation self-organizing network (5G SON) solutions such as the management of distributed physical-layer cell identifier (PCI) configuration, centralized PCI configuration, and MRO. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.