Access Node Self-Configuration Using Backhaul Network Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern communication networks face challenges in providing sufficient network coverage and capacity, particularly in urban environments where high user density and urban infrastructure attenuate signals, necessitating the deployment of more network nodes that require complex configuration.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a backhaul sub-node and an access sub-node that automatically configures itself by gathering network environment information and transmitting it to a network management node, which generates a bespoke configuration for the access sub-node based on this information, enhancing network coverage and capacity without requiring technical input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If more network nodes are deployed to improve network coverage and capacity, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but the complexity of configuration increases and manual configuration burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The newly deployed network node automatically configures itself by gathering information about the network environment and receiving configuration parameters from a network management node, eliminating the need for manual configuration by technicians. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling rapid deployment without increasing configuration complexity burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management node pre-prepares configuration parameters based on network environment information gathered by the backhaul sub-node before the access sub-node becomes operational. This preliminary action allows the node to be deployed without requiring immediate manual configuration, thus improving coverage while managing configuration complexity.
2Productivity
If more network nodes are deployed to improve network coverage and capacity, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but the number of technicians required for configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated self-configuration process allows network nodes to deploy and configure themselves without technician intervention. The backhaul sub-node gathers network environment information and the network management node generates appropriate configuration parameters for the access sub-node, thereby improving network capacity while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management node acts as an intermediary between the backhaul sub-node (which gathers environment information) and the access sub-node (which needs configuration). This intermediary automatically translates network environment information into appropriate configuration parameters, eliminating the need for technicians to perform manual configuration tasks.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is performed for each newly deployed node, then configuration accuracy is improved, but deployment time and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network management node prepares configuration parameters in advance based on network environment information gathered by the backhaul sub-node. This preliminary configuration preparation ensures accuracy while enabling rapid deployment, as the configuration is ready before the access sub-node becomes operational, thus reducing deployment time without sacrificing configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The backhaul sub-node gathers feedback information about the network environment (such as signal conditions, existing nodes, and interference levels) and transmits this information to the network management node. The management node uses this feedback to generate accurate configuration parameters for the access sub-node, ensuring configuration accuracy while automating the process to reduce deployment time.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, method of operating the apparatus, and system comprising the apparatus are provided. The apparatus has a backhaul sub-node to provide a backhaul connection to a communications network and an access sub-node to provide an access cell to which user equipment can connect. In response to a configuration trigger a configuration procedure is performed, in which the backhaul sub-node gathers information about the network environment and transmits at least a portion of the information about the network environment to a network management node. The the network management node then generates an access sub-node configuration which it transmits to the access sub-node, where the configuration is dependent on the information about the network environment transmitted to the network management node by the backhaul sub-node. The backhaul sub-node's greater ability to gather information about the network environment thus supports an improved configuration for the access sub-node, without technical input from the user being required.