Automatic Neighbor Relations Augmentation in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular telecommunications networks, Automatic Neighbor Relations (ANR) often add distant neighbors due to radio frequency propagation anomalies, leading to poor handover performance and user perception issues, as these distant neighbors may not be effectively managed.
Innovation Solution
The solution identifies and disables poorly performing neighbors based on distance and performance, determines an optimal maximum distance threshold for each cell and frequency, and reenables previously disabled neighbors if better performing neighbors are detected, using network performance measurements and successful handover data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ANR automatically adds distant neighbors based on UE measurement reports, then the neighbor list coverage is improved, but the handover performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the maximum distance threshold parameter based on propagation conditions, frequency band, and observed handover performance. This allows the system to adapt the neighbor addition criteria to achieve optimal balance between coverage and handover reliability under different network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring handover performance metrics for distant neighbors and using this information to adjust future neighbor addition decisions. The feedback loop enables the system to learn from past handover outcomes and optimize the neighbor list to improve overall handover success rates.
2Area of stationary object
If distant neighbors are added to the neighbor list, then the network coverage is extended, but the user perception quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between various frequency bands and propagation environments, applying appropriate distance thresholds and evaluation criteria specific to each local context. This ensures that distant neighbors are only added when they meet the specific quality requirements for that particular frequency and environmental condition.
3Extent of automation
If ANR adds all detected neighbors, then the automation level is improved, but the network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by making the neighbor addition process adaptive rather than static. The maximum distance threshold and evaluation criteria dynamically adjust based on observed network performance, propagation conditions, and frequency characteristics, allowing the automated system to optimize network performance while maintaining high automation levels.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example embodiment, a network node for augmenting automatic neighbor relations in a wireless communication network carries out a method in which a list of neighbors of a cell in the wireless communication network and at least one performance characteristic associated with each of one or more of the neighbors are obtained. The network node determines a distance of each of the one or more neighbors from the cell and determines a distance threshold based on the at least one performance characteristic. The network node compares the distance of the one or more neighbors to the distance threshold, and, based on the distance threshold comparison, disables one or more neighbors in the list from operating as a neighbor for the cell.