ANR Maintenance in Dual Connectivity Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing the Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR) function in dual connectivity (DC) networks, where two network nodes provide services to user equipment (UE), is challenging due to the complexity of interworking between LTE and NR technologies, particularly in scenarios where NR cells need to maintain inter-RAT neighbor relations and support missing neighboring cells in their lists.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first LTE node requests the second NR node to configure measurement and instruct the terminal to report ANR-related information, including frequency point information and physical cell identifier (PCI), allowing both nodes to maintain neighbor relations by exchanging information such as PLMN lists, cell identifiers, and system broadcast information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ANR function is implemented in dual connectivity network with two network nodes, then neighbor relation maintenance capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ANR function implementation by defining distinct roles for master node and secondary node. The master node generates ANR information and manages the overall ANR function, while the secondary node provides measurement configuration and reporting. This segmentation allows the complex ANR function to be distributed across two nodes with clearly defined responsibilities, improving reliability without overwhelming either node with full complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the master node acts as the primary ANR manager that coordinates with the secondary node. The master node receives measurement reports from the UE and processes ANR information, while the secondary node serves as an intermediary that provides measurement capabilities and forwards relevant information. This intermediary approach enables reliable ANR maintenance while distributing complexity through defined interaction protocols.
2Measurement precision
If NR base station configures measurement and collects ANR information, then neighbor cell detection accuracy is improved, but information exchange overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential ANR-related information from the measurement process. Instead of exchanging all measurement data, the system extracts and transmits specifically the ANR information elements such as detected cell IDs, frequency points, and measurement results. This extraction approach maintains high detection accuracy by collecting necessary measurement data while minimizing information exchange overhead by transmitting only the extracted ANR-relevant portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of measurement parameters by the secondary node before actual measurements occur. The secondary node pre-configures measurement objects, reporting configurations, and criteria based on expected ANR needs. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare measurement frameworks in advance, reducing the need for extensive real-time information exchange and improving detection efficiency while controlling overhead.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a neighbor relationship maintenance method and apparatus, and a network device. The method comprises: a first node configuring measurement and instructing a terminal to report ANR-related information, or requesting a second node configure measurement and instruct the terminal to report the ANR-related information.