Automatic Neighbor Relations for Wireless Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face challenges in balancing load between band classes due to limited awareness of neighboring cells and inefficient handover processes, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and potential congestion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an automatic neighbor relations protocol that configures and reconfigures neighbor lists based on signal measurements and network characteristics to determine preferred band classes, allowing for dynamic adjustment of neighboring cells and optimizing handover processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual neighbor list configuration is used, then network control is simplified, but network load balancing between band classes deteriorates due to limited awareness of neighboring cells
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic neighbor relations where the network self-configures neighbor lists by having wireless devices report neighboring cell signals. The network node automatically processes these reports to identify and add neighboring cells to the neighbor list without manual configuration, achieving both automation and load balancing
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where wireless devices continuously report signal measurements of neighboring cells to the network node. The network node uses this feedback to dynamically update neighbor lists and make informed handover decisions, improving load balancing through data-driven adjustments
2Loss of information
If automatic neighbor relations protocol is implemented, then awareness of neighboring cells is improved, but device complexity increases due to measurement and reporting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The neighbor relation mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it builds the neighbor list for handover decisions, provides load balancing information across band classes, and enables dynamic network optimization. This multi-functionality justifies the measurement and reporting overhead by delivering multiple benefits from a single protocol framework
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary that receives raw signal measurements from wireless devices, processes this information to identify neighboring cells, and converts it into structured neighbor list data. This intermediary processing reduces the complexity burden on individual devices by centralizing the analysis and decision-making functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent neighbor list reconfiguration is performed, then network adaptability to changing conditions is improved, but network stability deteriorates due to continuous changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs neighbor list reconfiguration periodically based on time periods and accumulated measurement data, rather than continuously reacting to every signal change. This periodic approach allows the network to adapt to gradual load changes while maintaining stability during intermediate periods when the neighbor list remains unchanged
Solution Approach 2:
The system accumulates signal measurements and analyzes network conditions over a time period before triggering neighbor list reconfiguration. This preliminary data collection and analysis phase ensures that reconfiguration decisions are based on sustained trends rather than transient fluctuations, improving both adaptability and stability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for balancing wireless network load between band classes using automatic neighbor relations or another similar protocol. Serving cells may use neighbor lists to determine a number of first neighboring cells associated with band classes, the band classes being defined by signal frequencies. Over one or more periods of time, each of the serving cells may receive network characteristics for second neighboring cells. The neighbor lists may be reconfigured based on the network characteristics, and a number of second neighboring cells in each of the band classes in the reconfigured neighbor lists may be compared with the number of first neighboring cells in each of the band classes to determine a preferred band class for each serving cell or within a cluster of serving cells. Wireless devices may be instructed to initiate wireless connections with cells outside the preferred band class.