Autonomous Cell Reselection for Self-Organizing Network Neighbor Lists
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Compiling neighbor lists for cellular networks can be labor-intensive and complex due to varying radio propagation characteristics, especially in self-organizing networks, where automation is limited and existing methods may disrupt normal network operations during inter-frequency handovers.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that store information about source cells, including their identities and physical characteristics, to autonomously initiate cell selection or reselection procedures and transmit this information to target cells, allowing network nodes to update neighbor lists based on user equipment (UE) notification messages, enabling self-organizing network functionality without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If neighbor lists are manually compiled for each cell, then the accuracy and completeness of neighbor lists improve, but the network planning complexity and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-organizing networks where base stations automatically generate and update neighbor lists based on measurement data from user equipment, eliminating manual compilation. The network autonomously performs neighbor list management through automated measurement collection, analysis, and update procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Measurement data is collected and analyzed in advance to determine neighbor relationships before formal neighbor list updates are performed. The system proactively identifies potential neighbor cells through ongoing measurements and prepares update candidates before executing the actual neighbor list modifications
2Productivity
If automated neighbor list compilation is implemented, then the network planning effort is reduced, but the reliability of neighbor list accuracy may deteriorate due to automation limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects measurement data from user equipment and uses this feedback to automatically update neighbor lists. Measurement reports from multiple UEs provide ongoing feedback about signal conditions and cell visibility, enabling the network to refine neighbor lists based on actual operational data rather than static planning assumptions
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical processes of neighbor list compilation are replaced with automated electronic measurement and analysis systems. The patent substitutes human planners with automated algorithms that process measurement data, perform cell identification, and generate neighbor list updates through computational procedures
3Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are used, then network control is maintained, but disruption to normal network operations occurs during inter-frequency handovers
Solution Approach 1:
User equipment performs measurements and identifies potential target cells before handover is initiated. The UE autonomously evaluates neighbor cell conditions and prepares handover candidates in advance, allowing faster execution with minimal disruption to ongoing communications
Solution Approach 2:
User equipment autonomously performs cell selection and reselection procedures without requiring extensive network intervention. The UE independently evaluates measurement data, identifies suitable target cells, and executes handovers with minimal network signaling, reducing control overhead and disruption time
4Measurement precision
If dedicated active mode measurements are performed, then measurement precision improves, but the complexity and resource consumption of network operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing measurement procedures and data collected for other purposes (such as signal quality monitoring and mobility management) to also determine neighbor list updates. General-purpose measurement data is repurposed for neighbor relationship identification, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
User equipment autonomously performs measurements and analyzes data without requiring network-initiated measurement commands. The UE independently collects signal measurements, processes the data to identify neighbor cells, and reports findings to the network, reducing network control complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a user equipment initiates autonomous cell reselection from a source cell to a target cell. Subsequent to the reselection, the user equipment transmits information relating to the source cell to the target cell. The network is in some embodiments configured to use the information for self-organizing network purposes by connecting source-target cell pairs as neighbors.