Base Station Neighbor Cell List Compilation via ECGI Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communications networks, the limited number of available cell identifiers leads to identifier collisions among nearby base stations, causing inaccuracies in neighbor cell lists used for handovers, as multiple base stations may use the same identifier, resulting in incorrect association of measurement reports and potential handover failures.
Innovation Solution
A method where base stations periodically request connected wireless devices to report detected unique identifiers of other base stations, allowing the compilation of accurate neighbor cell lists by distinguishing between base stations with shared physical cell identifiers through ECGI reporting and core network involvement, ensuring identifier uniqueness and accurate network reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If base stations use a limited pool of cell identifiers, then the number of available identifiers is reduced, but identifier collisions occur among nearby base stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second dimension of identification by using ECGI (E-UTRAN Cell Global Identifier) in addition to the traditional physical cell identifier. This dimensional expansion allows the system to distinguish between multiple base stations that share the same physical cell identifier, thereby resolving identifier collisions while maintaining the limited pool of physical identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses measurement reports from wireless devices as an intermediary mechanism. These reports contain ECGI information that helps the base station identify and distinguish between neighboring base stations with shared physical cell identifiers, enabling accurate neighbor cell list compilation without requiring unique physical identifiers for all base stations.
2Productivity
If base stations share the same physical cell identifier, then resource allocation is optimized, but neighbor cell list accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where wireless devices provide measurement reports containing ECGI information about detected base stations. This feedback enables the base station to accurately identify neighboring cells even when they share physical cell identifiers, thereby maintaining neighbor cell list accuracy while allowing identifier reuse for resource optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
By incorporating ECGI (a higher-dimensional identifier) into the neighbor cell identification process, the system can distinguish between multiple base stations using the same physical cell identifier. This dimensional enhancement resolves the conflict between identifier reuse and neighbor cell list accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If measurement reports are used to compile neighbor cell lists, then handover preparation is enabled, but incorrect association occurs due to identifier collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ECGI as an intermediary identifier in measurement reports. This additional identifier layer allows the base station to correctly associate measurement reports with the appropriate neighboring base stations, even when physical cell identifiers are shared, thereby preventing incorrect information association while maintaining ease of handover preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of forming a neighbor cell list in a base station of a cellular communications network comprises, at periodic intervals, and for specified durations: requesting the or each wireless device that is in connected mode with the base station to report a unique identifier for each other base station that it is able to detect; receiving reports from the or each wireless device that is in connected mode with the base station; and operating with a neighbor cell list compiled on the basis of the received reports.