Base Station Fault Isolation in Multi-Operator Core Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-operator core networks, when a network fault occurs, such as a broken S1 link, there is no effective method to prevent User Equipment (UE) from accessing the faulty operator's network, leading to abnormal phenomena like repeated connection attempts and releases.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that acquire and notify the identifier of a faulty operator within a base station's coverage, using messages like System Information Block (SIB) messages to prevent UE from accessing the faulty network, and notify adjacent base stations to forbid handovers to the faulty operator, thereby identifying and isolating faulty operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple operators share a network within base station coverage, then network construction costs are reduced, but network complexity increases and fault processing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network fault management by introducing operator-specific identification mechanisms. Each operator's network is uniquely identified through PLMN IDs and specific S1 link identifiers, allowing the system to treat multiple operators' shared resources as separatable entities. This segmentation enables precise fault isolation to specific operators without affecting others sharing the same physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fault detection and notification mechanism between the physical network infrastructure and multiple operators. The base station acts as an intermediary that monitors S1 link status for each operator separately and communicates fault information through standardized signaling messages, mediating between the shared physical layer and multiple logical operator networks.
2Device complexity
If no fault processing method is implemented, then system simplicity is maintained, but UE continues to access faulty networks causing abnormal phenomena like repeated connection attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the base station continuously monitors S1 link status for each operator and provides real-time fault information to UEs through system information blocks. When a fault is detected, the base station updates the faulty operator list in broadcast messages, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically informs UEs of network status changes without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary fault detection and notification actions before UEs attempt to access faulty networks. By continuously monitoring S1 link status and proactively broadcasting faulty operator information in system messages, the system prevents UEs from initiating connections to failed networks, avoiding repeated connection attempts and releases before they occur.
3Quantity of substance
If fault information is not communicated to UEs, then message traffic is reduced, but UEs cannot identify faulty operators and continue attempting access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fault information communication with existing mandatory system broadcast messages. Faulty operator lists are integrated into regular system information blocks that UEs must already receive for basic network operation. This combining approach communicates essential fault data without adding separate dedicated message traffic, as the fault information is embedded in messages UEs are already required to process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the system information blocks serve multiple functions: they provide both standard network access information and operator-specific fault status information. The same broadcast messages that UEs use for basic cell selection and access also convey fault awareness data, making the communication channel universal and eliminating the need for separate fault notification infrastructure.
4Quantity of substance
If adjacent base stations are not notified of faults, then inter-base station signaling is reduced, but handovers to faulty operators cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the X2 interface as an intermediary communication channel between adjacent base stations. When a base station detects a fault, it notifies neighboring base stations through standardized X2 signaling messages, which carry fault information that enables adjacent stations to make informed handover decisions without requiring direct coordination with the core network or other complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for processing a fault in a multi-operator core network are disclosed. The method is applied to a first base station, where multiple operators share a network within coverage of the first base station, and the method includes: acquiring an identifier of a faulty operator, where the faulty operator is an operator whose network is faulty within coverage of the first base station; and notifying UE served by the first base station of the identifier of the faulty operator by using a specified message, so that the UE served by the first base station no longer accesses the network of the faulty operator within coverage of the first base station.