Radio Base Station Initialization via Location-Based Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of new radio base stations is complicated due to demanding physical environments and varying technician skills, with a need to minimize manual configuration to reduce human error and training requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method where a radio base station is initialized using a configuration server to send connectivity parameters over a separate communication link, allowing the base station to establish a permanent connection with the core network without on-site manual configuration, utilizing point-to-point or broadcast communication to receive configuration messages and location data for accurate identification and setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual configuration is performed on-site by technicians, then initial data can be entered and self-configuring function activated, but human errors increase and technician skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs self-configuration by automatically obtaining location data, identifying itself in the configuration server, and receiving configuration messages without requiring technician intervention. The system serves itself by using its own location data (from GPS or other location obtainers) to retrieve its configuration, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration server pre-stores configuration messages associated with location data before deployment. When the base station powers up, the configuration process has already been prepared in advance at the server side, allowing immediate automatic configuration without requiring on-site manual setup. This preliminary preparation enables the base station to quickly obtain its configuration autonomously.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual configuration is performed on-site, then initial data can be entered, but deployment complexity increases and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex configuration process is extracted from the on-site deployment activity and moved to the configuration server. Technicians no longer need to perform manual configuration tasks; instead, the base station automatically retrieves its configuration from the server using its location data. This extraction simplifies the deployment process while the server handles the complexity of configuration management.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration server acts as an intermediary between the base station and the configuration data. Instead of technicians directly managing configuration parameters, the base station communicates with the server, which automatically provides the appropriate configuration messages based on location data. This intermediary eliminates the need for manual configuration while maintaining system control.
3Loss of time
If on-site installer enters initial data, then base station identity can be provided, but deployment time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station automatically obtains its own location data and uses it to identify itself in the configuration server, eliminating the time-consuming manual data entry process. This self-service approach allows the base station to quickly configure itself as soon as it is powered up and connected to the network, significantly reducing deployment time and increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration server has configuration messages prepared in advance and associated with location data before deployment occurs. When the base station powers up, the configuration is immediately available through automatic retrieval, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site data entry and accelerating the deployment process.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~4A
Figure 4B~4C
AI summary
It is presented a method for initialising a radio base station. The method comprises the steps, performed in the radio base station, of: obtaining location data for the radio base station; receiving a configuration message over a first communication link, the configuration message matching the location data for the radio base station and the configuration message comprising at least one connectivity parameter; and establishing, based on the at least one connectivity parameter, a connection with a core network over a second communication link, the second communication link being different from the first communication link. This means that the first communication link can be used to obtain connectivity using the configuration message intended for the radio base station with the matching location. A corresponding radio base station, computer program and computer program product are also presented.