Auto-Discovering Base Station Neighbor Lists via Location Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of base station neighbors in wireless communication networks is time-consuming, costly, and static, failing to account for dynamic network changes such as service outages and signal degradation due to shadowing and line of sight issues, especially in urban areas with emerging 4G technologies like LTE and WiMAX.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for automatic discovery and dynamic updating of base station neighbor relations, using a server to generate and transmit neighbor lists based on location and range information from local and remote network nodes, allowing for proactive handoffs and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of base station neighbors is used, then initial network setup is completed, but the configuration becomes static and cannot adapt to dynamic network changes such as service outages and signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables base stations to automatically discover and update their own neighbor lists by exchanging configuration information (location, range) with neighboring base stations and controllers, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration when network conditions change. Each base station autonomously determines its neighbor relations based on received configuration data.
Solution Approach 2:
The neighbor list configuration transitions from a static manual setup to a dynamic automatic discovery process. Base stations continuously exchange configuration information and update neighbor lists in real-time based on current network conditions, service availability, and signal characteristics, enabling adaptive response to changes without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If manual configuration of base station neighbors is performed, then initial neighbor lists are established, but the process is time-consuming and costly for network operators
Solution Approach 1:
Base stations automatically perform the neighbor discovery function that previously required manual network planning and configuration. By autonomously exchanging configuration information with controllers and neighboring base stations, the system eliminates the time-consuming manual processes of network planning, development, and operational optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
Base stations exchange configuration information (location, range) in advance to pre-determine neighbor relations before actual network operation begins. This preliminary automatic discovery process establishes optimal neighbor lists upfront, avoiding the need for subsequent manual adjustments and accelerates network deployment.
3Reliability
If base stations use fixed neighbor lists, then handoff procedures are simplified, but handoff reliability deteriorates when base stations become unavailable or operate at capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Neighbor lists transition from fixed static configurations to dynamic automatically updated lists. Base stations continuously monitor the availability and capacity of neighboring base stations, and automatically update neighbor relations to reflect current network conditions, ensuring handoff reliability even when base stations become unavailable or operate at capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where base stations exchange configuration information and monitor each other's operational status. This feedback enables automatic detection of unavailable base stations or those operating at capacity, triggering updates to neighbor lists to maintain reliable handoff capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If automatic discovery of base station neighbors is implemented, then neighbor lists are dynamically updated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic discovery function is segmented and distributed across multiple network entities: base stations exchange configuration information with controllers, controllers propagate information to neighboring base stations, and each base station independently determines its neighbor list. This segmentation distributes the complexity rather than concentrating it in a single centralized system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed that include determining a local node 110 configuration for a local network node 110. The local network node 110 configuration can include a local range and a local location. In addition, these systems and methods can include receiving a remote network node 112 configuration for a remote network node 112 via a communications link. The remote network node 112 configuration can include a remote range and a remote location. Also these systems and methods can further include generating a neighbor list 1402 that includes the remote network node 112 and the local network node 110. The neighbor list can be determined using the local network node 110 configuration and the remote network node 112 configuration.