Base Station Passive Neighbor Configuration via Handover Parsing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for base stations to gather neighbor configuration information are resource-intensive, prone to staleness, and can cause service disturbances, especially in environments with multiple vendors and varying equipment capabilities, and fail to detect new frequencies or handle large numbers of cells effectively.
Innovation Solution
A base station implements a processor to passively collect neighbor information by parsing handover request messages, extracting configuration details from information elements, and storing this information to adjust its operation, thereby avoiding the need for periodic scans or resource-intensive queries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If base stations perform periodic scans to collect neighbor configuration information, then information freshness is improved, but service disturbances and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the Management System push neighbor configuration information to eNodeBs in advance before handover events occur. This pre-loading of information eliminates the need for periodic scans during critical service periods, as the configuration data is already available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the Management System receives status information from eNodeBs and automatically pushes updated neighbor configuration information when changes are detected. This feedback-driven approach ensures information freshness without requiring continuous scanning, as updates are triggered by actual configuration changes rather than periodic schedules.
2Loss of information
If base stations use REM methods to scan neighbor frequencies, then neighbor configuration information is collected, but service disturbances occur during full-band sweeps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful full-band sweep operation from the information collection process. Instead of requiring eNodeBs to perform comprehensive frequency scans that disrupt service, the Management System collects and pushes neighbor configuration information directly, eliminating the need for disruptive REM scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The Management System serves as an intermediary between information sources and eNodeBs. Rather than eNodeBs directly scanning and processing neighbor frequencies (which causes service disturbances), the Management System acts as a mediator that collects configuration information and delivers it to eNodeBs on demand, eliminating the harmful scanning operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If base stations establish X2 relationships with all neighboring eNodeBs, then communication capability is improved, but system complexity and traffic congestion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by having the Management System serve multiple functions: it manages handover decisions, collects neighbor configuration information, and pushes updates to eNodeBs. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for eNodeBs to establish direct X2 relationships with all neighbors, as the Management System centralizes these functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The Management System acts as an intermediary that mediates communication between eNodeBs and the core network. Instead of eNodeBs directly establishing complex X2 relationships with all neighboring eNodeBs for information exchange, the Management System provides a simplified interface that handles configuration collection and distribution, reducing overall system complexity.
4Loss of information
If ANR methods are used with UEs, then neighbor information is collected through measurements, but UE processing resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the Management System autonomously collect and push neighbor configuration information to eNodeBs without requiring UE involvement. This eliminates the need for UEs to perform measurements and process neighbor information, as the Management System handles these operations independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The Management System serves as an intermediary that handles neighbor information collection and distribution. Instead of UEs directly measuring and processing neighbor configurations (which consumes UE processing resources), the Management System acts as a mediator that collects information from network elements and delivers it to eNodeBs, freeing UE resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Passive collection of neighbor base station configuration information through handover messages is provided. In one embodiment, a base station comprises: a processor coupled to a memory, the base station coupled to a core network for a wireless network operator, the base station radiates downlink RF signals to at least one UE and receives uplink RF signals from the UE. The processor implements: a UE handover function that receives and processes a handover request message associated with a UE transferring to the cell from a neighboring cell; and a handover request parser that evaluates information elements in the handover request message to extract neighbor information. The handover request parser stores the extracted neighbor information as a set of neighbor information in the memory; and wherein the processor is configured to adjust operation of the base station based on the set of neighbor information stored in the memory.