Base Station Signature for Multi-Vendor SON Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-organizing network (SON) systems lack access to proprietary configuration parameters set by vendors, leading to incomplete or inaccurate configuration state snapshots, especially in multi-vendor scenarios, which affects network optimization and user experience during system changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for assigning and sending a signature that identifies a base station's configuration state, using a context comprising both standardized and proprietary parameters, allowing for a reset procedure to indicate new contexts, enabling efficient communication and optimization across different vendors without revealing proprietary details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If SON algorithms use existing O&M/SA5 signaling to share eNB system changes, then standardized parameters can be communicated, but proprietary configuration parameters cannot be captured leading to incomplete configuration state information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential configuration state information needed for SON algorithms to function, represented as a signature, while leaving proprietary parameters retained by individual vendors. This signature is computed from the complete configuration state but does not require exposing all underlying parameters, thus taking out only what is necessary for interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complete configuration parameter set into a derived parameter (signature) that captures the essential state information. This parameter transformation allows vendors to maintain control over their proprietary parameters while providing sufficient information for SON algorithms to detect and respond to system changes.
2Reliability
If vendors share complete configuration parameters including proprietary details, then SON algorithms have complete information for optimization, but proprietary information security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signature as an intermediary representation of the configuration state. This signature acts as a mediator that conveys essential information about system changes without exposing the actual proprietary parameters. The signature is computed from the complete configuration state but reveals only the necessary information for SON algorithms to function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation (the signature) of the complete configuration state. This copy contains enough information for SON algorithms to detect changes and make optimization decisions, while the original proprietary parameters remain secure and undisclosed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SON algorithms perform configuration changes with incomplete information, then vendor proprietary parameters remain protected, but convergence time increases due to trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where eNBs share their configuration state signatures with SON algorithms. This feedback provides real-time information about system changes, enabling algorithms to make informed decisions rather than relying on trial and error. The signature feedback loop allows rapid convergence while maintaining proprietary parameter protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed that includes communicating an indication of a signature via one or more links in a wireless network, wherein the signature has been computed by a base station of the wireless network over a plurality of configuration parameters of the base station and identifies at least a portion of a current configuration state of the base station. Another method is disclosed that includes assigning, at a base station in a wireless network, a signature using a context of the base station, wherein the assigning is performed so that the signature identifies at least a portion of a current configuration state of the base station. The method includes sending an indication of the signature to one or more entities in the wireless network. Apparatus and computer program products are also disclosed.