Cellular Network Neighbor Relation Table Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular networks face challenges in optimizing handover processes, leading to dropped calls and interference due to inaccuracies in neighbor relation tables (NRTs), which fail to account for missing or invalid neighbors, affecting network reliability and resource sharing.

Innovation Solution

A computerized method and system that generate and optimize NRTs by creating a handover prediction model based on initial estimations of radio frequency coupling and handover events, classifying access points, and using data to identify missing or incorrectly defined neighbors, thereby modifying NRTs for improved handover performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional handover optimization techniques are used, then network coverage and basic handover functionality are maintained, but dropped calls increase and call quality deteriorate due to inaccurate neighbor relation tables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandover reliabilityVSAvoidmissing neighbor information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by collecting handover measurement data from user equipment and network nodes, analyzing handover success/failure patterns, and using this information to iteratively optimize neighbor relation tables. This closed-loop approach ensures that NRT inaccuracies are continuously identified and corrected, reducing dropped calls while maintaining reliable handover functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The optimization system operates autonomously by automatically generating candidate neighbor lists, evaluating handover performance metrics, and modifying NRTs without requiring manual intervention. The system self-corrects missing neighbor information by leveraging available measurement data and handover outcomes, thereby improving reliability while reducing operational overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If neighbor relation tables are expanded to include more potential neighbors, then handover options increase, but network interference increases and resource allocation becomes less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandover flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by customizing neighbor relations for each cell based on its specific geographic location, propagation characteristics, and traffic patterns. Rather than using uniform neighbor lists across the network, the optimization process tailors NRTs to local conditions, enabling handover flexibility where needed while minimizing interference in areas where it would be harmful.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts NRT parameters such as neighbor cell identities, frequency layers, and handover thresholds based on observed network conditions and performance metrics. By changing these parameters adaptively rather than statically, the system achieves handover versatility while controlling interference through data-driven parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If manual optimization of neighbor relation tables is performed, then accuracy can be improved, but operational complexity increases and optimization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneighbor relation accuracyVSAvoidoptimization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical optimization processes with automated computational algorithms that analyze handover data, evaluate neighbor relations, and generate optimized NRTs. This substitution of manual operations with automated systems maintains high measurement precision while reducing operational complexity and enabling continuous optimization without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Speed

If handover thresholds are lowered to enable more handovers, then mobility is improved, but network resources are wasted and call quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandover speedVSAvoidnetwork resource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic handover threshold adjustment based on real-time network conditions, user equipment velocity, and service requirements. Rather than using fixed thresholds that cause excessive handovers, the optimization process adapts thresholds dynamically to achieve appropriate handover speed while minimizing resource waste through condition-based handover triggering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9980187B2Method of optimizing a cellular network and system thereof

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 QGT INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

There are provided a system and method of computerized optimizing neighbor relation tables (NRTs) of access points in a cellular network comprising a plurality of access points (APs). The method comprises: a) obtaining initial handover-related estimations for AP pairs each constituted by a given source AP and its neighbouring APs located in a predefined range and thereby considerable as candidates for an NRT of the given AP; b) generating a handover (HO) prediction model; c) using the generated HO prediction model to assess HO-related counts for each AP pair of the AP pairs; d) using the assessed HO-related counts to generate, by the computer, data usable for NRT optimization; and e) enabling modifying at least one NRT in accordance with the generated data.