Connection Loss Reporting in Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reporting loss of connection in telecommunication systems, particularly in mobile communication systems, face challenges in ensuring that drop reports are accurately communicated to the previous access node, especially when the terminal device reconnects to a different cell or network, lacking a standardized interface for cross-network reporting.

Innovation Solution

A method and device configuration that enable a network access node to receive and forward drop reports from terminal devices to a central server or the original access node, even if the reconnecting node uses a different access technology or network, by incorporating a report generator and processing entity to handle and forward reports appropriately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If control plane reporting is used for radio quality measurements, then the UE only needs one reporting mechanism, but it becomes problematic to transfer reports to the management system when the UE drops and reconnects to another cell

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereporting mechanism complexityVSAvoidreport transfer reliability after connection loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a trace information container as an intermediary data structure that packages measurement information and trace data. This container can be stored in the UE and transferred to the new access node after connection loss, enabling reliable report transfer across different cells and networks without requiring complex coordination between multiple reporting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by collecting and packaging measurement information and trace data into a trace information container before the connection is actually lost. This pre-packaging ensures that when the UE reconnects to a different cell, the report is already prepared and can be immediately transferred, eliminating the need for complex post-reconnection coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UE reconnects to a different access node or network after connection loss, then coverage is maintained, but there is no standardized interface for cross-network reporting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconnection flexibilityVSAvoidcross-network reporting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal trace information container that can be used across different access nodes and networks. The container structure is designed to be technology-neutral, allowing the same mechanism to handle reporting whether the UE reconnects to the same eNB, a different eNB in the same network, or even a different network, thereby providing multi-functionality without increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of report formatting by using a standardized trace information container structure that can accommodate different types of measurement data and trace information. This standardized parameter format enables seamless cross-network reporting by allowing the same data structure to be interpreted by different access nodes regardless of the specific network or access technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If drop reports are collected for analysis, then network problems can be detected, but implementation complexity increases when handling reports from multiple networks and access technologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork fault detection capabilityVSAvoidreport handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reporting system into distinct functional components: measurement collection at the UE, packaging into trace information containers, transfer to access nodes, and centralized analysis at the TCE. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and simplifies the overall handling complexity by creating clear interfaces between segments, particularly through the standardized container format that isolates the complexity of multi-network handling to a single packaging step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3661256A1User equipment reporting of connection loss
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3661256A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3661256A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3661256A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided are methods for handling reports on lost connections in a terminal device which is capable of being in communication connection with a plurality of network access nodes, wherein the terminal device generates, after having lost connection to a (first) network access node, a report on the loss of connection and, upon or after reconnecting of the terminal device with the same or a different network access node, sends the report on the loss of connection to the network access node. The network access node receiving a report on loss of connection from a terminal device, forwards said report to a central server and/or to a network access node to which the terminal device was connected before. Further provided are a terminal device comprising a receiver and a transmitter and being adapted to connect to an access node of a network, particularly of a wireless, e.g. a cellular radio network, said terminal device further comprising a report generator for generating a report on a loss of connection, wherein said transmitter is adapted to send said report to an access node upon or after reconnecting, and a network access node, particularly a network access node of a wireless, e.g. a cellular radio network, comprising a receiver and a transmitter and being adapted to be connected by a terminal device, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive reports on a loss of connection from a terminal device, and wherein the transmitter is adapted to forward or send a received report to a central server or to a different access node, particularly to an access node to which the terminal was connected before a loss of connection.