Distributed Ledger for Mobile Network Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile telecommunication networks face challenges in seamless handover between different mobile network operators due to proprietary radio network configuration information, varying implementations, and regulatory differences, leading to delays in network search, reselection, and handover processes, especially across national borders or campus premises.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) enables the sharing of transfer-related data between mobile network operators through a decentralized system, using smart contracts to store and retrieve data on a shared blockchain, ensuring secure, transparent, and up-to-date information for network service management, including network configurations, quality of service, and regulatory compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile network operators keep radio network configuration information proprietary and centralized, then security and control are maintained, but handover time increases to minutes and seamless connectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized configuration management into distributed autonomous agents deployed at different network locations (base stations, core networks). Each agent independently manages and shares configuration data via blockchain, eliminating the single-point bottleneck and enabling parallel data access for faster handovers.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain network serves as a decentralized intermediary layer between mobile network operators. Instead of direct centralized control or ad-hoc peer-to-peer communication, the blockchain mediates configuration data sharing through smart contracts, enabling trusted automated exchanges without traditional centralized intermediaries.
2Reliability
If a centralized database is used for sharing network configuration data, then data consistency is maintained, but single point of failure risk increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent blockchain nodes operated by different mobile network operators into a unified distributed ledger system. This combination creates mutual redundancy where each node contributes to overall system reliability, eliminating single points of failure while maintaining data consistency through consensus mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain system provides self-service capabilities through automated smart contracts that independently validate, store, and retrieve network configuration data. The decentralized architecture allows each participant to autonomously access needed information without requiring centralized coordination or manual intervention, reducing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different mobile network operators use different network equipment providers and implementations, then vendor independence is maintained, but data compatibility and seamless handover are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal blockchain-based data exchange layer that works across different vendor implementations. The standardized smart contract interfaces and common data models enable diverse network equipment providers to participate in the same distributed system, ensuring configuration data compatibility while preserving each operator's choice of equipment vendor.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, network node, system, and computer program for management of a transfer of network service for a user equipment, UE, from a first to a second mobile telecommunication network cell. The method comprises: a) a step of at least one mobile network operator, MNO, storing transfer-related data of the first and/or the second network cell operated by the MNO in a distributed ledger, DL; and b) a step of the MNO operating the first network cell retrieving said transfer-related data of the second network cell from the DL and providing said transfer-related data to the UE, wherein the UE is connected to the first network cell and/or providing said transfer-related data to a hardware of the first network cell that communicates with the UE. Wherein the second network cell is neighboring and/or overlapping the first network cell and the UE is to be transferred from the first network cell to the second network cell. Wherein the DL is shared between MNOs operating neighboring and/or overlapping network cells.