Distributed Virtual Probing for 5G Cell-Site Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient probing technologies to determine the status of cell sites in 5G networks, which are crucial for network maintenance and remediation, especially in distributed and dynamic environments where network core components are implemented logically or virtually.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for distributed, dynamic probing of cell sites using virtual servers, determining their locations based on geographic and network proximity to data centers, conducting active probing, and analyzing results to initiate remediation actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional centralized probing methods are used in 5G networks, then network status monitoring is performed, but the system complexity increases and response time deteriorates in distributed virtualized environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized probing function into multiple distributed probing entities deployed across different network locations. Each probing entity independently monitors cell sites in its local area, eliminating the single-point complexity of centralized probing while maintaining comprehensive network monitoring coverage through distributed coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional centralized probing architecture to a multi-dimensional distributed probing system by deploying probing entities across geographic dimensions, network layers, and virtualization levels. This dimensional expansion distributes the monitoring workload and reduces system complexity at any single point.
2Measurement precision
If frequent active probing is conducted to detect cell outages and degradations, then network reliability monitoring improves, but network resources are consumed and probing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic active probing with dynamically adjusted intervals based on network conditions, cell site criticality, and historical performance data. This periodic approach maintains accurate status detection while preventing continuous probing from consuming excessive network resources and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes probing parameters such as interval timing, probe type, and target selection based on network conditions, cell site importance, and detected anomalies. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes detection accuracy while minimizing probing time and resource consumption under varying operational conditions.
3Productivity
If multiple probing virtual servers are deployed across different locations, then probing coverage and response capability improve, but system configuration and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs probing virtual servers with universal, standardized interfaces and configurations that can be deployed across multiple locations with consistent behavior. This multi-functionality allows the same probing entity design to serve different geographic and network contexts, improving coverage and response capability while simplifying deployment through reuse of proven configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where probing entities automatically report their operational status, performance metrics, and detected anomalies to a coordination system. This feedback enables automated provisioning, health monitoring, and dynamic reconfiguration of distributed probing servers, reducing manual management complexity while maintaining high productivity across the distributed deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for distributed, dynamic probing for a communications network are disclosed. An example method for distributed, dynamic probing of cell sites includes determining locations of cell sites that serve a communications network, and determining locations for probing virtual servers based on the locations of cell sites. The method also includes implementing one or more probing virtual servers in accordance with the determined locations for the probing virtual servers, using the probing virtual server(s) to conduct active probing of cell site(s), and analyzing results from the active probing to initiate one or more remediation actions.