Dynamic Neighbor Cell List Update via User Terminal Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunications systems face challenges in optimizing neighbor cell lists (NCLs) across multiple wireless access networks, particularly in dynamically updating inter-network NCLs based on real-time user terminal measurements and mobility patterns, leading to issues like 'missing neighbor' effects that can cause call drops.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that detect user terminals about to undergo cell reselection or handover between wireless access networks, request and collect cell information from these terminals, and update NCLs using this information, allowing for temporary storage and reporting of absent cell data to enhance NCL accuracy and reduce call drops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional off-line planning tools are used to optimize NCLs, then the configuration process is simplified, but the NCL accuracy and real-time adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoidNCL accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where user terminals continuously report measurement results and cell information to the wireless access node. The system uses this feedback to automatically update and optimize the NCL in real-time, replacing static off-line planning with dynamic adaptive optimization based on actual network conditions and user mobility patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service automation where the wireless access node automatically detects missing neighbor cells, requests measurement information from user terminals, and updates the NCL without manual intervention. This replaces traditional manual configuration with automated self-optimizing processes that adapt to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual management of neighbour relations is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the productivity and automation level deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated self-service functions where the wireless access node autonomously performs neighbour cell detection, measurement information collection, and NCL updates. The system automatically identifies missing neighbor cells, requests measurement data from user terminals, validates the information, and updates the NCL without manual operator intervention, significantly improving automation levels while managing complexity through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes automated feedback loops where measurement results from user terminals are continuously fed back to the wireless access node, triggering automatic NCL optimization processes. This feedback-driven automation replaces manual management while maintaining controlled system complexity through defined update thresholds and validation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If user terminals are requested to report cell information for all wireless access nodes, then the NCL updating accuracy is improved, but the signaling overhead and network load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNCL updating accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively requesting measurement information only when necessary - specifically when the wireless access node detects potential missing neighbor cells or when optimization is needed. The system does not continuously request all possible measurements but instead triggers targeted measurement campaigns based on detected needs, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining NCL accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of missing neighbor cells before requesting comprehensive measurement information. By first identifying specific cells that need verification and then requesting targeted measurements only for those cases, the system avoids unnecessary signaling overhead while ensuring accurate NCL updates where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2486750B1System for updating a neighbour cell list (NCL) of a wireless access node of a telecommunications architecture and method therefore
Publication Date: 2014.11.26 KONINK KPN NV
  • EP2486750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2486750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2486750B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a system and method for updating a neighbour cell list of a wireless access node. User terminals to be to be transferred from a first wireless access node of a first wireless access network to a second wireless access node of a second wireless access network are detected. From the first wireless access node, one or more of the detected user terminals are requested to report cell information of a plurality of wireless access nodes of at least one of the first wireless access network and the second wireless access network. The cell information is received from the one or more of the detected user terminals and at least one of the first neighbour cell list and the second neighbour cell list is updated using the received cell information.