eNB MDT Trace Routing for Multi-Operator RAN Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of radio access network (RAN) sharing, existing methods for minimization of drive tests (MDT) in LTE systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and reporting MDT logs across shared networks, particularly in environments where multiple operators share eNB resources, leading to difficulties in determining the correct trace collection entities for reporting.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are introduced to enhance signaling-based MDT by allowing an evolved NodeB (eNB) to receive indications for collecting MDT logs from user equipment (UEs) of participating operators, and transmitting trace records to both the hosting operator's and participating operators' trace collection entities, facilitating comprehensive data collection and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MDT data is collected from UEs in a RAN sharing environment, then the quality and quantity of network coverage data is improved, but the complexity of determining correct trace collection entities and reporting mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trace collection functionality by introducing separate trace collection entities for each operator (hosting operator TCE and participating operator TCE). The eNB is configured to identify and report to the appropriate TCE based on the operator affiliation of the UE, thereby resolving the complexity of determining the correct collection entity while maintaining high data quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the eNB acts as a mediator that receives MDT data from UEs and routes it to the appropriate trace collection entity. The eNB uses configuration information including TCE identifiers and operator information to determine the correct routing destination, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling multi-operator data collection.
2Productivity
If multiple operators share eNB resources for MDT data collection, then the cost-effectiveness and resource utilization is improved, but the difficulty of managing trace records for different operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by enabling the eNB to serve multiple operators simultaneously for MDT data collection. The eNB is configured with multiple TCE identifiers and can handle trace records for both hosting and participating operators using the same infrastructure, thereby improving resource utilization while managing complexity through standardized multi-operator support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the eNB with trace collection entity information, including TCE identifiers and operator affiliation data, before MDT data collection begins. This advance configuration enables the eNB to efficiently route trace records to the correct operator without real-time decision complexity, simplifying trace record management in multi-operator environments.
3Reliability
If the eNB transmits trace records to both hosting operator TCE and participating operator TCE, then the completeness of data collection is improved, but the signaling overhead and transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trace record transmission process by enabling the eNB to handle multiple TCE destinations through a unified configuration mechanism. The eNB stores multiple TCE identifiers and uses a single standardized transmission procedure to send trace records to both hosting and participating operator TCEs, ensuring complete data collection while avoiding the need for separate transmission protocols for each operator.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing trace recording in a wireless communication system is provided. It is assumed that an evolved NodeB (eNB) is shared by a first operator and a second operator. The UE receives an indication, which allows collecting minimization of drive tests (MDT) logs of a user equipment (UE) of the second operator, from a mobility management entity (MME) of the second operator. Upon collecting the MDT logs, the UE transmits a trace record based on the collected MDT logs to a trace collection entity (TCE) of the first operator.