eNodeB PCI Conflict Resolution via Staggered Identity Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling PCI conflicts in LTE wireless communication networks are inefficient, leading to unnecessary signaling and traffic disturbances due to simultaneous changes in cell identities by neighboring eNodeBs, which can result in connection losses and degraded throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method where eNodeBs autonomously change their Physical Cell Identifiers (PCI) based on available vacant identities, with the timing of these changes dependent on the number of vacant identities, ensuring that the eNodeB with the most options changes first, thereby minimizing conflicts and reducing unnecessary signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If eNodeBs autonomously change their PCI based on available vacant identities, then PCI conflict resolution efficiency is improved, but simultaneous changes by neighboring eNodeBs cause connection losses and traffic disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing time delays between PCI change notifications and actual execution. The first eNodeB notifies neighboring eNodeBs of its intended PCI change after a first time delay, and neighboring eNodeBs wait a second time delay before executing their own changes. This periodic timing mechanism ensures changes are staggered rather than simultaneous, resolving the contradiction between efficient autonomous resolution and connection stability.
2Loss of time
If eNodeBs change PCI simultaneously to resolve conflicts, then conflict resolution speed is improved, but unnecessary signaling and traffic disturbances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the first eNodeB notify neighboring eNodeBs of its intended PCI change before the actual change occurs. This advance notification allows neighboring eNodeBs to adjust their timing and avoid simultaneous changes, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling and traffic disturbances while maintaining efficient conflict resolution.
3Ease of operation
If centralized management system configures PCI changes, then network control is improved, but signaling overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling eNodeBs to autonomously detect PCI conflicts, determine appropriate vacant PCIs, and execute changes without centralized management system intervention. The eNodeBs independently manage their own PCI assignments by monitoring neighboring cells and making autonomous decisions, which reduces management system complexity and signaling overhead while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a method for handling of cell identities, performed by a first radio node of a wireless communication network providing radio coverage to a first cell. The first radio node is connected to at least one second radio node providing radio coverage to a second cell. The first cell has been assigned a first cell identity, and each of the second cells has been assigned an individual cell identity. The method comprises: determining that the first cell identity is the same as the cell identity assigned to one of the second cells; triggering change of cell identity for the first cell from the first cell identity to a second cell identity that is not used for any of the second cells, and sending, to the at least one second radio node, information on the change of cell identity from the first cell identity to the second cell identity.