EPLMN-Based Wireless Network Replacement Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for replacing WCDMA wireless networks disrupts service by temporarily disconnecting users, requires extensive data updates and modifications, can affect service quality and delay, and is cumbersome with high error risk and long rollback times.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for replacing wireless networks based on EPLMN, where a new network is established with cells configured as inter-frequency neighbors, users grouped by IMSI, and a seamless migration process with EPLMN lists sent to users, allowing gradual transition and easy rollback by changing cell state parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the network is replaced by dividing into areas and removing old equipment one area at a time, then the network replacement can be completed systematically, but user service is interrupted during the replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the new network equipment with all necessary neighbor cell relationships and parameters before the cutover. The new network is fully prepared and tested in advance, allowing users to be migrated without service interruption. The new equipment is ready to immediately take over service provision when the switch occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by maintaining both the old and new networks simultaneously during the transition period. The old network continues to provide service while users are gradually migrated to the new network. This intermediary state ensures continuous service availability throughout the replacement process.
2Ease of operation
If neighbor cell relationships are configured between new and old networks at each cutover stage, then users can migrate smoothly at borders, but the workload increases significantly due to continuous data updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring all neighbor cell relationships between new and old networks before the cutover process begins. The new network equipment is set up with complete neighbor cell data in advance, eliminating the need for continuous data updates during the replacement process. This reduces the operational workload significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the configuration processes by establishing comprehensive neighbor cell relationships that cover all possible migration scenarios between old and new networks. Instead of updating data incrementally at each stage, the configuration is consolidated and established once in advance, reducing repetitive work.
3Productivity
If the network is cutover by dividing into areas, then the replacement can be managed in stages, but equipment from different manufacturers may have interworking issues affecting service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting and optimizing the re-selection parameters for cells in the new network. These parameter adjustments ensure proper interworking between equipment from different manufacturers. The parameters are tuned to maintain service quality and avoid conflicts during the network replacement process.
4Ease of manufacture
If extensive data is made and updated at each cutover stage, then the network can be replaced systematically, but errors easily occur and rollback becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing all necessary configuration data and parameters in advance before the cutover. The new network is fully configured with complete neighbor cell relationships, frequency information, and other critical data before deployment. This reduces the amount of data that needs to be updated during the replacement process, minimizing error risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating the successful configuration from the old network to the new network. The neighbor cell relationships and parameters are copied and adapted for the new equipment, ensuring consistency and reducing configuration errors. This copying approach maintains systematic replacement while reducing error risks.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for replacing a wireless network based on an Equivalent Public Land Mobile Network (EPLMN) are disclosed. This method includes following steps: establishing a new network and configuring a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) of the new network as a second Public Land Mobile Network; configuring a cell of the new network with a same station address for each cell of a current network as an inter-frequency neighbor cell; a core network side of the current network sending an EPLMN list including a first Public Land Mobile Network and a second Public Land Mobile Network to a user which needs to migrate every time; and changing the PLMN of the new network from the second Public Land Mobile Network to the first Public Land Mobile Network after all of the users of the current network migrate into the new network, and deleting the EPLMN list of the core network side of the new network. Thus, the drawback of interrupting providing communication services for all network users in the process of removing the old network equipment and installing the new network equipment in the prior art is overcome, and making and updating a large amount of data in the prior art are omitted, and the workload of replacing the network is reduced.