Home NodeB Gateway Identifier Allocation for Cell Change Clashes

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cellular communication systems, the sharing of a common RNC-ID by multiple Home NodeBs connected to the same Home NodeB Gateway creates a challenge in uniquely identifying source radio nodes during cell change procedures, leading to potential identifier clashes for communication devices.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where the Home NodeB Gateway allocates unique radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) prefixes to each Home NodeB based on its neighboring cells, allowing the source radio node to select temporary identifiers for communication devices while ensuring no clashes, by creating a mapping table that distinguishes between Home NodeBs sharing a common RNC-ID.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple Home NodeBs share a common RNC-ID to simplify network architecture and reduce overhead, then device complexity and operational ease are improved, but the ability to uniquely identify source radio nodes during cell change procedures deteriorates, leading to identifier clashes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork architecture complexityVSAvoididentifier uniqueness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identifier space by introducing a new field called 'source HNB identifier' that is separate from the RNC-ID. This allows multiple HNBs to share a common RNC-ID while being distinguished by the additional source HNB identifier field, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring uniqueness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds another dimension to the identifier structure by incorporating the source HNB identifier as a separate field alongside the RNC-ID. This dimensional expansion allows the system to distinguish between multiple HNBs sharing the same RNC-ID without increasing the RNC-ID itself, resolving the identifier clash issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If Home NodeBs share a common RNC-ID to reduce identification overhead, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of source node identity during cell changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier allocation simplicityVSAvoidsource node identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identification function into two parts: the RNC-ID for high-level routing and the source HNB identifier for precise source node identification. This segmentation allows simple RNC-ID sharing while maintaining precise source node measurement through the additional identifier field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the source HNB identifier as an intermediary field that mediates between the simplified RNC-ID and the need for precise source node identification. This intermediary field carries the necessary source node information without affecting the simplicity of RNC-ID sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If temporary identifiers are allocated freely by source radio nodes to maximize flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of identifier clashes increases when multiple HNBs share common RNC-ID

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemporary identifier selection freedomVSAvoididentifier clash probability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the target HNB provides feedback about its allocated temporary identifiers to the source HNB. This feedback loop allows the source HNB to select temporary identifiers that avoid clashes with the target HNB's allocations, maintaining flexibility while preventing conflicts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having HNBs exchange identifier allocation information before actual cell change operations. This preliminary exchange of identifier data allows HNBs to coordinate their temporary identifier selections in advance, preventing clashes before they occur while maintaining identifier allocation freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2810470B1Allocation of identifiers for home node bs
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP2810470B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2810470B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2810470B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A technique comprising: receiving neighbouring cell information specifying one or more cells as neighbouring cells for a first cell of a plurality of cells associated with a gateway entity; and selecting based on said neighbouring cell information an identifier for said first cell that distinguishes said first cell from any other cell of said plurality of cells associated with said gateway entity that specifies one or more neighbouring cells in common with said first cell.