MDT Area Scope Across PLMN and NPN Network Boundaries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems lack flexibility in minimizing drive tests (MDT) configuration scope, particularly for non-public networks (NPNs), leading to issues like lack of MDT measurement continuity and collection when UEs move between PLMNs and NPNs, and inadequate monitoring of coverage and performance across different network types.

Innovation Solution

The method extends the MDT configuration scope to include identities of PNI-NPNs, SNPNs, and PLMNs, allowing operators to configure UEs for MDT measurements across multiple networks, including PNI-NPNs and SNPNs, and supports dual connectivity configurations to optimize coverage and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MDT configuration is limited to PLMNs only, then network complexity is reduced and existing specifications are maintained, but MDT measurement continuity and coverage monitoring are lost when UEs move between PLMNs and NPNs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMDT measurement continuityVSAvoidMDT configuration scope

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by extending the MDT configuration to work across multiple network types (PLMNs and NPNs) using a unified approach. The area scope parameter can now include both PLMN identities and NPN identities, allowing the same MDT mechanism to function seamlessly across different network domains without requiring separate configurations for each network type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter structure by modifying the area scope field to accommodate both PLMN and NPN identifiers. This parameter extension allows the system to distinguish between different network types while maintaining a single unified MDT configuration mechanism, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If MDT configuration is extended to include NPNs, then coverage and performance monitoring across multiple networks is improved, but configuration complexity and coordination requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMulti-network coverage monitoringVSAvoidMDT configuration management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal MDT configuration that can operate across both PLMNs and NPNs using the same fundamental mechanism. The area scope parameter serves dual purposes by accepting both PLMN and NPN identifiers, eliminating the need for separate MDT configurations for different network types and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the MDT configuration mechanisms for PLMNs and NPNs into a single unified approach. By combining both network types into one configuration framework, the system reduces the number of separate coordination requirements and simplifies management while maintaining comprehensive multi-network monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If UEs are configured for MDT measurements across NPNs and PLMNs, then inter-network and intra-network coverage issues can be optimized, but measurement collection continuity is interrupted when UEs move between network types

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCoverage optimization precisionVSAvoidMDT measurement continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the area scope parameter to include both PLMN and NPN identifiers, enabling the system to track UEs across different network types. This parameter change allows continuous measurement collection by maintaining recognition of both network types within the same configuration framework, preventing measurement interruption during network transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that enable network nodes to recognize when a UE transitions between PLMNs and NPNs. This feedback allows the system to maintain continuous MDT measurement collection by updating the area scope information dynamically, ensuring measurement continuity despite network type changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260046664A1Minimization of drive tests configuration scope for different network types

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A radio access network (“RAN”) node can determine a minimization of drive tests (“MDT”) configuration including an area scope associated with cells that are identified by at least one of: a public network integrated non-public network (“PNI-NPN”); a standalone non-public network (“SNPN”); and a public land mobile network (“PLMN”). The RAN node can configure a communication device served by a first cell in a first communication network with the MDT configuration to instruct the communication device to collect MDT measurements from a second cell in a second communications network.