Mobile Node Cross-Network Test Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drive test methods in mobile communication networks require significant resources and face challenges in managing radio interface measurement data across different networks, particularly due to concerns about sharing valuable measurement information between competing operators, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for automated cross-network test management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a mobile node to receive cross-network test management information, including an explicit list of networks for which a test log should not be cleared, and to manage test configurations and logs accordingly, ensuring that test configurations and logs are handled appropriately when the mobile node changes networks, thereby enabling efficient and secure data collection across multiple networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive tests are performed manually with personnel and fuel consumption, then measurement data can be collected, but resource consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile stations to automatically perform drive tests and collect measurement data without requiring manual intervention. The mobile station autonomously executes measurements, stores test logs, and manages data collection based on configuration received from the network, thereby eliminating the need for personnel and fuel consumption associated with manual drive tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual drive tests (personnel driving vehicles) with an electronic/automated system where mobile stations perform measurements automatically. The measurement collection is transitioned from a human-operated mechanical process to an automated electronic process controlled by network configuration.
2Reliability
If test logs are cleared when mobile station changes network, then network security is improved, but valuable measurement information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different policies to different networks based on their relationship to the home network. Test logs are cleared when moving to unknown or competing networks (maintaining security), but are preserved when moving to equivalent networks operated by the same operator (maintaining data value). This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between security and information retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cross-network test management information as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the need for network security and the desire to preserve measurement information. This intermediary carries authorization data that determines whether test logs should be cleared or preserved during network changes, enabling informed decisions about data retention.
3Productivity
If automated drive test management is implemented, then resource efficiency is improved, but complexity of cross-network test management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing cross-network test management information to the mobile station before it performs automated drive tests across network boundaries. The mobile station receives configuration data in advance that specifies which networks are equivalent and should preserve test logs, allowing the system to automatically make correct decisions without complex real-time analysis during network changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method wherein information on current network, cross network test management information to the mobile node, a test configuration to the mobile node, the test configuration defining at least one radio interface related measurement are received by a mobile node. Thereupon, the mobile node detects a change of network at the mobile node. In response, the mobile node checks a need to clear the test configuration based on the cross network test management information.