MORAN X2-C Setup Using ANR-Based Neighbor Node Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Multi Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) systems with single baseband configurations, unnecessary X2-C connections are established, leading to resource waste and inefficiencies, as existing methods prevent automated neighbor relation functions, necessitating manual configuration and signaling, which is demanding and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A network node in the MORAN system initiates only required X2-C connections by creating network node termination point MOs based on ANR reports, ensuring matches with PLMN identifiers to establish necessary X2-C connections, thereby optimizing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If X2-C interface is established between eNodeBs of different operators, then inter-operator coordination and resource sharing are improved, but network security risks and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary component between eNodeBs of different operators. This gateway acts as a mediator that handles X2-C interface signaling and message routing, allowing coordination between operators while isolating the complexity. The gateway translates and manages inter-operator communications, preventing direct complex interactions between eNodeBs of different networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the X2 interface functionality by separating X2-U (user plane) and X2-C (control plane) operations, and further segments control by introducing operator-specific gateways. This segmentation allows each operator's eNodeBs to interact with their own gateway, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining coordination capabilities through the gateway layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If X2 interface is established between eNodeBs of different operators, then mobility management and handover coordination are improved, but network security vulnerabilities and unauthorized access risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a security intermediary that validates and authenticates X2-C signaling messages between operators. It implements security policies, filters unauthorized access attempts, and ensures that only legitimate mobility management requests are processed. The gateway acts as a trusted boundary that maintains security while enabling mobility coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary security validation and authentication mechanisms at the gateway before X2-C messages are forwarded between operators. Security policies and access controls are established in advance, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring that only verified mobility management operations are permitted across operator boundaries.
3Productivity
If direct X2-C connections are established between all eNodeBs for full coordination capability, then resource sharing and interference coordination are improved, but message routing complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a centralized mediator that simplifies message routing between eNodeBs of different operators. Instead of requiring direct peer-to-peer connections between all eNodeB pairs, messages are routed through the gateway, which manages the routing logic and reduces the complexity of maintaining multiple direct connections while still enabling resource sharing and interference coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway provides universal X2-C signaling services to multiple eNodeBs from different operators, consolidating routing and coordination functions in a single multi-functional node. This universal approach allows resource sharing and interference coordination across operators without requiring each eNodeB to have dedicated direct connections to all other eNodeBs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If X2-C interface is established for inter-operator coordination, then handover management and resource allocation are improved, but signal interference and message collision risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a mediator that sequences and manages X2-C signaling messages during handover operations between operators. It coordinates message timing, ensures proper message ordering, and prevents signal collisions by acting as a centralized control point that manages the flow of handover-related signaling between eNodeBs and foreign operators.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed by a first network node is provided. The method is for handling X2-C connection setups in a Multi Operator Radio Access Network, MORAN, system of a wireless communications network. The first network node is operating in the MORAN system. When receiving (401) an Automatic Neighbour Relation, ANR, initiated report, from the UE, which report comprises one or more identifiers identifying respective one or more neighbouring cells, the first network node unlocks, or creates and unlocks (402) one or more network node termination point Managed Objects, MOs, based on the respective identifier out of the one or more identifiers. And based on the unlocked, or created and unlocked, one or more network node termination point MOs, the first network node initiates (403) X2-C interface connection setups between the first network node and the respective one or more neighbouring nodes serving the respective identified one or more neighbouring cells. The X2-C interface connections are adapted to be setup only for one X2-C configuration out of all supported X2-C configurations on the MORAN system based on the one or more identifiers. The X2-C interface connections are related to each of the respective one or more neighbouring nodes.