NCAP Network Optimization Using Operator Configuration Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Self-Organizing Networks (SON) functions are not suitable for Network Controlled Access Points (NCAPs) installed by communication service subscribers, as they require adjustments based on traffic conditions, which are not necessarily appropriate for subscriber-installed NCAPs.

Innovation Solution

A communication device (NCAP) with a control unit that performs optimization of the NCAP network based on configuration information or recommended information, adjusting parameters for the NCAP network to achieve appropriate self-optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional SON function is applied to NCAP, then network self-optimization is achieved, but the optimization is not appropriate for subscriber-installed NCAPs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork self-optimizationVSAvoidadaptability to subscriber-installed NCAP
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the optimization approach between network operator-installed NCAPs and subscriber-installed NCAPs. The control unit selectively applies conventional SON functions only to network operator-installed NCAPs, while using a different optimization mechanism based on configuration information from the network operator for subscriber-installed NCAPs. This resolves the contradiction by making the optimization approach location-specific rather than universal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If configuration parameters are adjusted based on traffic conditions, then network performance is improved, but the approach is not suitable for NCAPs installed by communication service subscribers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidsuitability for subscriber-installed NCAP
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the optimization approach flexible and adaptive based on the NCAP installation type. The control unit dynamically selects between two optimization strategies: conventional SON-based traffic condition adjustment for network operator-installed NCAPs, and configuration information-based optimization for subscriber-installed NCAPs. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by adapting the optimization method to the specific deployment scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If conventional SON function is used, then self-optimization is achieved, but the optimization does not align with network operator intentions for subscriber-installed NCAPs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-optimization capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy according to network operator intentions
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network operator pre-configure optimal parameters for subscriber-installed NCAPs through configuration information before the NCAP operates autonomously. The control unit receives this pre-configured information and applies it to ensure the NCAP operates according to network operator intentions from the start, rather than relying on conventional SON functions that may not align with operator preferences. This preliminary configuration ensures both automation and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4664959A1Communication device and communication method
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4664959A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4664959A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4664959A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A communication device performs a communication with a first communication network and a second communication network, and a radio communication with a terminal; and performs an optimization of a specific communication network based on configuration information or recommended information related to a configuration of the specific communication network to be constructed using the communication unit.