Neighbor Relation Reporting for Automatic Cell List Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular network technologies are limited in automatically updating neighbor cell lists, failing to include detected cells from different public land mobile networks (PLMNs) or barred cells, which hinders efficient handover and cell reselection processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable user equipment (UE) to detect and report neighbor relations between different PLMN cells or barred cells by initiating cell reselection, reading system information, and providing neighbor relation updates to the current serving cell, even during discontinuous reception in paging channel states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual provisioning of neighbor cell lists is used, then network planning control is maintained, but significant effort and time are required for optimization of every cell
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs self-optimization by automatically detecting cells and determining neighbor relationships without manual intervention. The system uses detected cell information to autonomously update neighbor lists, eliminating the need for manual provisioning and optimization efforts for each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of cells and pre-determines neighbor relationships before actual handover or reselection operations. By proactively identifying and storing neighbor cell information, the network prepares optimization data in advance, reducing subsequent optimization efforts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional handover and cell reselection procedures are used, then cells in the neighbor list are supported, but detected cells not on the list cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The neighbor list is transformed from a static manually-provisioned structure to a dynamic automatically-updated list. The system continuously detects cells and adjusts the neighbor list based on actual network conditions and detected cell information, enabling adaptability while maintaining reliability through structured update procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from detected cell information to continuously improve the neighbor list. By monitoring which cells are detected and not currently in the neighbor list, the network adjusts and updates the neighbor relationships, enabling the system to adapt to changing network conditions while maintaining reliable handover and reselection operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automatic neighbor relation (ANR) is implemented, then new neighbors can be automatically located, but the technique is insufficient for detecting cells from different PLMNs or barred cells
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs universal cell detection that works across different PLMNs and cell types without requiring separate mechanisms. The same detection and reporting procedure handles cells from the serving PLMN, other PLMNs, barred cells, and non-barred cells uniformly, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the cell detection and reporting process into distinct phases: detection phase where all cells are identified regardless of PLMN or barred status, and reporting phase where information is structured and submitted to the network. This segmentation allows comprehensive detection capability while managing complexity through structured processing steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to facilitate neighbor relation reporting. A method may include, while camping on a first cell, receiving an indication of detection of a second cell, causing initiation of cell reselection to the second cell, receiving system information from the second cell responsive to the initiation of cell reselection, causing termination of cell reselection, and causing provision of neighbor relation information to a network entity via the first cell.