Network Coordination Apparatus for Dynamic Neighbor Relation Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management in heterogeneous wireless communication systems is complex and error-prone, requiring high expertise and manual intervention, which is time-consuming and costly, especially in Self-Organizing Networks (SON) with dynamic and distributed radio access networks like LTE and LTE-A, where automated operation, administration, and management (OAM) functions are challenging due to the need for quick reaction to network changes and diverse telecommunications standards.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing network entities by receiving and determining state information of cells and neighboring cells, including performance management counters, to dynamically adjust neighbor relations and optimize network performance, using a management server or base station to generate and transmit messages that define cell states and collect performance data, enabling efficient configuration and optimization of network entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual and semi-automated management workflows are used for network configuration and optimization, then high expertise can be applied to handle complex heterogeneous networks, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated neighbor relation management where the system automatically determines neighboring relationships between cells using state information and performance counters, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The network entities autonomously update their neighbor lists based on received state information, enabling self-organizing network functionality that reduces both time consumption and human intervention while maintaining high accuracy through systematic algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining state information parameters and performance counter metrics that will be used for neighbor relation determination. The system prepares the framework for automated management by establishing the rules and data structures in advance, allowing rapid response to network changes without requiring real-time manual analysis, thus reducing management time while preserving reliability through pre-planned decision logic
2Speed
If automated OAM functions are deployed in SON to reduce manual intervention, then reaction time to network changes improves, but the complexity of managing diverse telecommunications standards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a standardized message structure that can carry state information applicable across multiple network types and standards (LTE, LTE-A, and other heterogeneous networks). The neighbor relation determination mechanism is formulated in a generic way that can handle different cell states and configurations universally, allowing the same automated OAM function to operate across diverse telecommunications standards without requiring standard-specific implementations, thus managing complexity while maintaining fast reaction times
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the state information parameters and performance counter thresholds based on network conditions and standard requirements. The system modifies the specific values and criteria used in neighbor relation determination to adapt to different telecommunications standards while maintaining the same automated decision-making framework, enabling fast reaction to network changes without increasing structural complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If neighbor relations are statically configured in heterogeneous networks with multiple access technologies, then network stability is maintained, but the system cannot quickly adapt to network changes and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static neighbor relation configuration to dynamic determination based on real-time state information and performance counters. The system continuously monitors cell states and automatically updates neighbor relationships in response to changing network conditions, enabling the network to adapt quickly to performance degradation or topology changes while maintaining stability through systematic decision-making processes rather than arbitrary changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback mechanisms by using performance management counters and state information as feedback signals to determine whether neighbor relations should be updated. The system continuously receives feedback about network performance and cell states, processes this information through the neighbor relation determination algorithm, and adjusts neighbor lists accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stability while enabling rapid adaptation to network changes
Data Source
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AI summary
A method comprising: receiving a message at a first cell comprising at least one of: state information for the first cell; and state information for any neighbouring cells of the first cell; and determining a neighbouring relationship between the first cell and any neighbouring cells.