Network Resource Management for Radio Access Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio access network management systems lack an efficient method to estimate and manage resource loads for Performance Management (PM) functions, leading to inadequate scheduling and potential overloading of network nodes and OSS servers, especially in large networks with segmented management across time zones.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining the load at network support apparatus and nodes based on event generation by PM functions, comparing it with threshold loads, and performing resource management procedures to optimize scheduling and prevent overload, using a determination section, comparator, and resource controller to automatically balance loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PM functions continuously collect measurement data for the whole network, then network monitoring completeness is improved, but OSS server load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into multiple time zones and segments PM function executions across different geographical regions. Each OSS server handles recordings for its local time zone, preventing any single server from being overloaded while maintaining comprehensive network monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic recording schedules where PM functions are executed at different times for different time zones. Instead of continuous simultaneous execution, recordings are performed in cycles across regions, reducing peak load on OSS servers while maintaining data collection completeness.
2Productivity
If multiple parallel recordings are performed simultaneously, then data collection efficiency is improved, but network node load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments parallel recordings into different time zones and geographical regions. Multiple recordings can occur simultaneously but are distributed across different locations, preventing concentration of load on single network nodes while maintaining overall data collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring recording schedules and types to specific time zones and network conditions. Each region optimizes its recording parameters locally, allowing efficient data collection adapted to local traffic patterns without uniformly increasing load across all nodes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual scheduling by RNO engineers is used, then recording flexibility is improved, but scheduling optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated load determination that provides feedback on current network conditions and OSS server status. This feedback loop enables the scheduling system to dynamically adjust recording schedules, combining the flexibility of manual configuration with the optimization capability of automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static manual scheduling process into a dynamic automated system that adapts to changing network conditions. The scheduling mechanism dynamically adjusts recording times and distributions based on real-time load assessment, maintaining flexibility while achieving optimal resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method to be carried out by a network support apparatus for managing resources of the apparatus, a method for managing resources of a network node, an apparatus for supporting the operation of a network and a resource management device, which particularly enable the determination of load at the apparatus or network node to allow more resource efficient scheduling of PM functions. The method carried out by the network support apparatus for managing resources comprises determining a load at the network support apparatus based on the number of events generated by recordings activated by at least one performance management function in a time period; comparing the determined load with a threshold load smaller than or equal to the maximum load supported by the network support apparatus; and performing a resource management procedure according to the result of the comparing step.