Radio Access Network Node Failure Detection via Interface Status Check

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation radio access networks, there is a challenge in differentiating between node failures and transport layer failures, leading to incorrect recovery actions and unnecessary delays, as existing detection mechanisms cannot distinguish between the two types of failures, resulting in potential user service interruptions and inefficient resource management.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a first network device detects communication errors over an interface and requests a second network device to check the status of another interface, allowing for differentiation between node failures and transport layer failures by receiving status information, enabling appropriate recovery actions without unnecessary resource release or delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing detection mechanisms are used to identify communication errors, then error detection is achieved, but the ability to differentiate between node failures and transport layer failures is lost, leading to incorrect recovery actions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefailure type differentiation accuracyVSAvoidrecovery action accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a status check message as an intermediary mechanism between the first network device and the second network device. This message carries interface status information that acts as a mediator to convey the actual state of the second interface, enabling the first network device to accurately determine whether a communication error is caused by a node failure or a transport layer failure without directly observing the second interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the second network device responds to a status check message by providing status information about the second interface. This feedback loop enables the first network device to receive accurate information about the state of the second interface, allowing it to make informed decisions about the type of failure and appropriate recovery actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If existing detection mechanisms are used, then communication errors are detected, but unnecessary resource release and service interruptions occur due to incorrect failure classification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidfailure cause information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical assumption-based failure classification system with an information-based system. Instead of relying on predetermined assumptions about failure causes, the system uses status check messages to obtain actual status information from the second network device, substituting guesswork with factual data about the interface state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs a preliminary status check before taking recovery actions. By sending a status check message and receiving status information about the second interface before executing recovery procedures, the system ensures that the correct failure type is identified in advance, preventing unnecessary resource release and service interruptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If status check messages are implemented to differentiate failure types, then accurate failure identification is achieved, but additional signaling overhead and processing steps are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefailure type identification accuracyVSAvoiddetection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the status check message multi-functional by designing it to serve both as a keepalive signal and as a query for interface status information. This universal message type can be used in normal operation to maintain connectivity and, when needed, to diagnose failure causes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated diagnostic messages and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4456598A1Detecting communication error
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4456598A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4456598A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4456598A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, methods, apparatuses and co9mputer readable media for node failure identification and recovery. In the embodiments, a first network device for a radio access network detects an error of communication over a first interface between the first network device and a third network device. The first network device transmits to a second network device of the radio access network, a request for the second network device to check status of a second interface between the second network device and the third network device. Then the first network device receives, from the second network device, status information on the second interface.