Operation Support System for Accurate Neighboring Cell CGI Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In shared radio access networks, incorrect Cell Global Identifiers (CGI) for neighboring cells can hinder the implementation of the Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR) function, affecting network performance and coverage.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that acquire correct CGI for neighboring cells by comparing identifier information sent by a base station with preconfigured cell information, using a user equipment and an Operation Support System (OSS) to determine and verify the CGI, and sending the correct PLMN information set to the base station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a standard ANR terminal is used to detect CGI of neighboring cells, then the ANR function can be implemented, but the detected CGI may be incorrect affecting base station operation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveANR function implementationVSAvoidCGI accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an OSS system as an intermediary between the base station and the ANR terminal. The OSS receives CGI information from the terminal, verifies it against pre-configured cell information, and sends the corrected CGI back to the base station. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining automated ANR functionality while ensuring CGI accuracy through centralized verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the OSS continuously monitors and verifies CGI information reported by terminals. When incorrect CGI is detected, the OSS provides corrective feedback by sending the accurate CGI back to the base station, which then updates its neighbor relation information. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple operators share radio access network infrastructure, then network establishment cost is reduced and coverage is improved, but neighbor cell identification becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork establishment costVSAvoidneighbor cell identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal verification mechanism in the OSS that handles CGI validation for multiple operators sharing the same radio access network. The OSS maintains pre-configured cell information for all operators and provides a unified verification service, enabling cost-effective network sharing while managing the complexity of multi-operator neighbor cell identification through a single centralized system.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2887731B1Acquiring neighbour cell information
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2887731B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2887731B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2887731B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for obtaining neighboring cell information. The method includes: receiving identifier information of a neighboring cell sent by a base station; when finding a first CGI according to a CGI and a PCI comprised in the identifier information of the neighboring cell, and cell information, determining whether the first CGI is the same as the CGI comprised in the identifier information of the neighboring cell; when the first CGI is different from the CGI comprised in the identifier information of the neighboring cell, determining the first CGI as a CGI of the neighboring cell; when the first CGI is the same as the CGI comprised in the identifier information of the neighboring cell, determining the CGI comprised in the identifier information of the neighboring cell as a CGI of the neighboring cell; and sending, to the base station, information used for indicating the CGI of the neighboring cell. The method and apparatus for obtaining neighboring cell information according to the embodiments of the present invention may better implement an ANR function.