Proxy Network Node Auto-Configuration for Urban Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern communication networks face challenges in providing sufficient network coverage and capacity, especially in urban environments where signal attenuation from infrastructure is significant, leading to the need for bespoke configurations of network nodes, which increases deployment complexity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a backhaul sub-node and an access sub-node with a proxy system that performs auto-configuration, connecting to further network nodes to determine configuration parameters and intercepting auto-configuration requests to provide tailored configurations for the access sub-node, simplifying the deployment process while maintaining 'plug-and-play' ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If more network nodes are deployed to improve network coverage and capacity in urban environments, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but the complexity of node configuration increases due to the need for bespoke configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy system pre-configures access sub-nodes by intercepting configuration requests and providing pre-determined configuration parameters before the nodes are fully deployed. This preliminary configuration action eliminates the need for complex on-site bespoke configurations, allowing nodes to be quickly deployed while maintaining simplified configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proxy system as an intermediary component between the network management system and access sub-nodes. This mediator intercepts configuration requests, determines appropriate configuration parameters based on network conditions, and provides configurations to nodes without requiring direct complex configuration processes at each node, thus reducing overall configuration complexity while enabling scalable deployment.
2Reliability
If bespoke configurations are provided for each network node to optimize performance, then network performance is improved, but the deployment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The access sub-nodes perform self-configuration by automatically receiving configuration parameters from the proxy system in response to configuration requests. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual bespoke configuration of each node, significantly reducing deployment time while maintaining optimized performance through automatically determined configuration parameters tailored to each node's specific deployment conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration processes are used for network nodes, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but the scalability of network deployment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy system dynamically determines configuration parameters based on specific deployment conditions and network state for each access sub-node. By automatically adjusting configuration parameters according to actual deployment scenarios, the system maintains configuration accuracy equivalent to manual processes while enabling scalable automated deployment of large numbers of nodes without sacrificing precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method of performing a configuration process in the apparatus are provided. The apparatus has a backhaul sub-node to provide a backhaul connection to a communications network which comprises a proxy system. It also has an access sub-node to provide an access cell to which user equipment can connect. In a configuration process the backhaul sub-node performs a backhaul sub-node auto- configuration process comprising connecting to a further network node, determining backhaul sub-node configuration parameters, and storing in the proxy system at least one configuration parameter for the access sub-node in dependence on the backhaul sub-node configuration parameters determined. When the access sub-node then issues an access sub-node auto-configuration request, the proxy system intercepts the access sub-node auto-configuration request and responds to the access sub-node in dependence on the at least one configuration parameter for the access sub-node stored. Transparent to the access sub-node, the backhaul sub-node can thus modify the default configuration which the access sub-node would receive, based on the specific backhaul connectivity which it has established for itself.