RAN Node Configuration Updates for 5G Coverage and Capacity Issues

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G RAN architectures lack support for resolving capacity and coverage issues in multi-connectivity and split architecture scenarios, particularly in EN-DC or NR-NR configurations, and do not adequately address capacity and coverage optimization.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a configuration update mechanism between network nodes, including a RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE REQUEST message to identify and resolve capacity and coverage issues, with indications of detected problems and recommended actions, allowing for inter-node signaling to optimize coverage and capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current 5G RAN architecture is used, then basic network operation is maintained, but capacity and coverage issues cannot be resolved in multi-connectivity and split architecture scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity and coverage optimizationVSAvoidsupport for multi-connectivity and split architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gNB is segmented into two separate entities: gNB-CU (Central Unit) and gNB-DU (Distributed Unit), connected via F1 interface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of control plane and user plane functions, enabling better handling of capacity and coverage issues in multi-connectivity scenarios while maintaining architectural flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The F1 interface acts as an intermediary between gNB-CU and gNB-DU, enabling flexible configuration and management of network resources. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to adapt to different multi-connectivity and split architecture scenarios, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If configuration update mechanism is implemented between network nodes, then capacity and coverage issues can be resolved, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity and coverage optimizationVSAvoidinter-node signaling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration updates between network nodes before actual capacity and coverage issues arise. By proactively updating configurations and sharing information about serving cells and reference signals, the network can prevent issues rather than react to them, improving reliability without proportionally increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration update mechanism implements feedback loops where network nodes exchange information about detected capacity and coverage issues, and adjust configurations based on received feedback. This automated feedback-driven approach resolves issues effectively while keeping manual intervention and overall system complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12556940B2Requesting a configuration change for a radio access network node

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A first network node in a network including a second network node can, responsive to detecting a capacity issue and/or a coverage issue, transmit a configuration update request message to the second network node. The configuration update request message includes an indication of a requested configuration change for the second network node. The first network node can receive a configuration update message from the second network node. The configuration update message can include an indication of a configuration update selected by the second network node.