Direct RAN Trace Interface for Flexible Message Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current 3GPP solution for Subscriber and Equipment trace in wireless communication networks does not allow for the selection of specific messages to include in the UE trace, nor does it enable the selection of internal measurements in RAN nodes or specify conditions for triggering a UE trace. Additionally, it only interfaces with the CU-CP part of a split RAN architecture, requiring communication between different vendor-provided nodes, which creates multivendor dependencies and slows innovation.
Innovation Solution
A new interface is established between the UE trace initiation node and radio access network nodes for invoking UE traces in RAN, allowing direct connection to CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU of a split RAN architecture. This interface enables the UE trace initiation node to directly request UE traces, select messages to include, and specify conditions for triggering the trace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the current 3GPP solution is used for Subscriber and Equipment trace, then trace functionality is provided, but flexibility in selecting specific messages and internal measurements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trace configuration into modular components including trace filters for selecting specific messages, trace depth parameters for controlling detail levels, and trigger conditions for selective activation. This segmentation allows flexible combination of trace elements without requiring complete trace configurations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic trace configuration where trace filters, depth levels, and trigger conditions can be adjusted in real-time based on network conditions and troubleshooting needs. The trace system transitions from static predefined configurations to dynamic adaptable configurations, enabling flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through on-demand adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trace activation is triggered via defined messages in current 3GPP solution, then trace functionality is provided, but conditions for triggering traces cannot be specified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of trigger conditions including event types, thresholds, and timing parameters before trace activation. This preliminary setup allows the system to automatically determine when traces should be activated based on predefined criteria, providing versatile triggering capability while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making rather than manual activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where trace triggers monitor network events and automatically activate traces when specified conditions are met. The system continuously monitors for trigger conditions and provides feedback-based automatic activation, enabling versatile triggering while simplifying operation by removing the need for manual intervention in trace activation decisions.
3Productivity
If trace requests are routed through CU-CP in split RAN architecture, then interface standardization is maintained, but multivendor dependencies are created and innovation is slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trace functionality from the CU-CP node and implements it directly in the DU and RU nodes. This extraction eliminates the mandatory routing of trace requests through CU-CP, allowing direct trace implementation at the radio unit level. The solution maintains necessary coordination through standardized interfaces while removing unnecessary communication hops, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Loss of information
If internal measurements in RAN nodes are included in UE trace, then comprehensive trace data is provided, but trace data volume and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing selective inclusion of internal measurements based on their relevance to specific trace objectives. Different measurement types can be included or excluded depending on the trace filter configuration and troubleshooting needs. This selective approach maintains information completeness for relevant measurements while reducing overall data volume by excluding unnecessary measurements, effectively resolving the contradiction between completeness and data quantity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a UE trace initiation node for a wireless communication network comprises transmitting, via a direct interface to a radio access network node or function, a trace request message comprising a request to initiate a trace on one or more user equipments. A method performed by a radio access network node or function for a wireless communication network comprises receiving, via a direct interface with a UE trace initiation node, a trace request message comprising a request to initiate a trace on one or more user equipments.