RAN Xn Configuration Sharing to Avoid Futile Node Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for establishing Xn connections in radio access networks (RAN) rely on manually configured node addresses, which create a single point of failure and result in excessive signaling and energy consumption due to futile attempts when new nodes are added, as there's no way to determine if they allow automatic Xn establishment.

Innovation Solution

Implement a decentralized or distributed connection configuration tracking system where RAN nodes register their served cells and configurations with peer nodes, allowing efficient distribution and storage of Xn configurations, eliminating the need for centralized repositories and enabling pre-checks for allowed connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manually configured node addresses are used in centralized repositories, then connection establishment can be controlled, but single points of failure are created and excessive signaling occurs when new nodes are added

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishment reliabilityVSAvoidcentralized repository structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized address repository into distributed connection configuration information stored at multiple RAN nodes. Each node maintains its own connection configuration and can share it with peer nodes, eliminating the single centralized repository and its associated single point of failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces connection configuration information as an intermediary element that enables RAN nodes to autonomously determine whether to attempt Xn connection establishment. This intermediary contains indication information that acts as a mediator between nodes, allowing them to make informed decisions without centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If new nodes are added to the network, then network capacity increases, but futile connection attempts increase signaling and energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork scalabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring connection configuration information in RAN nodes before connection attempts are made. This information is prepared in advance and includes indication data that tells nodes whether they are allowed to establish connections, preventing futile attempts before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where RAN nodes exchange connection configuration information that includes indication information about allowed connections. This feedback loop allows nodes to learn from network conditions and adjust their connection establishment behavior accordingly, avoiding energy-wasting futile attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automatic Xn establishment is enabled, then connection setup is simplified, but there is no way to determine if peer nodes allow such connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection setup simplicityVSAvoidconnection permission information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes connection configuration information universal by storing it at multiple RAN nodes rather than in a single centralized repository. This multi-functional storage approach allows any node to retrieve the information it needs, maintaining ease of operation while preserving connection permission information through redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260046707A1Efficient Distribution of Connection Configurations in a Radio Access Network (RAN)

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments include methods for a first radio access network (RAN) node configured to serve one or more cells. Such methods include identifying a first cell served by a RAN node with which the first RAN node does not have a connection for communication and, in response to identifying the first cell, obtaining the following information from a tracking node associated with the RAN: an identifier of a second RAN node that serves the first cell, and an indication that a connection configuration for the identified second RAN node is available from one or more third RAN nodes. Such methods include obtaining the connection configuration for the second RAN node from one of the indicated third RAN nodes. Other embodiments include complementary methods for the tracking node and the second RAN node, as well as network nodes or functions configured to perform such methods.