SCTP Proxy X2AP STOP Message for HeNB Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE telecommunication networks, the disconnection of a Home Evolved Node B (HeNB) from the E-UTRAN network leads to network congestion due to the lack of efficient means to inform nearby equipment, resulting in undesirable messages and increased load on macro eNBs, which current solutions fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a proxy router that detects disconnections of SCTP connections and transmits X2AP STOP messages to associated evolved nodes, indicating the end of X2AP associations, thereby stopping unnecessary X2AP messages and managing the switching off of HeNBs dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a HeNB switches off or disconnects from the network, then the HeNB can be easily switched off or disconnected without scoring the network quality of service, but the macro eNB continues to send X2AP messages to the disconnected HeNB causing network congestion and undesirable messages
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy router detects SCTP connection disconnection before the macro eNB can send further X2AP messages, and proactively sends a X2AP STOP message to the macro eNB to prevent subsequent unnecessary messages. This preliminary action stops the harmful effect at its source rather than reacting after congestion occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy router acts as an intermediary between the HeNB and macro eNB on the X2 interface. It monitors the SCTP connection state and mediates communication by sending notifications to the macro eNB when the HeNB disconnects, thereby preventing the macro eNB from sending messages to a disconnected node and reducing network congestion.
2Reliability
If the macro eNB detects HeNB disconnection through multiple triggering of unanswered X2AP procedures, then the disconnection can be detected, but this results in increased number of undesirable messages saturating the network
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy router serves as an intermediary that directly detects SCTP connection disconnection and immediately notifies the macro eNB via X2AP STOP message. This eliminates the need for the macro eNB to send multiple probing X2AP procedures to detect disconnection, thereby preventing network saturation with undesirable detection messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy router implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring SCTP connection status and immediately sending X2AP STOP notifications to the macro eNB when disconnection is detected. This real-time feedback allows the macro eNB to stop sending messages to disconnected HeNBs without needing to detect the disconnection through multiple unanswered procedures, reducing the quantity of undesirable messages.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the proxy router transmits X2AP STOP message to inform eNB of HeNB disconnection, then network congestion is reduced, but the proxy router must maintain SCTP connections and detect disconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy router, as an existing intermediary component in the network architecture, leverages its existing SCTP connection management capabilities to detect disconnections and send X2AP STOP messages. This approach minimizes additional complexity by utilizing the proxy's inherent mediating role rather than introducing a completely new detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy router uses its own existing SCTP connection monitoring functionality to detect disconnections, rather than relying on the macro eNB to detect and report them. This self-service approach allows the proxy to proactively manage the disconnection notification process, reducing network cluttering while maintaining reasonable complexity within the existing proxy router capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to the problem that when an HeNB switches off (HeNB1-3) while connected via a proxy (PR) as mentioned by Release 11 of 3GPP TR 37.803 to a peer X2AP entity, the X2AP entity in the HeNB can not inform its peer (eNB1) that it is no longer reachable. The problem is solved in that when the proxy detects the disconnection of the SCTP connection (SCTP1-3) between the HeNB and itself, it transmits an X2AP STOP message to the eNB (eNB1), whereby this message indicates the end of the SCTP connection (SCTP1-3) and identifies the HeNB.