Sleeping Cell Detection via Neighbor Probe Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting sleeping cells in cellular communication networks, where uplink radio signal reception fails, are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly as they rely on statistical methods and do not effectively trigger alarms for timely intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method using radio devices in neighboring cells to perform probe transmissions to determine if a cell is unable to receive uplink signals, with a counter mechanism to trigger an alarm when the cell fails to decode the probe transmissions a predetermined number of times, allowing for timely restoration of uplink functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If statistical methods are used to detect sleeping cells with uplink reception failures, then detection can be performed, but the detection time is excessive and reliability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network node proactively send probe transmissions to the cell before actual uplink traffic is affected. This allows the system to detect sleeping cells early by checking if the cell can receive and decode probe signals, rather than waiting for statistical analysis of failed uplink transmissions. The probe transmission is a preliminary test that reveals the cell's reception status before real service is impacted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a dedicated probe transmission mechanism that acts as a mediator between the network node and the potentially sleeping cell. Instead of directly analyzing uplink traffic patterns, the system introduces probe signals as an intermediary test tool that simplifies detection. The probe transmission serves as a controlled intermediary action that reveals the cell's operational status without requiring complex statistical analysis of normal traffic.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If existing downlink-focused detection methods are applied to uplink failures, then some detection capability is achieved, but the methods are unreliable and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the traditional detection approach. Instead of having the cell transmit uplink signals and having the network node analyze reception failures statistically, the system inverts the roles: the network node transmits probe signals and checks whether the cell can receive and decode them. This inversion transforms a complex statistical analysis problem into a simple reception check, improving both reliability and reducing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 2d~5
Figure 6a
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method performed in a cellular communication network 1 for establishing that a first cell 4a of said network is unable to receive uplink radio signals. Embodiments of the method comprise determining that no indicative radio message has been received from any radio device 5 during a predetermined time period. The embodiments also comprise, in view of said determining, requesting a second cell 4b, 4c, or 4d, neighbouring the first cell, to instruct each of at least one radio device, connected to said second cell and able to detect said first cell, to transmit a radio signal. The embodiments also comprise obtaining information about how to receive the radio signal. The embodiments also comprise determining that the radio signal was not successfully received by the first cell in accordance with the obtained information.