Small Cell Autonomous Configuration via Capability Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation and administration of a large number of small cells in communication systems are complex for operators, as each small cell's installation place and mode need to be considered, leading to cumbersome configuration and management.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where small cells notify the network of their capabilities, allowing the network to configure operations suitable for each small cell, enabling autonomous operation without operator intervention, by selecting appropriate configuration parameters based on received capability information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration and management of each small cell is performed, then network control and optimization can be achieved, but operation and administration becomes complex and cumbersome for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The small cell base station autonomously notifies the network device of its capability information and performs self-configuration based on network instructions, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in configuring each small cell's installation place and mode
Solution Approach 2:
The network device receives capability information from the small cell in advance and performs preliminary configuration planning, allowing the small cell to start operating autonomously without requiring operators to manually configure each cell's specific parameters
2Ease of operation
If autonomous operation of small cells is enabled, then operation and administration is simplified, but network control capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The small cell autonomously notifies the network device of its capability information, creating a feedback loop that allows the network to maintain control while enabling autonomous operation. The network device uses this feedback to perform appropriate configuration and management
3Extent of automation
If capability information notification is implemented, then self-configuration is enabled, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary capability information from the small cell and transmits it to the network device, avoiding unnecessary communication overhead while enabling self-configuration. Only relevant parameters are communicated
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system is provided that, if a large number of small cells are installed, is capable of configuring an operation suitable for small cells through simple operation and administration. If a small cell installed in Step ST1401 judges in Step ST1403 that a coverage macro cell, which includes the small cell in the coverage of the coverage macro cell, is present as a result of neighbor cell search in Step ST1402, notifies the coverage macro cell and another neighbor cell of its own capability in Steps ST1404 and 1405. The coverage macro cell selects a configuration parameter suitable for the capability of the small cell in Step ST1406 and notifies the small cell in Step ST1407. The small cell recognizes an operation mode configured by the coverage macro cell from the configuration parameter notified from the coverage macro cell, and then, starts operating in the operation mode.