Small Cell Self-Validation Without Backhaul Using D2D Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of small cells in clusters, such as in shopping malls or office buildings, is hindered by the high cost of on-site technician setup and configuration, and the lack of a suitable deployment procedure for large numbers of inexpensive small cells, especially when traditional macrocell deployment methods are not applicable.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating circuitry in small cells to enable direct Device-to-Device (D2D) communications and LTE transceiver logic for connecting with an Operations, Administration, and Management (OAM) server on power-up, allowing for automatic provisioning and validation without a functioning backhaul link, using D2D links to enhance network connectivity and transmit test traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If on-site network technicians are used to setup and configure each small cell, then deployment reliability is improved, but deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-provisioning and self-validation mechanisms where small cells automatically configure themselves and validate their deployment status without human intervention. The system uses automated workflows that include self-diagnosis, self-configuration, and self-reporting capabilities, allowing small cells to deploy independently while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation system that acts as a mediator between small cells and network operators. This validation system automatically assesses deployment status, detects issues, and coordinates remediation actions, replacing the need for manual technician intervention while ensuring deployment reliability through systematic validation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional macrocell deployment procedures are used for small cells, then deployment process simplicity is improved, but applicability to large-scale small cell deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deployment validation process into distinct modular stages: initial provisioning, self-validation, network validation, and commissioning. Each stage can be independently executed and validated, allowing the system to scale from single small cell deployments to large-scale cluster deployments while maintaining process simplicity through standardized modular steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic deployment procedures that automatically adapt to the specific context of each small cell deployment. The validation system dynamically adjusts its assessment criteria and workflows based on deployment scale, location, and network conditions, making the same basic procedure applicable to both individual small cells and large-scale clusters.
3Reliability
If backhaul links are required for small cell provisioning and validation, then network management control is improved, but deployment flexibility and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary self-provisioning and self-validation actions that small cells perform before backhaul connectivity is established. Small cells can initialize their configurations, perform self-diagnostics, and report their status proactively, allowing deployment to proceed in parallel with backhaul setup rather than sequentially, thus improving deployment speed while maintaining management control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where small cells continuously report their deployment status, validation results, and operational parameters to the network management system. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and control without requiring constant backhaul communication, allowing rapid deployment while maintaining network management oversight through automated status reporting.
Data Source
AI summary
Small cell provisioning and validation may be performed, for small cells, in a small cell cluster, based on wireless cellular network connections (i.e., without requiring the use of a backhaul connection). In some implementations, the small cells may communicate with one another using direct Device-to-Device (D2D) communications. The D2D communications may be used to further enhance the network connectivity (i.e., to the cellular network and the OAM server) and to transmit test traffic during performance of the validation functions.