SON Conflict Detection via Coordinator Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex telecommunication networks, especially LTE-based ones, self-organizing network (SON) and self-healing functions from different vendors can conflict due to uncoordinated adjustments of configuration parameters, leading to oscillations in performance indicators (PIs) without clear identification of the cause, whether from conflicting goals, bugs, or errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor performance indicators (PIs) and define an acceptable convergence range with a time period and allowable deviation, generating reports when values exceed these limits, allowing for detection of conflicts and potential self-healing or self-organization without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple SON functions from different vendors operate autonomously to adjust configuration parameters, then network automation and self-healing capability are improved, but conflicts between functions cause performance indicator oscillations and reduce network stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinator entity that acts as an intermediary between multiple autonomous SON functions. This coordinator receives configuration instructions from different vendor functions, detects conflicts between them, and resolves these conflicts before applying parameter adjustments. By mediating between competing SON functions, the coordinator enables high levels of automation while preventing the instability that would otherwise result from uncoordinated parameter changes.
2Productivity
If SON functions continuously monitor and adjust configuration parameters to optimize network performance, then network optimization capability is improved, but undetected conflicts lead to oscillations that worsen performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the coordinator continuously monitors performance indicators after configuration changes are applied. When oscillations are detected, the coordinator identifies the conflicting SON functions responsible and adjusts their behavior to eliminate the oscillations. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain high optimization capability while automatically correcting reliability issues caused by undetected conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinator serves as an intermediary that detects conflicts between SON functions before they manifest as performance oscillations. By analyzing configuration instructions from multiple vendors and identifying incompatibilities, the coordinator prevents harmful interactions while allowing each SON function to continue its optimization tasks, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Loss of time
If autonomous SON functions adjust configuration parameters without coordination to solve network problems, then response time to network issues is improved, but conflicting adjustments increase system complexity and make debugging difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinator acts as an intermediary that maintains a record of all configuration changes and their sources. When conflicts occur, the coordinator can trace back which SON functions caused the conflicts and in what sequence, significantly reducing debugging complexity. This mediation capability allows autonomous functions to operate with fast response times while the coordinator manages the complexity of coordinating multiple vendors' functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic conflict detection and resolution without requiring manual intervention. The coordinator autonomously identifies conflicts, determines which SON functions are responsible, and resolves the conflicts by adjusting configuration instructions. This self-service capability reduces response time while the systematic approach to conflict management prevents complexity from becoming unmanageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting cooperation or conflict between actors in a network made up of self-organizing sub-networks examines parameters such as performance indicators and configuration parameters to determine whether or not different actors are adjusting configuration parameters in a way that is cooperative or conflicting. When a performance indicator is observed to be outside of its expected range, an acceptable convergence range can be defined to give the actors time to adjust and return the performance indicator to its expected range of values. When a performance indicator is detected to be non-convergent, the monitor can alert an operator, or another node, so that appropriate actions can be taken.