Self-Organizing Network Control Unit for Radio Cell Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining radio cells in a radio access network is complex due to the need for temporary deactivation, which limits user experience as determining relevant neighboring cells and optimal compensating configuration parameters for coverage is difficult and often occurs late, leading to poor network functionality during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A self-organizing network control unit automatically determines and applies compensating configuration parameters to neighboring cells during maintenance, minimizing radio access limitations by pre-scheduling critical maintenance jobs and optimizing compensating effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a radio cell is deactivated for maintenance, then the maintenance task can be performed, but the radio access in the area of the maintained radio cell is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines and configures neighboring radio cells to operate in compensating mode before the maintenance time starts. This preliminary action ensures that compensation mechanisms are already in place when the radio cell is deactivated, minimizing service disruption to terminal devices in the maintenance area.
Solution Approach 2:
Neighboring radio cells act as intermediary elements that provide compensating coverage when the target radio cell is deactivated. The control unit coordinates these neighboring cells to extend their coverage into the maintenance area, effectively mediating the service gap created by deactivation.
2Reliability
If neighboring radio cells are configured to compensate for a deactivated radio cell, then radio access can be maintained, but determining optimal compensating configuration parameters is difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines the set of neighboring radio cells and their compensating configuration parameters without manual intervention. The system serves itself by computing the optimal configuration based on network data, eliminating the need for operators to manually calculate and configure these parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses network data and performance metrics to automatically determine optimal compensating configuration parameters for neighboring cells. This feedback-driven approach allows the system to adapt configurations based on actual network conditions and terminal device locations, improving accuracy while reducing manual complexity.
3Reliability
If manual configuration of neighboring radio cells is performed, then compensating mode can be activated, but the switching occurs late compared to the start of maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines and applies compensating configuration parameters to neighboring radio cells before the maintenance time begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the target radio cell is deactivated, the neighboring cells are already optimized to provide immediate compensation, eliminating delays associated with manual post-hoc configuration.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple neighboring radio cells are used for compensation, then coverage can be maintained, but the complexity of determining relevant and competent neighboring cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically identifies the optimal set of neighboring radio cells for compensation based on network data, eliminating manual selection processes. The system self-determines which neighboring cells are most suitable for providing compensating coverage, reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual process of identifying and configuring neighboring cells is replaced by an automated computational system. The control unit uses algorithms to analyze network topology, terminal device locations, and signal propagation characteristics to automatically determine the optimal set of neighboring cells for compensation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for maintaining a radio cell of a radio access network (RAN), comprising the steps: a radio cell of a radio access network and at least one further radio cell of the radio access network neighboring the radio cell are operated as a self-organizing network, the at least one neighboring radio cell being operated with at least one normal configuration parameter; the radio cell is deactivated and maintained during a predetermined maintenance time, and the at least one neighboring radio cell provides an area of the deactivated radio cell with a radio access during the maintenance time; a control unit of a self-organizing network within a radio access network, a radio access network and a computer program product for maintaining a radio cell of a radio access network.