Centralized SON Element for Dynamic LTE Neighbor List Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks, the dynamic updates of neighbor relations between eNodeBs pose challenges for transport networks, requiring adaptive VPN routing tables and optimal support for LTE S1 and X2 interfaces without interdependencies between transport and radio planning, especially in multi-vendor environments with unknown node groupings.
Innovation Solution
A centralized Self-Organizing Network (SON) element communicates with LTE and transport networks to dynamically update Neighbor Lists, conveying information to routing elements and managing entities, creating and modifying MPLS VPNs based on current neighbor relationships, and establishing clusters without prior knowledge of node groupings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic updates of neighbor relations are implemented in LTE networks, then network adaptability and communication efficiency are improved, but transport network complexity and routing management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized SON entity is introduced as an intermediary between LTE base stations and the transport network. This mediator collects neighbor relation information from base stations, processes it centrally, and generates appropriate VPN routing configurations, thereby shielding the transport network from direct complexity while enabling dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of neighbor relation management, routing information processing, and VPN configuration into a single centralized SON entity. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture by combining multiple functions that would otherwise be distributed across complex network elements.
2Productivity
If real-time VPN routing table updates are performed, then communication efficiency between eNodeBs is improved, but network operation time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized SON entity performs periodic evaluations of neighbor relation changes and updates VPN routing tables accordingly. Instead of continuous real-time processing, the system uses periodic action to balance communication efficiency with processing time, updating routes only when necessary based on change detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the centralized SON entity monitors changes in neighbor relations and automatically triggers routing updates only when changes are detected. This feedback-driven approach avoids unnecessary processing while maintaining efficient communication paths.
3Ease of operation
If centralized SON management is implemented, then coordination between multiple vendors' equipment is improved, but system complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized SON entity is designed with universal functionality to manage neighbor relations and generate routing configurations across multi-vendor LTE networks. It implements standardized interfaces and protocols that enable it to work with equipment from different vendors, providing a universal management layer that simplifies multi-vendor coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example embodiment, a Self Organizing Network (SON) element is provided to communicate with at least one Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless network and at least one transport communication network. The SON element is operative to obtain information that relates to updated Neighbor Lists from a plurality of enodeBs (eNBs) belonging to the at least one LTE wireless network, and to convey information that relates to the updated Neighbor Lists obtained, to at least one managing entity belonging to the transport communication network.