SON Neighbor Association Updates for Interfrequency Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications networks face inefficiencies due to static neighbor relations between frequency carriers, leading to sub-optimal load balancing and potential network performance issues, such as dropped calls and packets, especially when carriers are heavily loaded while adjacent carriers remain underutilized.
Innovation Solution
A self-organizing network (SON) system with a policy engine that identifies network scenarios and updates neighbor associations between frequency carriers to optimize load balancing, dynamically reconfiguring relations to direct traffic from overloaded carriers to less loaded or unused carriers, thereby improving network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static neighbor relations are used between frequency carriers, then network configuration is simple and stable, but load balancing is sub-optimal and network performance deteriorates when carriers are heavily loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic neighbor relations where the neighbor list of a frequency carrier is no longer static but adapts based on real-time network conditions. The policy engine continuously monitors traffic load on carriers and dynamically updates neighbor associations to include carriers with available capacity, enabling automatic load redistribution without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the policy engine monitors network conditions (traffic load, carrier utilization) and uses this information to dynamically adjust neighbor relations. This closed-loop control ensures that neighbor configurations automatically adapt to changing network states, optimizing load balancing while maintaining network stability.
2Productivity
If dynamic neighbor reconfiguration is implemented to optimize load balancing, then network efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated policy engines deployed at network elements that independently monitor local network conditions and make configuration decisions without centralized control. Each policy engine autonomously evaluates traffic patterns and dynamically adjusts neighbor relations based on pre-defined policies, eliminating the need for complex centralized management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of neighbor relations from static identifiers to dynamic, condition-based associations. Instead of fixed neighbor lists, the system uses parameter changes in carrier utilization thresholds, traffic load metrics, and scenario-based policies to automatically adjust which carriers are designated as neighbors, simplifying the control mechanism while improving efficiency.
3Reliability
If carrier utilization is optimized dynamically, then bandwidth usage improves and dropped calls are reduced, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple policies with different scenarios and carrier associations before network operation begins. When network conditions match a predefined scenario, the corresponding policy is automatically activated, eliminating the need for real-time complex decision-making and reducing configuration complexity during dynamic operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a self-organizing network (SON) provides automated interfrequency load balancing for a base station such as a NodeB. The NodeB may provide a plurality of carriers, such as in a plurality of UARFCN frequencies, and the SON may provide configuration directives for increasing efficiency. For example, when one carrier becomes loaded, the SON may update neighbor associations to take advantage of relatively unloaded frequency carriers. A plurality of scenarios S may be provided, and a policy P may be defined for each. When the NodeB encounters a scenario S, SON may send configuration directives to implement policy P. Similar concept and policy could be applied in conjunction with INTER Technology Neighbor Definitions between LTE and UMTS and UMTS and GSM. Example if GSM Frequency Neighbors needs to be replaced with different Frequency Neighbors from UMTS based on Load or RF conditions.