Dynamic TWAMP Session Provisioning in Mobile Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Two-Way Active Measurement Protocol (TWAMP) does not provide means for automatic provisioning, making it unmanageable for large numbers of eNodeBs in E-UTRAN networks, which violates the goal of zero or low manual provisioning in Self-Organizing Networks (SON) and increases operational overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method in a Network Node to automatically set up a TWAMP session using a performance measuring protocol by extracting and storing network addresses from messages, such as Modify Bearer Request Messages, to establish connections between Serving GateWay (SGW) and Radio Base Stations (eNodeBs) without manual intervention, utilizing TWAMP reflectors and senders to monitor network characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TWAMP protocol is used for monitoring mobile backhaul performance, then network measurement capability is improved, but manual provisioning overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing network nodes to automatically discover and provision TWAMP sessions using existing signaling messages. The Serving Gateway extracts eNodeB addresses from Modify Bearer Request messages and automatically initiates TWAMP sessions, eliminating the need for manual configuration and making the system self-provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing signaling messages (Modify Bearer Request) as intermediaries to convey eNodeB address information to the Serving Gateway. This intermediary mechanism enables automatic session establishment without requiring direct manual intervention or additional provisioning protocols.
2Productivity
If automatic provisioning is implemented for TWAMP sessions, then operational efficiency is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing signaling infrastructure multi-functional by using Modify Bearer Request messages not only for their original purpose but also for conveying eNodeB address information for TWAMP session establishment. This universal use of existing protocols avoids adding new complex provisioning protocols while achieving automatic provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the TWAMP session establishment process with the existing bearer modification signaling flow. By combining these functions, the system achieves automatic provisioning without creating a separate complex provisioning protocol, thus improving operational efficiency without significantly increasing protocol complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual provisioning is used for each eNodeB, then session establishment accuracy is improved, but scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves both accuracy and scalability through self-service automation. The Serving Gateway automatically extracts eNodeB addresses from signaling messages and provisions TWAMP sessions with precise address information, eliminating manual errors while enabling scalable deployment across large numbers of eNodeBs without proportional increase in operational effort.
Data Source
AI summary
In exemplary embodiments in the present disclosure a method in a first Network Node for measuring network characteristics using a performance measuring protocol is defined. The method comprises receiving a message, extracting a network address of a second network node from said message, and storing said network address of said second network node. The method further comprises setting up a session for measuring network characteristics using said performance measuring protocol between said first network node and said second network node utilizing said network address.