Near-Real-Time UE Geolocation for Dynamic RAN Mobility Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radio access networks (RANs) are often inefficiently deployed and operate suboptimally over time, lacking dynamic adjustments for UE location and mobility, leading to high energy consumption and mobility drop issues.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing near-RT RIC to estimate UE location and mobility type based on real-time RAN measurements, such as IQ samples, SRS data, and MAC data, enabling real-time adjustments of RAN parameters for improved energy efficiency and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional RAN deployment and operation is used, then network coverage is maintained, but energy consumption is high and mobility management is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RAN parameter adjustments based on real-time UE location and mobility type estimation. The system continuously monitors RAN measurements (IQ samples, SRS data, MAC data) and adapts parameters such as handover thresholds, measurement reporting intervals, and mobility event triggers to match current network conditions, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining mobility management efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple RAN parameters simultaneously based on estimated UE mobility types (e.g., high mobility, low mobility, stationary). Parameter adjustments include modifying handover thresholds, adjusting measurement reporting configurations, and updating mobility event triggers to match the detected mobility pattern, which collectively reduce energy consumption without compromising service quality
2Productivity
If real-time RAN parameter adjustments are made, then energy efficiency and mobility performance improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RAN parameter adjustment function into distinct modules: location estimation module, mobility type classification module, and parameter adjustment module. Each module processes specific inputs (RAN measurements, location data) and produces specific outputs (mobility type, adjusted parameters), making the complex real-time optimization system modular and easier to manage
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where RAN measurements are continuously collected, UE location is estimated, mobility type is determined, and parameters are adjusted accordingly. The adjusted parameters are then monitored for their effect on network performance, and the process repeats, creating a self-regulating system that reduces complexity through automated feedback control
3Measurement precision
If GPS data and additional RRC events are used for location determination, then location accuracy improves, but network overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the RAN to perform location estimation and mobility type determination using its own existing measurements (IQ samples, SRS data, MAC data) without requiring external GPS services or additional RRC location events. The RAN leverages its inherent capability to collect radio measurements and process them through the estimation and classification functions, achieving self-sufficient location services that reduce latency and network overhead
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a method of improving a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The method comprises receiving, by a network entity (e.g., a near real-time RAN intelligent controller), first data collected in real time of at least one user equipment (UE) attached to the RAN, receiving, by the network entity, second data collected in real time by at least one RAN node of the at least one UE, and based on the first and second data, estimating a UE location and UE mobility type for the at least one UE. The first data is at least two of: IQ samples from a radio front end, sounding reference signal (SRS) data, functional application platform interface (FAPI) messaging, radio link control (RLC) data, or medium access control (MAC) data. Numerous other aspects are provided.