User-Level HSDPA Quality Monitoring via RRC Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In UMTS networks with HSDPA enhancements, monitoring Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) on a user level is not supported, as reporting of CQI is implemented within the UTRAN without external observation, posing a challenge for network optimization.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that calculate CQI for HSDPA radio channels by correlating RRC messages with cell radio resource usage data, enabling indirect estimation of CQI outside the UTRAN, using Ec/No values from RRC Connection Request messages and cell resource usage data to derive SNR and CQI values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CQI reporting is implemented within UTRAN MAC protocol functionalities, then network operation is maintained, but external monitoring of user-level CQI becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by extracting CQI-related information from RRC messages (which are observable outside UTRAN) and combining it with cell resource usage data to indirectly derive CQI values. This mediator mechanism allows external monitoring without disrupting the internal MAC protocol CQI reporting that maintains network operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy or representation of CQI information by extracting Ec/No measurement quantities from RRC messages and reconstructing CQI values through correlation with cell resource usage data. This copied CQI information enables external monitoring while the original CQI reporting continues to function within UTRAN.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated mechanisms for measuring and reporting user experience are implemented, then user experience monitoring capability is improved, but implementation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing network infrastructure to serve monitoring purposes through itself by utilizing already-collected RRC messages and cell resource usage data. No dedicated monitoring infrastructure is needed - the network's existing data collection mechanisms are repurposed to provide user experience monitoring, reducing implementation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing network components multi-functional by using RRC messages and cell resource usage data (collected for other purposes) to simultaneously provide user experience monitoring. This universal approach allows the same infrastructure to serve both original functions and monitoring functions without additional complexity.
3Ease of operation
If CQI is reported at RNC level through MAC protocol, then network control is maintained, but user-level granularity for monitoring is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CQI information retrieval process by extracting user-specific Ec/No measurement quantities from individual RRC messages for each user, then correlating with cell resource usage data. This segmentation restores user-level granularity while the overall network control through RNC-level MAC protocol remains intact.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of monitoring a UMTS network is provided. The method comprises getting a recorded Radio Resource Control, RRC, message associated with a user and getting recorded data indicative of cell radio resource usage in the UMTS network. Further, the method comprises correlating the RRC message with the data indicative of cell radio resource usage. Further, the method comprises determining a measurement quantity indicated in the RRC message and, based on the measurement quantity indicated in the RRC message and the correlated data indicative of cell radio resource usage, calculating quality of a HSDPA radio channel for the user.