X2 Gateway Multi-Cell Support for VRU Handover Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack a mechanism to efficiently manage and update cell information for Virtual Radio Units (VRUs) supporting multiple cells, particularly in coordinating servers, leading to inefficiencies in handling S1-X2 handovers and X2 updates.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a Virtual Radio Unit (VRU) that communicates non-content X2 request and response messages with a Het Net Gateway (coordinating server) to manage and maintain information about multiple cells served by the VRU, using standard X2 interface for information exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If VRU supports multiple cells per S1-peer, then the capacity and carrier grade capability of VRU is improved, but the complexity of managing and updating cell information at coordinating server increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments cell information management by introducing separate data structures for serving cell information and non-serving cell information. Each cell is represented as an independent entity with unique identifiers, allowing the coordinating server to manage multiple cells through structured, modular data organization rather than monolithic information blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing X2 interface connections and exchanging X2 setup messages before actual handover operations. The coordinating server pre-configures cell information, X2AP IDs, and TNL addresses in advance, so that when handovers are needed, the information is already prepared and available, reducing real-time management complexity.
2Productivity
If VRU supports multiple cells, then the network capacity is improved, but the mechanism to update coordinating server about cell events becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the VRU continuously monitors cell events (cell addition, cell removal, cell state changes) and automatically notifies the coordinating server through standardized X2 interface messages. The coordinating server maintains updated information about all served cells and their states, enabling real-time synchronization without complex manual update procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal X2 interface messages that can handle multiple types of cell events through a single standardized protocol. The same X2 setup message structure and information elements are used whether adding a cell, removing a cell, or updating cell parameters, simplifying the update mechanism compared to having separate procedures for each event type.
3Productivity
If multiple VRU VNodes share the same vEnB and eNodeB ID, then resource utilization is improved, but the ability to identify different VNodes increases in difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning unique characteristics to each VNode while maintaining shared global properties. Each VNode has a unique X2AP ID and specific serving cell information that distinguishes it from other VNodes, while still sharing the same vEnB context and eNodeB ID. This allows identification at the local VNode level without compromising the shared resource architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested identification structure where VNodes are nested within vEnBs, which are nested within eNodeBs. The identification hierarchy proceeds from global (eNodeB ID) to intermediate (vEnB context) to specific (VNode X2AP ID and serving cell information). This nested approach allows efficient resource sharing at higher levels while maintaining unique identification at lower levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer readable media and system for providing X2 Gateway (GW) multi-cell support, comprising: are presented. In one embodiment a method includes providing a system having a Virtual Radio Unit (VRU) in communication with a Het Net Gateway (coordinating server); exchanging non-content X2 request messages between the VRU and the coordinating server; exchanging non-content X2 response messages between the VRU and the coordinating server; and wherein the non-content X2 request messages and the X2 response messages are used to communicate multiple cells served by the VRU to the coordinating server.