X2 Gateway Multi-Cell Messaging 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 interfaces 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 CellInfo object with specific fields (servingCellId, nonServingCellId, cellGlobalId), allowing the coordinating server to manage multiple cells through standardized, modular units rather than monolithic information blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the X2GW gateway and standardized X2AP messages that mediate between VRU and coordinating server. The gateway translates and manages cell information updates through defined message formats (X2 Setup Request, X2 Setup Response, X2 Configuration Update), reducing the complexity burden on the coordinating server by providing a structured communication layer.
2Quantity of substance
If VRU supports multiple cells, then the network capacity is improved, but the mechanism to update coordinating server about all cells becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal message structures that handle multiple cell types through a single standardized interface. The X2 Setup Request and X2 Setup Response messages can carry information about multiple serving and non-serving cells simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate update mechanisms for each cell type and simplifying the overall update process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing complete cell information (both serving and non-serving cells) during the initial X2 Setup procedure. This allows the coordinating server to receive comprehensive cell configuration data upfront through standardized messages, rather than requiring continuous incremental updates as cells are added or removed, thereby reducing ongoing management complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple cells are served by single VRU-VNODE, then the efficiency of VRU is improved, but the ability to identify different VRU VNodes sharing same eNodeBId becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing unique local identifiers (servingCellId and nonServingCellId) that differentiate individual cells within the same VRU-VNODE context. While multiple VNodes may share the same eNodeBId globally, each cell maintains its unique local identity through these cell-specific identifiers, enabling precise differentiation and management of cells belonging to different VNodes.
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.