Dynamic X2 Link Management for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE wireless communication networks, managing X2 links to efficiently handle handovers and maintain service quality while optimizing network capacity is challenging due to complex geographical and network parameters, leading to limitations in X2 link creation and usage optimization.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for managing X2 links by computing configuration parameters from UE measurement reports, determining feasibility, creating and consolidating X2 links based on current and predicted usage, and optimizing their number to address redundancy and overcapacity, using a dynamic X2 Application Protocol and configuration parameters like RSRP deviation and handover failure factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple X2 links are established to support handover and service quality, then service quality and handover efficiency are improved, but network complexity and operational cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic X2 link management where links are automatically created, activated, or deactivated based on real-time network conditions, UE measurement reports, and predicted usage patterns. This dynamic approach allows the network to maintain sufficient X2 links for service quality while avoiding permanent establishment of all possible links, thus reducing overall network complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future X2 link usage based on UE measurement reports and configuration parameters before actual handover occurs. This allows proactive creation or activation of X2 links in advance, ensuring service quality is maintained while avoiding last-minute complexity during handover events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If X2 links are created for all potential neighboring base stations, then handover capability is improved, but resource waste and operational cost increase due to redundancy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover capabilityVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring UE measurement reports, current X2 link usage, and predicted future usage patterns. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines which X2 links to create, activate, or deactivate, ensuring handover capability is maintained only where actually needed rather than establishing all possible links

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters including X2 link status (created/activated/deactivated), usage thresholds, and prediction weights based on observed network conditions and UE behavior patterns. These parameter adjustments enable the network to adapt X2 link configuration to actual demand, avoiding resource waste from redundant links

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If X2 link creation is limited to reduce complexity, then operational cost is reduced, but handover time and service quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork complexityVSAvoidhandover time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future X2 link usage based on UE measurement reports and configuration parameters before actual handover occurs. This allows proactive creation or activation of X2 links in advance, ensuring service quality is maintained while avoiding last-minute complexity during handover events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3133856B1Methods and systems for x2 link management in wireless communication networks
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 WIPRO LTD
  • EP3133856B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3133856B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3133856B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This disclosure relates generally to wireless communication networks, and more particularly to methods and systems for managing X2 links in wireless communication networks. In one embodiment, a method includes computing a set of configuration parameters associated with at least one Neighboring Base Station using measurement reports received from a plurality of User Equipment. Thereafter, the method includes determining feasibility of setting up at least one X2 link between a Serving Base Station and the at least one NBS based on at least one configuration parameter. Based on the feasibility, the at least one X2 link are created by performing one of activation of an X2 link and initiation of setup of an X2 link for each of the at least one X2 link. Finally, the method includes consolidating the at least one of X2 links based on associated current usage and associated predicted future usage.