FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 OF
1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MODIFICATION OF CELL LEVEL
PARAMETERS IN A CELLULAR COMMUNICATION NETWORK”
We, Jio Platforms Limited, an Indian National, of Office - 101, Saffron, Nr. Centre
Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad - 380006, Gujarat, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which
it is to be performed.
2
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MODIFICATION OF CELL LEVEL
PARAMETERS IN A CELLULAR COMMUNICATION NETWORK
5 FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of cellular
communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a
method and system for modification of cell level parameters in a cellular
10 communication network.
BACKGROUND
[002] The following description of related art is intended to provide background
15 information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include
certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present
disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to
enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and
not as admissions of prior art.
20
[003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past few
decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and
advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was
based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the
25 advent of the second-generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data
services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. The third-generation
(3G) technology marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile
video calling, and location-based services. The fourth-generation (4G) technology
revolutionized wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network
30 coverage, and improved security. Currently, the fifth-generation (5G) technology is
3
being deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to
connect multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless
communication technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable
of delivering more services to its users.
5
[004] In general, a cellular communication system is a type of communication
system that operates with a huge network of cells. The network of cells or various
neighbor cells are required in a system to provide the user or a set of users with a
smooth and reliable experience of using their device wirelessly at any point of time
10 or from any place without worrying about disconnection of call and services. For
instance, during a call, a mobile terminal may move in the geography from a first
cell to a second cell. During the change in the position of the mobile terminal, the
neighboring cells may coordinate internally among them (e.g., may share
information like load, traffic, availability) to provide the user or mobile terminal a
15 smooth experience of handover i.e., handover of the call or services of the UE from
first network to another neighbor network. However, many a times, various
parameters related to the cells or neighbor cells keep changing which are required
to be updated at the network for synchronous and smooth functioning of the overall
cellular network.
20
[005] Therefore, it is very important to modify and update the cell level
parameters at Centralized Self Organizing Network (CSON) and Distributed Self
Organizing Network (DSON) level to prevent any adverse impact on the network
performance, user experience as well as services (such as 4G/5G) provided to the
25 user in a cellular communication system. Thus, in order to improve the radio access
network capacity and performance as well as to overcome the limitation of a jittery
handover and to enhance user experience, there exists an imperative need in the art
to efficiently modify and update the cell level parameters, which the present
disclosure aims to address.
30
4
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.
5
[007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for
modification of cell level parameters. It is another object of the present disclosure
to modify and update the Neighbor Relation Table (NRT) of a Centralised SelfOrganizing Network (CSON) and Distributed Self-Organizing Network (DSON).
10
[008] It is an object of the present disclosure to keep the Neighbor Relation Table
(NRT) updated with all frequent updates taking place in NRT attributes at
Distributed SON (DSON).
15 [009] It is an object of the present disclosure to consider both NR and E-UTRA
neighbors in the Neighbor Relation Table (NRT).
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to design a proprietary interface in a
way to support RESTful communication between Self Organizing Network and
20 gNB.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0011] This section is provided to introduce certain aspects of the present disclosure
25 in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description.
This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0012] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for updating cell
30 level parameters in a cellular network. The method includes receiving, by a
5
processor unit via a Centralised Self Organizing Network (CSON), from a
Distributed Self Organizing Network (DSON), a neighbor modification indication
request that includes a source network code identity to a first set of parameters
corresponding to neighbor cell attributes. The method further includes comparing,
5 by the processing unit via the CSON, the first set of parameters against a second
plurality of parameters stored in a database associated with the CSON, the second
set of parameters corresponds to a second set of neighbor cell attributes. Thereafter,
the method includes updating, by the processing unit, the second set of parameters
based on the comparison to align with the first set of parameters. Further, the
10 method encompasses transmitting, by the processing unit via the CSON, a neighbor
modification confirmation to the DSON that acknowledges the update.
[0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first set of parameters and
the second set of parameters includes at least one of Cell Global Identity (CGI),
15 Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), Tracking Area Code
(TAC), Physical Layer Cell Identifier (PCI), and a rank value, wherein the rank
value is based on number of successful handovers associated with the network node.
[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the rank value is determined based on
20 a count of successful handovers completed within a predetermined ranking interval.
[0015] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the Neighbor Modification Indication
Request and corresponding subsequent response are communicated using a
RESTful communication protocol.
25
[0016] In an aspect of the present disclosure, trigger for the Neighbor Modification
Indication Request includes expiration of a ranking timer or an alteration in a
neighbor cell attribute at the DSON.
6
[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for updating cell
level parameters in a cellular communication network. The system includes a
Centralized Self Organizing Network (CSON), which further includes a receiving
unit, configured to receive from a Distributed Self Organizing Network (DSON), a
5 Neighbor Modification Indication Request that comprises a source network node
identity and a first set of parameters corresponding to neighbor cell attributes.
Further, the system encompasses a comparing unit configured to compare the first
set of parameters against a second set of parameters stored in a database associated
with the CSON, the second set of parameters corresponds to a second set of
10 neighbor cell attributes. The system further includes a processing unit. The
processing unit is configured to update the second test of parameters based on the
comparison to align with the first set of parameters. The system further includes a
transmitting unit. The transmitting unit is configured to transmit a neighbor
modification confirmation to the DSON that acknowledges the update.
15
[0018] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for updating cell level
parameters in a cellular communication network. The instructions include receiving
a neighbor modification indication request which includes a source network node
20 identity and a first set of parameters corresponding to neighbor cell attributes, from
a Distributes Self Organizing Network (DSON). Once the request is received,
comparing the first set of parameters against a second set of parameters
corresponding to a second set of neighboring cell attributes. Further, updating the
second set of parameters based on the comparison to align with the first set of
25 parameters and transmitting the neighbor modification confirmation to the DSON.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute
30 a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods
7
and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the
different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present
disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and
5 may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated
by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of
electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to
implement such components.
10 [0020] FIG.1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for modification
of cell level parameters, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary systems architecture of Self Organizing
15 Network, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary general signal flow diagram of a method
for modification of cell level parameters, in accordance with exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
20
[0023] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary specific signal flow diagram of a method
for modification of cell level parameters, in accordance with exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
25 [0024] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram for modification of
cell level parameters, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure.
8
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device upon
which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with
exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
5 [0026] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed
description of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
10 [0027] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that
embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific
details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one
15 another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not
address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the
problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be
fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of
the present disclosure are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in
20 which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different
drawings.
[0028] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not
intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather,
25 the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in
the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment.
It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and
arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure as set forth.
30
9
[0029] It should be noted that the terms "mobile device", "user equipment", "user
device", “communication device”, “device” and similar terms are used
interchangeably for the purpose of describing the invention. These terms are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention or imply any specific functionality or
5 limitations on the described embodiments. The use of these terms is solely for
convenience and clarity of description. The invention is not limited to any particular
type of device or equipment, and it should be understood that other equivalent terms
or variations thereof may be used interchangeably without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined herein.
10
[0030] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough
understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these
specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other
15 components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to
obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known
circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without
unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
20 [0031] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process
which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure
diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as
a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or
concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process
25 is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not
included in a figure.
[0032] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean
serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the
30 subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any
10
aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques
known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms
5 “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed
description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner
similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding
any additional or other elements.
10 [0033] As used herein, an “electronic device”, or “portable electronic device”, or
“user device” or “communication device” or “user equipment” or “device” refers
to any electrical, electronic, electromechanical and computing device. The user
device is capable of receiving and/or transmitting one or parameters, performing
function/s, communicating with other user devices and transmitting data to the
15 other user devices. The user equipment may have a processor, a display, a memory,
a battery and an input-means such as a hard keypad and/or a soft keypad. The user
equipment may be capable of operating on any radio access technology including
but not limited to IP-enabled communication, Zig Bee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low
Energy, Near Field Communication, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, etc. For
20 instance, the user equipment may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone,
smartphone, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, laptop,
a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer,
mainframe computer, or any other device as may be obvious to a person skilled in
the art for implementation of the features of the present disclosure.
25
[0034] Further, the user device may also comprise a “processor” or “processing
unit” includes processing unit, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for
processing instructions. The processor may be a general-purpose processor, a
special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a
30 plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a
11
DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits,
Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc.
The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input/output processing,
and/or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to
5 the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor is a hardware processor.
[0035] As portable electronic devices and wireless technologies continue to
improve and grow in popularity, the advancing wireless technologies for data
transfer are also expected to evolve and replace the older generations of
10 technologies. In the field of wireless data communications, the dynamic
advancement of various generations of cellular technology are also seen. The
development, in this respect, has been incremental in the order of second generation
(2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), and now fifth generation (5G),
and more such generations are expected to continue in the forthcoming time.
15
[0036] Radio Access Technology (RAT) refers to the technology used by mobile
devices/ user equipment (UE) to connect to a cellular network. It refers to the
specific protocol and standards that govern the way devices communicate with base
stations, which are responsible for providing the wireless connection. Further, each
20 RAT has its own set of protocols and standards for communication, which define
the frequency bands, modulation techniques, and other parameters used for
transmitting and receiving data. Examples of RATs include GSM (Global System
for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS
(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), LTE (Long-Term Evolution),
25 and 5G. The choice of RAT depends on a variety of factors, including the network
infrastructure, the available spectrum, and the mobile device's/device's capabilities.
Mobile devices often support multiple RATs, allowing them to connect to different
types of networks and provide optimal performance based on the available network
resources.
30
12
[0037] As used herein, Radio Access Network (RAN) node includes, but not
limited to, gNodeB or gNB, macro, IDSC, ODSC, mm wave and the like.
[0038] As used herein, the SON refers to a self-organizing network (SON) which
5 is an automation technology designed to make the planning, configuration,
management, optimization and healing of mobile radio access networks simpler and
faster. The CSON [202] and DSON [101] refer to centralized SON and Distributed
SON respectively. The Centralized SON (also referred as Zonal/Local SON too) is
responsible for managing DSON [101]. The DSON [101] represents each RAN
10 node i.e., gNB.
[0039] As discussed in the background section, the current known solutions fail to
provide any efficient way of modifying the cell level parameters in a cellular
communication system. In the cellular communication system, neighbor cells are
15 ranked based on the number of successful handovers performed on the given
neighbor in each ranking interval time. Higher the number of successful handovers
would result in higher the rank given to one or more neighbors. Based on the
assigned rank, there are some SON use cases which need to be performed at CSON
(Centralized Self Organizing Network) [202] end, so rank as well as other attributes
20 like PCI (Physical Cell Identity) need to be updated with CSON [202] after every
change happening at DSON (Distributed SON) [101] or RAN node. Thus,
modification helps in keeping the NRT updated with all the frequent updates
happening in NRT attributes at DSON [101]. In the modification process, if any
NRT attribute like Rank or Physical Cell Identity (PCI) changes, DSON [101]
25 notifies CSON [202] and accordingly CSON updates the NRT [208] accordingly at
its end.
[0040] The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other
existing problems in this field of technology by providing a method and system for
30 efficient and quick update of the cell level parameters. To update the cell
13
parameters, DSON [101] sends NR Neighbor modification indication parameters to
Operations, Administration and Management(OAM) agent [306B]. Triggering of
the modification procedure by the DSON [101] is done whenever the ranking timer
expires, or any neighbor modification is required to be modified or update. The NR
5 neighbor modification indication request includes parameters NR Cell Global
Identifier (CGI), Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (AIFCN), Type
Allocation Code (TAC), Physical Cell Identity (PCI), Rankval, Xn status and the
like. After receiving the NR Neighbor Modification Indication from the DSON
[101], the OAM agent [306B] passes it to CSON [202] via OAM Manager [204].
10 The CSON [202] thereafter sends NR Neighbor Modification Confirmation
message to OAM Agent [306B] via OAM Manager [204]. Whenever CSON [202]
receives the modification indication request i.e., NBR_MOD_IND_REQ, CSON
[202] first checks its own DB for the serving cell entries, if there is some difference
in the values of PCI, rank or any other Near Real Rime (NRT) mapping, CSON
15 [202] then corrects it or updates it with the values received from RAN node (e.g.,
gNB) through NBR_MOD_IND_REQ. Next, the OAM agent [306B]then passes
the NR Neighbor Modification Confirmation to DSON [101].
[0041] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be
20 described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary block diagram of a system [100] to
perform modification of cell level parameters in a cellular communication network
is shown, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
25 The system [100] is a Centralised Self Organizing Network (CSON) [202]. The
system [100] includes at least one receiving unit [102] which is connected with at
least one DSON [101], to receive a neighbor modification indication request. The
neighbor modification indication request includes parameters but are not limited to
NR Cell Global Identifier (CGI), Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number
14
(AIFCN), Type Allocation Code (TAC), Physical Cell Identity (PCI), Rankval, Xn
status.
[0043] The receiving unit [102] is connected to at least one comparing unit [104]
5 to compare the first set of parameters against a second set of parameters. The system
further comprises at least one processing unit [106] which is connected to the
comparing unit [104]. The processing unit [106] updates the second set of
parameters based on the comparison in the comparing unit [104]. The processing
unit [106] is further connected to the transmitting unit [108] which transmits the
10 neighbor modification confirmation to the DSON [101]. Also, all of the
components/ units of the system [100] are assumed to be connected to each other
unless otherwise indicated below. Also, in Fig. 1 only a few units are shown,
however, the system [100] may comprise multiple such units or the system [100]
may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features
15 of the present disclosure. Further, in an implementation, the system [100] may be
present at a network level to implement the features of the present invention. In an
implementation, the system [100] may reside in a server or a network entity or at
any appropriate location.
20 [0044] The system [100] is configured to perform modification of cell level
parameters in a cellular communication network, with the help of the
interconnection between the components/units of the system [100].
[0045] In order to perform efficiently, the modification of cell level parameters, the
25 receiving unit [102] is configured to receive a neighbor modification indication
request from the Distributed Self Organizing Network (DSON) [101]. The neighbor
modification indication request includes a source network node identity and a first
set of parameters corresponding to neighbor cell attributes. For instance, DSON
[101] sends a modification indication request in an event the ranking time expires,
30 or any neighbor attribute modification is found at the DSON [101] or (Network
15
Node). Thus, DSON [101] sends NR Neighbor modification indication request with
a first set of parameters to OAM agent [306B]. The NR neighbor modification
indication request includes parameters but are not limited to NR Cell Global
Identifier (CGI), Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (AIFCN), Type
5 Allocation Code (TAC), Physical Cell Identity (PCI), Rankval, Xn status and the
like.
[0046] Next, the comparing unit [104] is configured to compare the first set of
parameters against a second set of parameters stored in a database associated with
10 the CSON. The second set of parameters corresponds to a second set of neighbor
cell attributes.
[0047] Further, the processing unit [106] is configured to update the second set of
parameters based on the comparison in the comparing unit [104] to align with the
15 first set of parameters.
[0048] The processing unit [106] sends the update confirmation to the transmitting
unit [108]. The transmitting unit [108] is configured to transmit the neighbor
modification confirmation to the DSON [101] that acknowledges the update.
20
[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary systems architecture [200] of Self
Organizing Network in a cellular communication network, in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The system includes at least one
CSON [202], at least one NRT [208] associated with CSON [202], at least one
25 OAM Manager [204], at least one DSON [101], and at least one NRT [210]
associated with DSON [101] to perform the features of the present invention.
[0050] The system includes a DSON [101] connected to an OAM Manager [204].
The DSON [101] sends a NR neighbor modification indication request to OAM
30 Manager [204]. The NR neighbor modification indication request is initiated by the
DSON [101] if ranking expiry or any neighbour modification is found in the NRT
16
(DSON) [210]. The NR neighbor modification indication request includes
parameters but are not limited to NR Cell Global Identifier (CGI), Absolute Radio
Frequency Channel Number (AIFCN), Type Allocation Code (TAC), Physical Cell
Identity (PCI), Rankval, Xn status.
5
[0051] Next, the OAM Manager [204] passes the request to the CSON [202].
[0052] This NR Neighbor modification request when received at the CSON [202],
the CSON [202] checks its own Database, NRT (CSON) [208] for the serving cell
10 entries, if there’s some difference in the values of PCI, rank or any other NRT
mapping, CSON [202] corrects it with the values received from DSON [101] and
sends back to the OAM Manager [204] the NR neighbor modification indication
including NR Cell Global Identifier (CGI), and Physical Cell Identity (PCI).
15 [0053] The OAM Manager [204] further passes the NR neighbor modification
indication to the DSON [101] which stores it in the NRT (DSON) [210].
[0054] Referring to FIG. 3A, an exemplary general method flow diagram [300A]
for modification of cell level parameters in a cellular communication network, in
20 accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. DSON
(e.g., gNodeB) [101] first sends a modification indication request to CSON [202]
in an event the ranking time expires, or any neighbor attributed modification is
found at the DSON or (Network Node) [101]. The Neighbor modification
indication request may include parameters such as NR, CGI, ARFCN, TAC, PCI,
25 Rankval, Xn status, and the like. The CSON [202] first checks its own DB for the
serving cell entries, if there’s some difference in the values of PCI, rank or any other
NRT mapping, CSON [202] then corrects it or update it with the values received
from RAN node. Thereafter, the CSON [202] sends a Neighbor Modification
Confirmation to DSON [101].
30
17
[0055] Referring to FIG. 3B, an exemplary specific method flow diagram [300B]
for modification of cell level parameters in a cellular communication network, in
accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.
5 [0056] At first, DSON [101] sends a modification indication request to CSON
[202] in an event the ranking time expires, or any neighbor attributed modification
is found at the DSON [101] or (Network Node). Thus, DSON [101] sends NR
Neighbor modification indication request with parameters to OAM agent [306B].
The NR Neighbor modification indication parameters include, but are not limited
10 to, NR, CGI, ARFCN, TAC, PCI, Rankval, Xn status, and the like.
[0057] Next, the OAM agent [306B] passes the request to CSON [202] via OAM
Manager [204].
15 [0058] The CSON [202] thereafter sends NR Neighbor Modification Confirmation
message to OAM Agent [306B] via OAM Manager [204] after updating the
parameters. For instance, CSON [202] first checks its own DB for the serving cell
entries, if there’s some difference in the values of PCI, rank or any other NRT
mapping, CSON [202] then corrects it or update it with the values received from
20 RAN node through NBR_MOD_IND_REQ.
[0059] Next, the OAM agent [306B] then passes the NR Neighbor Modification
Confirmation to DSON [101].
25 [0060] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram [400] for
modification of cell level parameters, in accordance with exemplary embodiments
of the present disclosure is disclosed. As shown in FIG. 4, the method [400] starts
at step [402].
18
[0061] Next, at step [404], the method [400] as disclosed by the present disclosure
includes receiving, from a network node [101] of the RAN, a neighbor modification
indication request comprising a first plurality of parameters associated with the
network node [101], wherein the first plurality of parameters are indicative of an
5 identity of the network node [101], and the neighbor modification indication request
is indicative of a modification in the first plurality of parameters. The network node,
such as, gNodeB/gNB/ Distributed Self Organizing Network/DSON [101] sends
neighbor modification indication request with a first plurality of parameters
associated with the network node DSON/gNB [101], such as, but not limited to,
10 Cell Global Identity (CGI), Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN),
Tracking Area Code (TAC), Physical Layer Cell Identifier (PCI), rank value
indicative of successful handover operations performed by the network node [302],
or a combination to Centralized Self Optimizing Network (CSON) [202]. The
DSON/gNB [101] sends NBR_MOD_IND_REQ (contains source gNB identity) to
15 the CSON [202]. In an aspect, if ranking timer expiry or any neighbor modification
found, then DSON/gNB [101] triggers modification procedure and sends
parameters such as, but not limited to, NR neighbor modification indication (NR
CGI, ARFCN, TAC, PCI, Rankval, Xn status. Etc) to OAM agent [306B], which
sends neighbor modification indication parameters to CSON [202] via OAM
20 Manager [204].
[0062] Next, at step [406], the method [400] as disclosed by the present disclosure
includes comparing the first plurality of parameters with a second plurality of
parameters associated with the CSON [202], the second set of parameters
25 corresponds to a second set of neighbor cell attributes. The CSON [202] compares
the first plurality of parameters (NR neighbor modification indication) received
from the gNB [101] with second plurality of parameters stored in database
associated with the network node gNB [101] to confirm modification in at least one
parameter from the stored second plurality of parameters. After receiving the
30 NBR_MOD_IND_REQ by CSON [202], CSON [202] checks its own database for
19
the serving cell entries, if there are some differences in the values of PCI, rank or
any other Neighbor Relation Table (NRT) mapping, CSON [202] corrects it with
the values received from the gNB/DSON [101] through NBR_MOD_IND_REQ.
5 [0063] Next, at step [408], the method [400] as disclosed by the present disclosure
comprises updating the second set of parameters based on the comparison to align
with the first set of parameters, the CSON [202] updates its database with modified
neighbor parameters values.
10 [0064] Further, at step [410], the CSON [202] transmits a neighbor modification
confirmation to the DSON [101] that acknowledges the update so that both CSON
[202] and gNB/DSON [101] may sync with the current values and maintains the
neighbor relation values accordingly at their ends.
15 [0065] Thereafter, the method [400] terminates at step [412].
[0066] FIG. 1-4 should be referred to in conjunction with each other in order to
clearly understand the concepts of the present disclosure.
20 [0067] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be acknowledged
that the functionality described for the various components/units can be
implemented interchangeably. While specific embodiments may disclose a
particular functionality of these units for clarity, it is recognized that various
configurations and combinations thereof are within the scope of the disclosure. The
25 functionality of specific units as disclosed in the disclosure should not be construed
as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Consequently, alternative
arrangements and substitutions of units, provided they achieve the intended
functionality described herein, are considered to be encompassed within the scope
of the present disclosure.
30
20
[0068] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device [1000]
(also referred to herein as a computer system [1000]) upon which the features of
the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary
implementation of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the computing
5 device [1000] may also implement a method updating cell level parameters in a
cellular communication network utilising the system. In another implementation,
the computing device [1000] itself implements the method for updating cell level
parameters in a cellular communication network using one or more units configured
within the computing device [1000], wherein said one or more units are capable of
10 implementing the features as disclosed in the present disclosure.
[0069] The computing device [1000] may include a bus [1002] or other
communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware
processor [1004] coupled with bus [1002] for processing information. The hardware
15 processor [1004] may be, for example, a general purpose microprocessor. The
computing device [1000] may also include a main memory [1006], such as a
random-access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the
bus [1002] for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor
[1004]. The main memory [1006] also may be used for storing temporary variables
20 or other intermediate information during execution of the instructions to be
executed by the processor [1004]. Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory
storage media accessible to the processor [1004], render the computing device
[1000] into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations
specified in the instructions. The computing device [1000] further includes a read
25 only memory (ROM) [1008] or other static storage device coupled to the bus [1002]
for storing static information and instructions for the processor [1004].
[0070] A storage device [1010], such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state
drive is provided and coupled to the bus [1002] for storing information and
30 instructions. The computing device [1000] may be coupled via the bus [1002] to a
21
display [1012], such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), Liquid crystal Display (LCD),
Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, Organic LED (OLED) display, etc. for
displaying information to a computer user. An input device [1014], including
alphanumeric and other keys, touch screen input means, etc. may be coupled to the
5 bus [1002] for communicating information and command selections to the
processor [1004]. Another type of user input device may be a cursor controller
[1016], such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating
direction information and command selections to the processor [1004], and for
controlling cursor movement on the display [1012]. This input device typically has
10 two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y),
that allow the device to specify positions in a plane.
[0071] The computing device [1000] may implement the techniques described
herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware
15 and/or program logic which in combination with the computing device [1000]
causes or programs the computing device [1000] to be a special-purpose machine.
According to one implementation, the techniques herein are performed by the
computing device [1000] in response to the processor [1004] executing one or more
sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory [1006]. Such
20 instructions may be read into the main memory [1006] from another storage
medium, such as the storage device [1010]. Execution of the sequences of
instructions contained in the main memory [1006] causes the processor [1004] to
perform the process steps described herein. In alternative implementations of the
present disclosure, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination
25 with software instructions.
[0072] The computing device [1000] also may include a communication interface
[1018] coupled to the bus [1002]. The communication interface [1018] provides a
two-way data communication coupling to a network link [1020] that is connected
30 to a local network [1022]. For example, the communication interface [1018] may
22
be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite
modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a
corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication
interface [1018] may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data
5 communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be
implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface [1018]
sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital
data streams representing various types of information.
10 [0073] The computing device [1000] can send messages and receive data, including
program code, through the network(s), the network link [1020] and the
communication interface [1018]. In the Internet example, a server [1030] might
transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet [1028],
the ISP [1026], the Host [1024], the local network [1022] and the communication
15 interface [1018]. The received code may be executed by the processor [1004] as it
is received, and/or stored in the storage device [1010], or other non-volatile storage
for later execution.
[0074] The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer-readable
20 storage medium storing instructions for updating cell level parameters in a cellular
communication network. The instructions include receiving, by a receiving unit
[102], from a Distributed Self Organizing Network (DSON) [101], a Neighbor
Modification Indication Request that comprises a source network node identity and
a first set of parameters corresponding to neighbor cell attributes, comparing, by a
25 comparing unit [104] the first set of parameters against a second set of parameters
stored in a database associated with the CSON, the second set of parameters
corresponds to a second set of neighbor cell attributes, updating, by a processing
unit [106], the second set of parameters based on the comparison to align with the
first set of parameters and transmitting, by a transmitting unit [108] via the CSON
30 [100], a Neighbor Modification Confirmation to the DSON [101] that
acknowledges the update.
23
[0075] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically
advanced solution for modification of cell level parameters in a cellular
communication network. The present disclosure considers both NR and EUTRA
5 neighbors in NRT.
[0076] Further, the present disclosure provides an interface to support RESTful
communication (over HTTP1 protocol) between CSON and DSON. Modification
and update of the parameters leads to efficient handling of handover conditions at
10 both the networks.
[0077] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed
embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that
many changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from the
15 principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the embodiments
of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to
be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative
and non-limiting.
20 The present invention offers the below mentioned advantages1. It modifies and updates the Neighbor Relation Table (NRT) [208] of a
Centralised Self-Organizing Network (CSON) and Distributed SelfOrganizing Network (DSON) [101].
25 2. It keeps the Neighbor Relation Table (NRT) [210] updated with all frequent
updates taking place in NRT attributes at Distributed SON (DSON) [210].
3. It considers both NR and E-UTRA neighbors in the neighbor relation table
(NRT).
30
24
4. It designs a proprietary interface in a way to support RESTful
communication between Self Organizing Network and gNB [101].
25
We Claim:
1. A method for updating cell level parameters in a cellular communication
network, the method comprising:
receiving, by a receiving unit [102] via a Centralized Self Organizing
5 Network (CSON) [202], from a Distributed Self Organizing Network
(DSON) [101], a Neighbor Modification Indication Request that comprises a
source network node identity and a first set of parameters corresponding to
neighbor cell attributes;
comparing, by a comparing unit [104] via the CSON [202], the first set
10 of parameters against a second set of parameters stored in a database
associated with the CSON [202], the second set of parameters corresponds to
a second set of neighbor cell attributes;
updating, by a processing unit [106], the second set of parameters based
on the comparison to align with the first set of parameters; and
15 transmitting, by a transmitting unit [108] via the CSON [202], a
Neighbor Modification Confirmation to the DSON [101] that acknowledges
the update.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first set of parameters
20 and the second set of parameters comprises at least one of Cell Global Identity
(CGI), Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), Tracking
Area Code (TAC), Physical Layer Cell Identifier (PCI), and a rank value,
wherein the rank value is based on number of successful handovers associated
with the network node.
25
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rank value is determined based
on a count of successful handovers completed within a predetermined ranking
interval.
26
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Neighbor Modification
Indication Request and corresponding subsequent response are
communicated using a RESTful communication protocol.
5 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein trigger for the Neighbor
Modification Indication Request comprises expiration of a ranking timer or
an alteration in a neighbor cell attribute at the DSON [101].
6. A system [100] for updating cell level parameters in a cellular communication
10 network, the system [100] comprising:
a Centralized Self Organizing Network (CSON) [202] comprising:
a receiving unit [102] configured to receive from a Distributed
Self Organizing Network (DSON) [101], a Neighbor Modification
15 Indication Request that comprises a source network node identity and a
first set of parameters corresponding to neighbor cell attributes;
a comparing unit [104] configured to compare the first set of
parameters against a second set of parameters stored in a database
associated with the CSON [202], the second set of parameters
20 corresponds to a second set of neighbor cell attributes;
a processing unit [106] is configured to update the second set of
parameters based on the comparison to align with the first set of
parameters; and
a transmitting unit [108] is configured to transmit a Neighbor
25 Modification Confirmation to the DSON [101] that acknowledges the
update.
7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the first set of parameters
and the second set of parameters comprises at least one of Cell Global Identity
30 (CGI), Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), Tracking
27
Area Code (TAC), Physical Layer Cell Identifier (PCI), and a rank value,
wherein the rank value is based on number of successful handovers associated
with the network node.
5 8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rank value is determined based
on a count of successful handovers completed within a predetermined ranking
interval.
9. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the Neighbor Modification
10 Indication Request and corresponding subsequent response are
communicated using a RESTful communication protocol.
10. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein trigger for the Neighbor
Modification Indication Request comprises expiration of a ranking timer or
15 an alteration in a neighbor cell attribute at the DSON [101].