1. A communication system comprising: a f i r s t communication apparatus; and 5 a second communication apparatus t h a t performs data transmission/reception with t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , wherein the f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s comprises t r a n s m i s s i o n means for t r a n s m i t t i n g information to t h e second communication apparatus, the information being used t o determine whether or not autonomous 10 setting information should be transmitted from the second communication apparatus to t h e f i r s t communication apparatus.

2. The communication system according to Claim 1, wherein t h e first and second communication apparatuses are base station 15 apparatuses used in a mobile communication system, and the autonomous s e t t i n g information i s transmitted by using a communication message defined between t h e b a s e s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s e s . 3 . The communication system a c c o r d i n g t o Claim 1 o r 2, 20 wherein when t h e autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s i s managed i n a h i g h e r - l e v e l a p p a r a t u s , the f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s t r a n s m i t s node i d e n t i f i e r information of the h i g h e r - l e v e l a p p a r a t u s t o t h e second communication apparatus. 25 4. The communication system a c c o r d i n g t o Claim 3 , wherein when the autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n is changed i n t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , the f i r s t communication apparatus transmits the changed autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n t o a communication a p p a r a t u s i n c l u d i n g , anlong a n o t h e r communication apparatus adjacent 30 to t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , a t l e a s t one of a comnlunication a p p a r a t u s o f which t h e autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n is managed in a h i g h e r - l e v e l a p p a r a t u s d i f f e r e n t from t h e h i g h e r - l e v e l apparatus managing the autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e first communication a p p a r a t u s and a communication a p p a r a t u s o f which the 36 autonomous s e t t i n g information is not managed in any higher-level apparatus. 5 . The communication system according to Claim 4, further 5 comprising a t h i r d communication apparatus that receives the changed autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n from the f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , wherein t h e t h i r d communication apparatus transmits the changed autonomous setting information t o a communication apparatus 10 i n c l u d i n g , among another communication a p p a r a t u s a d j a c e n t t o t h e t h i r d communication a p p a r a t u s , at least o n e o f a communication a p p a r a t u s o f which t h e autonomous setting information is managed in a higher-level apparatus different from the h i g h e r - l e v e l a p p a r a t u s managing t h e autonomous s e t t i n g information o f t h e first 15 communication apparatus and a communication apparatus to which t h e autonomous setting information is not transmitted from a n y higherlevel apparatus.

6. The communication system according t o a n y o n e o f Claims 1 20 to 5, wherein t h e autonomous s e t t i n g information i n c l u d e s i n f o r m a t i o n about a plurality of SON (Self Organizing Networks) f u n c t i o n s , a n d the first communication a p p a r a t u s notifies the second communication a p p a r a t u s about an SON function supported i n t h e f i r s t 25 communication a p p a r a t u s among t h e plurality of SON functions.

7. The communication system according t o Claim 6, wherein the second communication a p p a r a t u s transmits information about an SON function t h a t i s supported in the f i r s t comn~unicationa p p a r a t u s t o the 30 f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s a n d d o e s not transmit information about an SON function that is not supported in t h e f i r s t communication apparatus to the f i r s t communication apparatus. 8 . The communication system according to any one o f Claims 1 37 to 5 , wherein the autonomous setting information includes i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t a plurality o f SON Self Organizing Networks) f u n c t i o n s , and t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s t r a n s m i t s , among information 5 about t h e p l u r a l i t y of SON functions, information about an SON function of which transmission from the second communication apparatus is undesired t o t h e second communication apparatus.

9. The communication system according to Claim 8, wherein the 10 second communication apparatus does n o t t r a n s m i t i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t an SON function for which i t is n o t i f i e d t h a t transmission from the f i r s t communication apparatus is undesired, to t h e f i r s t communication apparatus. 15 1 0 . The communication system a c c o r d i n g t o any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of SON functions includes at l e a s t o n e o f a PC1 Assignment, an ANR (Automatic Neighbour R e l a t i o n ) , MRO (Mobility Robustness Optimisation), MLB (Mobility Load Balancing), CCO (Coverage and Capacity Optimization), Energy Saving, ICIC 20 (Inter-cell I n t e r f e r e n c e C o o r d i n a t i o n ) , and CoC (Cell outage Compensation).

11. A base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s a d j a c e n t t o a f i r s t base station a p p a r a t u s , comprising a t r a n s m i s s i o n unit that t r a n s m i t s information to 25 t h e f i r s t communication apparatus, the information being used in the first b a s e s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s to determine whether or not autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n s h o u l d be transmitted to the base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s . 1 2 . A data t r a n s m i s s i o n method performed in a base station 30 apparatus adjacent to a f i r s t b a s e s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s , comprising t r a n s m i t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n t o the f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , t h e information being used i n t h e f i r s t b a s e s t a t i o n apparatus t o determine whether o r not autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n should be transmitted t o t h e base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s .

13. A non-transitory computer r e a d a b l e media storing a program t h a t causes a computer i n a base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s a d j a c e n t t o a f i r s t base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s t o e x e c u t e a s t e p o f t r a n s m i t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n t o 5 t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , t h e information being used i n the f i r s t base s t a t i o n apparatus t o determine whether o r not autonomous s e t t i n g information should be transmitted to the base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s .

DESCRIPTION
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, BASE STATION APPARATUS, DATA
TRANSMISSION METHOD AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER
READABLE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM
Technical Field
[OOOl]
The p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n r e l a t e s t o a communication system
including a base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s t h a t autonomously performs
10 apparatus setting.
Background Art
[0002]
When setting is performed o n a base station included in a mobile
15 communication network, an SON ( S e l f Organizing Networks) function
for c o l l e c t i n g a n d a n a l y z i n g q u a l i t y measurement d a t a a n d t h e like
from a terininal(s) and a base s t a t i o n ( s ) and autonomously performing
t h e a p p a r a t u s s e t t i n g is used. By using the SON function, i t i s
p o s s i b l e t o improve the q u a l i t y o f t h e network and reduce the operation
20 cost.
[0003]
For example, a n o p e r a t i o n performed by an HNB (Home NodeB)
o r a n HeNB (Home eNodeB), which is a home-use compact base s t a t i o n ,
in which t h e HNB (Home NodeB) or the HeNB (Home eNodeB) itself
25 a u t o m a t i c a l l y performs P l u g - a n d - P l a y , r e c e i v e s a r a d i o wave (network
l i s t e n i n g ) , and d e t e r m i n e s a r a d i o parameter(s) such as a frequency
(EARFCN: E-UTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number) and a
PC1 (Physical Cell ID) is c o n s i d e r e d t o b e o n e of the SON operations.
Further, a n o p e r a t i o n in which the status of a r a d i o wave (such a s a
30 d i s t r i b u t i o n of pilot c h a n n e l s , a n e i g h b o r i n g c e l l ( s ) , interference, a
throughput status, a handover f a i l u r e rate, a radio load status, and PM
(Performance Management)) is measured o v e r a l o n g period, and an
OAM parameter(s) is t h e r e b y optimized by a s t a t i s t i c a l technique i s
3
also considered to be one o f t h e SON o p e r a t i o n s .
[0004]
A configuration of a mobile communication system compliant
with an LTE r a d i o communication scheme is explained with reference
5 to F i g . 1 6 . An eNB 10, an eNB 11, and an eNB 12 a r e b a s e s t a t i o n s
compliant with the LTE r a d i o communication scheme. An interface
between eNBs is called "X2-interface" ( s e e Non-patent l i t e r a t u r e 1 :
3G3GPP TS36.300). An EM 14 is an Element Manager t h a t c o n t r o l s
the eNBs, and an NM 15 i s a h i g h e r - l e v e l a p p a r a t u s o f t h e EM 1 4 o n
10 the OAM, and r e p r e s e n t s a Network Manager t h a t m a i n t a i n s a n d
m o n i t o r s t h e e n t i r e network. An MMEIS-GW 13 represents a core
network, and performs movement management c o n t r o l a n d s e s s i o n
management c o n t r o l . The interface between an eNB and the MMEISGW
is defined as " S l - i n t e r f a c e " .
15 [0005]
N e x t , a n OAM reference model disclosed in Non-patent
l i t e r a t u r e 2 (3GPP TS32.101) is explained w i t h r e f e r e n c e to Fig. 17.
I n t h i s figure, respective definitions for a n NM (Network Manager), a n
EM (Element Manager), and an NE (Network Element) a r e based on
2 0 3GPP TS32.101.
[0006]
NEs 21 to 25 are Network Elements. For example, an eNB (EUTRAN
NodeB), an HeNB, a NodeB, an RNC, and an HNB (Home
NodeB) correspond t o t h e s e e l e m e n t s . DMs 31 to 33 are Domain
25 Managers, a n d hold a Network Element management function and a
sub-network domain management f u n c t i o n . EMS 3 4 t o 37 are Element
Managers, and provide a Network Element management function. NMs
41 a n d 4 2 a r e Network Managers a n d a r e l o c a t e d o n a higher l e v e l of
the EMS. The NMs 41 and 42 manages a network supported by the EMS.
30 When an EM function is accommodated in an NE, the NE is directly
accessed by the NM. The NMs 41 and 42 are connected to Enterprise
Systems 50 formed by a s e r v e r a p p a r a t u s a n d s o o n .
[0 0 0 71
Among o t h e r s , the interface between an EM and an NM or
4
between an NE having a n EM function and an NM is defined as a
"Type-2 i n t e r f a c e " . It is a l s o defined as an "ITF-N (North bound
interface)", which is an open i n t e r f a c e defined i n t h e 3GPP
standardization s p e c i f i c a t i o n s s e r i e s .
5 [0008]
Next, an SON s o l u t i o n implemented in the above-described OAM
reference model w i l l be explained. I n t h e SON solution, t h e r e a r e
three methods, i . e . , a Centralised SON, a Distributed SON, a n d a
Hybrid SON as mentioned i n Non-patent l i t e r a t u r e 3 (3GPP TS32.500
10 VerlO.1 .O). The Centralised SON i s an SON solution in which a n SON
algorithm i s implemented in an OAM s y s t e m . There a r e t w o t y p e s o f
the Centralised SON, i . e . , an NM-Centralised SON i n which a n SON
algorithm is implemented in a Network Management l e v e l and an EMCentralised
SON in which a n SON a l g o r i t h m is implemented in an
15 Element Management l e v e l . The Distributed SON i s an SON solution
i n which an SON algorithm i s implemented in a Network Element level.
F u r t h e r , t h e Hybrid SON is an SON solution in which an SON
algorithm is implemented in a plurality o f l e v e l s i n c l u d i n g an NE, or
an EM and an NM.
20 [0009]
These SON s o l u t i o n s are appropriately selected according t o t h e
details of the a u t o m a t i c s e t t i n g , the OAM t a r g e t a p p a r a t u s t o be
a u t o m a t i c a l l y o p t i m i z e d , t h e SON a l g o r i t h m , o r t h e required
performance. F u r t h e r , t h e SON s o l u t i o n i s implemented in a vendor
25 apparatus, i.e., a communication a p p a r a t u s .
[OO l o ]
I n t h e case of the Distributed SON, since t h e SON algorithm i s
implemented in an NE, the OAM parameters can be immediately
changed. T h e r e f o r e , t h e Distributed SON is s u i t a b l e t o optimize t h e
30 OAM parameters in real-time. However, in order f o r t h e NE itself to
o p t i m i z e t h e OAM p a r a m e t e r s , the NE needs to frequently collect
i n f o r m a t i o n from n e i g h b o r i n g NEs by u s i n g p r o t o c o l messages.
Therefore, when the Distributed SON is performed, the number o f
signalings between NEs increases. Further, there is a r e s t r i c t i o n t h a t
5
the range the NE c a n r e c o g n i z e i s l i m i t e d to cells adjacent to t h e NE or
to the range of c e l l s which such adjacent c e l l s a r e a d j a c e n t to.
[OOl 11
In c o n t r a s t , i n the Centralised SON, a plurality of NEs in a wide
5 range can be c o l l e c t i v e l y managed i n a c e n t r a l i z e d manner a n d t h e i r
s t a t i s t i c a l information can be u s e d . Therefore, the Centralised SON i s
suitable t o o p t i m i z e t h e e n t i r e network a t l o n g intervals. Further,
there is a m e r i t t h a t there is no need t o u s e signaling such as an X2APmessage
between NEs.
10 [0012]
In a network, there is a possibility t h a t a plurality o f vendor
apparatuses (such as NEs, EMS, and NMs) are used and a d i f f e r e n t SON
s o l u t i o n i s used for each apparatus by u s i n g a n algorithm (SON
algorithm) or an SON performing method unique t o t h e vendor.
15 [0013]
For example, a s mentioned in Non-patent literature 4 (TR36.902),
as a PC1 assignment o p t i m i z a t i o n method, i t is necessary to assign
PCIs s o t h a t PC1 Collision-free and PC1 Confusion-free are guaranteed.
However, whether t h e PC1 assignment method should be implemented
20 by t h e Distributed SON, the Centralised SON, or the Hybrid SON i s
dependent o n t h e implementation of the apparatus vendor. That is,
when the PC1 assignment o p t i m i z a t i o n algorithm i s implemented on the
NE side, it is implemented by the Distributed SON. F u r t h e r , when the
PC1 assignment o p t i m i z a t i o n a l g o r i t h m is implemented i n the EM or
25 the NM, i t is implemented by the Centralised SON. Further, when the
PC1 assignment o p t i m i z a t i o n a l g o r i t h m i s implemented i n both the NE
and the EMINM, i t i s implemented by the Hybrid SON. As described
above, how i t i s implemented i s dependent on t h e vendor
implementation.
30 [0014]
As typical use cases of the SON (SON functions), PC1
assignment o p t i m i z a t i o n , ANR (Automatic Neighbour R e l a t i o n ) , MRO
(Mobility Robustness O p t i m i s a t i o n ) , MLB (Mobility Load Balancing),
RACH O p t i m i s a t i o n , S e l f H e a l i n g , ICIC ( I n t e r - c e l l Interference
6
Coordination), CoC (Cell o u t a g e Compensation) and so on are defined
i n 3GPP s p e c i f i c a t i o n s (3GPP TS36.300 VerlO.O.0, TR36.902 V9.3.1,
TS32.500 VerlO.O.0, Non-patent l i t e r a t u r e 5: TS32.541 VerlO.O.0 and
s o o n ) .
5 [0015]
Further, as defined i n TR36.902, the PC1 Collision-free is to
g u a r a n t e e t h a t PCIs are unique i n an area covered by a c e l l . F u r t h e r ,
the PC1 confusion-free i s to guarantee t h a t PCIs a r e unique in
neighboring cells.
10 C i t a t i o n L i s t
Non Patent Literature
[00 161
Non-Patent l i t e r a t u r e 1: 3GPP TS 36.300 V10.5.0 "E-UTRA and EUTRAN
Overall d e s c r i p t i o n Stage 2" 201 1-09
15 Non-Patent l i t e r a t u r e 2: 3GPP TS 32.10 1 V 1 0 . 0 . 0 "Telecommunication
management; P r i n c i p l e s and high l e v e l requirements (Release 10)"
2 0 10-09
Non-Patent l i t e r a t u r e 3 : 3GPP TS 32.500 V 1 0 . 1 . 0 "Telecommunication
management; S e l f - o r g a n i z i n g Networks (SON); Concepts and
20 r e q u i r e m e n t s ( R e l e a s e 10)" 20 10-09
Non-Patent l i t e r a t u r e 4: 3GPP TR 36.902 V9.3.1 "E-UTRAN; Selfconfiguring
and self-optimizing network (SON) use c a s e s and solutions
( R e l e a s e 9 ) " 2 0 11 -03
Non-Patent l i t e r a t u r e 5 : 3GPP TS 32.54 1 V 1 0 . 0 . 0 "Telecommunication
25 management; S e l f - o r g a n i z i n g Networks (SON); Self-healing concepts
and r e q u i r e m e n t s ( R e l e a s e 10)" 20 1 1-03
Non-Patent l i t e r a t u r e 6 : 3GPP TS 36.423 V10.3.0 "E-UTRAN X2
a p p l i c a t i o n p r o t o c o l (X2AP) (Release 10)" 20 1 1-09
30 Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0017]
When the Distributed SON a n d t h e Centralised SON are allowed
to be used among m u l t i p l e vendors in a mixed manner, t h e belowexplained
problems occur. The problems are explained based on an
LTE system, with p a r t i c u l a r emphasis on an SON system u s i n g a n
eNodeB(s).
[OO 181
5 A f i r s t problem i s explained h e r e i n a f t e r . In a n X 2 - i n t e r f a c e ,
various protocols are defined for the purpose o f t h e SON. However,
information o n how a neighboring eNodeB(s) is implementing an SON
is not sent by using an X2AP-message. T h e r e f o r e , t h e eNodeB has to
send information about t h e SON function by using an X2AP-message at
10 all t i m e s i r r e s p e c t i v e of whether t h e C e n t r a l i s e d SON i s implemented
or the Distributed SON i s implemented i n the neighboring eNodeB(s).
As a r e s u l t , there is a problem that even when t h e n e i g h b o r i n g
eNodeB(s) adopts t h e Centralised SON, the X2AP-messages cannot be
reduced.
15 [0019]
For example, in an X2AP ( N o n - p a t e n t l i t e r a t u r e 6 : 3GPP
TS36.423) procedure, eNBs can send neighboring "Neighbour r e l a t i o n "
i n f o r m a t i o n t o e a c h o t h e r by using:
- X2 SETUP; and
20 - ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE.
For example, in the X2 SETUP p r o c e d u r e , an eNB can send n o t only
c e l l i n f o r m a t i o n (Served Cell Information) managed by the eNB itself
but also neighboring c e l l i n f o r m a t i o n (Neighbour Information) when an
X2 is established. F u r t h e r , i n the X2AP ENB CONFIGURATION
25 UPDATE procedure, an eNB c a n s e n d n o t o n l y t h e newest cell
information (added c e l l i n f o r m a t i o n , d e l e t e d cell information, and
corrected cell information) managed by the eNB i t s e l f b u t a l s o
n e i g h b o r i n g c e l l i n f o r m a t i o n . The n e i g h b o r i n g c e l l information
i n c l u d e s a n ECGI (E-UTRAN C e l l Global I d e n t i f i e r ) , a PC1 (Physical
30 Cell I d e n t i f i e r ) , an EARFCN and so on. For example, a n eNB can
recognize not only the PC1 ( P h y s i c a l C e l l I d e n t i f i e r ) of a neighboring
c e l l ( s ) but also the PC1 information of an eNB(s) of a cell(s) adjacent
to the neighboring c e l l ( s ) .
[OOZO]
8
The PC1 information is an important parameter when an UE
i d e n t i f i e s a c e l l . In the LTE, the maximum number o f PCIs t h a t c a n be
assigned i s 504. Therefore, i n t h e system, PCIs need to be repeatedly
used. The PC1 is an ID t h a t i s necessary to generate signaling
5 necessary for a C e l l search operation o f a n UE and f o r synchronous
d e t e c t i o n , and i s one o f t h e most important IDS among the IDS used in
eNBs. In a radio system, i f an optimal value is not used for t h e P C I , a
handover failure caused by incorrect handover routing to a Target eNB
due to t h e o c c u r r e n c e o f PC1 confusion could o c c u r . F u r t h e r , because
10 o f t h e i n c r e a s e o f interference d u e t o t h e o c c u r r e n c e of PC1 c o l l i s i o n , a
decrease of throughput, synchronization l o s s , and so on c o u l d o c c u r
due to the d e t e r i o r a t i o n o f channel estimation performance i n UEs. As
a r e s u l t , the quality o f s e r v i c e to be provided to end users could
d e t e r i o r a t e . As described a b o v e , t o avoid the PC1 C o l l i s i o n a n d t h e
15 PC1 Confusion, a s mentioned in 3GPP TS36.300, the PC1 information
of a neighboring c e l l ( s ) , which is s e n t by the X2 SETUP procedure, is
important in o r d e r t o implement the PC1 Optimisation.
[002 11
In c o n t r a s t , in the existing 3GPP TS36.423, an eNB does not
20 send information on what kind of SON solution each cell i s performing.
Further, in TS32.762 Ver10.3.0 (E-UTRAN Network Resource Model
(NRM)), in an ExternalEUtranGenericCell, an ExternalENBFunction,
and an EUtranRelation, information on what kind o f SON s o l u t i o n a
neighboring c e l l ( s ) is using to implement an SON use case (SON
25 function) is n o t s e n t . T h e r e f o r e , when t h e n e i g h b o r i n g eNB receives
an X2AP-message, the neighboring eNB has to transmit an X2APmessage
t o other eNBs at a l l t i m e s . As a r e s u l t , the below-explained
problem occurs i n t h e PC1 Optimisation.
[0022]
3 0 An example o f a PC1 change o p e r a t i o n in a case where a
Distributed SON is used is e x p l a i n e d h e r e i n a f t e r with reference to Fig.
18. Assume that an eNB 100 is performing a Distributed SON in a PC1
assignment method. Assume a l s o that the PC1 v a l u e o f a c e l l that is
under t h e management of the eNB 100 i s 3 . As PC1 Collision or PC1
9
Confusion is detected, the PC1 optimization function of the Distributed
SON o p e r a t e s . When the PC1 value is changed, f o r example, from 3 to
200, the eNB n o t i f i e s n e i g h b o r i n g eNBs 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and
106 about the changed PC1 value by t r a n s m i t t i n g a n X2AP: X2 SETUP
5 message or an X2 ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE message t o the
neighboring eNBs. That is, i n a case where the number o f eNBs t h a t
manage c e l l s a d j a c e n t to t h e c e l l of a given eNB is six as shown in Fig.
18, when the PC1 of the cell managed by the eNB 100 is changed, t h e
eNB sends an X2AP-message six times in t o t a l . Note t h a t in this
10 example, e a c h eNB manages only o n e c e l l f o r the purpose of
simplifying t h e e x p l a n a t i o n .
[0023]
Further, to avoid the problem of PC1 collision and PC1
Confusion with cells adjacent to t h e n e i g h b o r i n g cells, it is also
15 necessary to send i n f o r m a t i o n o n a change(s) relating to the
neighboring c e l l i n f o r m a t i o n by the X2AP-procedure. T h e r e f o r e , t h e
eNBs 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and 106 a d j a c e n t t o t h e eNB 100 notify
the neighboring eNBs t h a t t h e PC1 value of t h e c e l l under the
management o f t h e eNB 100 is changed from 3 t o 200 by using an
20 X2AP: X2 SETUP message or an X2 ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE
message.
[0024]
Fig. 19 shows t h a t t h e eNB 101 t r a n s m i t s a n X2AP-message to
eNBs 107, 108, 109, 1 0 6 , 100 and 102, i.e., t r a n s m i t s a n X2AP-
25 message s i x times in t o t a l . Similarly, eNBs 1 0 2 , 103, 104, 105 and
106 t r a n s m i t a n X2AP: X2 SETUP message o r an X2 ENB
CONFIGURATION UPDATE message t o t h e i r neighboring eNBs.
[0025]
The above-explained operation is a n example o f a n operation f o r
30 the Distributed SON a c c o r d i n g to the 3GPP standardization
s p e c i f i c a t i o n s TS36.423. As described above, i n a case where the
number of neighboring c e l l s i s s i x and the number o f neighboring X2-
l i n k s i s a l s o s i x , the number o f X2AP-messages transmitted to send
i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e change o f o n e c e l l is 36 (6x6=36) messages.
10
[0026]
In an actual operation, when macro-cells a r e a d j a c e n t to each
other, the typical nunlber of X2-links i s 32. Therefore, t h e number o f
transmissions of X2AP-messages i s 1024 ( 3 2 ~ 3 2 = 1 0 2 4 ) . That is, when
5 a certain one of the PCIs is changed, X2AP-signalings occur 1024
times. Similarly, assuming a network i n which i n addition to macrocells
under the management of macro-base s t a t i o n , m a c r o - c e l l s having
a small c e l l r a d i u s , p i c o - c e l l s , and femto-cells exist in a mixed manner,
the number of neighboring X2-links i n c r e a s e s . For example, assuming
10 the number of neighboring X2-links is 128, X2AP-signalings occur
16384 ( 1 2 8 ~ 1 2 8 = 1 6 3 8 4 ) t i m e s . T h a t i s , when t h e PC1 o f o n l y one cell
i s changed i n an eNB, n o t i f i c a t i o n s of X2AP-signalings need to be
performed "N - x2xN-x2 = ( s q u a r e o f N-x2)" times, where N-x2 is the
number of X2-links. Because o f the increase of the number of
15 signaling messages as described above, there is a problem that
c o n g e s t i o n o c c u r s in each node. F u r t h e r , in a c a s e where a PC1 is sent
as a result of the n o t i f i c a t i o n o f an X2AP-message and PC1 Confusion
occurs in a n e i g h b o r i n g n e i g h b o r i n g eNB, when a PC1 is further
changed in the n e i g h b o r i n g n e i g h b o r i n g eNB, a PC1 is further sent.
20 [0027]
Although a n example c a s e where a PcCI i s changed is explained
f o r t h i s problem, s i m i l a r problems a l s o o c c u r for the ECGI and the
EARFCN, which a r e n e i g h b o r i n g c e l l information.
[0028]
25 As described above, since the Distributed SON having an SON
f u n c t i o n e x i s t s o n t h e NE s i d e , NEs n o t i f y each other about necessary
change i n f o r m a t i o n t h r o u g h t h e X2-interface in a meshed p a t t e r n . As a
r e s u l t , t h e r e is a problem that the q u a n t i t y o f s i g n a l s f o r X2APmessages
greatly increases. There is a possibility that: such a great
30 increase in t h e q u a n t i t y of the signals may c a u s e a s h o r t a g e o f signal
transmission buffers or signal reception b u f f e r s , make an eNB(s)
unable t o c o n t i n u e the normal o p e r a t i o n , and c a u s e a n unstable s t a t e .
Further, s i m i l a r l y , t h e r e is a p o s s i b i l i t y that as the number of signals
i n c r e a s e s , t h e p r o c e s s i n g performance may i n c r e a s e , t h u s making
11
eNB(s) unable to continue the normal operation and c a u s i n g a n
unstable s t a t e .
[ 0 0 2 91
In c o n t r a s t , in t h e c a s e o f t h e Centralised SON, the EM o r t h e
5 NM c o n t r o l s subordinate eNBs. T h e r e f o r e , even when the PC1 of a
given eNB is changed, there is no need to send information a b o u t t h e
PC1 change, provided t h a t t h e given eNB is also under t h e management
of the same EM or the same NM, because the EM or the NM a l s o
manages the PC1 change o f t h a t eNB. T h e r e f o r e , t h e problem of the
10 quantity of the s i g n a l s g r e a t l y increasing due t o t h e i n c r e a s e o f X2APmessages,
which occurs i n t h e Distributed SON, d o e s n o t o c c u r .
However, i n an actual o p e r a t i o n , depending o n t h e SON function
algorithm implementation method o f t h e a p p a r a t u s (NE) v e n d o r , t h e r e
is a p o s s i b i l i t y that a Distributed SON and a Centralised SON exist in
15 a mixed manner. For example, a D i s t r i b u t e d SON and a Centralised
SON existing in a mixed manner is explained with reference to Fig. 20.
[0030]
Assume t h a t eNBs 100, 1 0 2 , 1 0 4 , 1 0 8 , 110 a n d 112 a r e
controlled by an EM 200 a n d t h a t t h e EM 200 h a s a n SON function.
20 Assume t h a t a Distributed SON is performed for the o t h e r eNBs, i . e . ,
the eNBs 1 0 1 , 1 0 3 , 1 0 5 , 1 0 6 , 107 and 109.
[003 11
In the existing X2AP-messages, information about i n which node
a n e i g h b o r i n g eNB(s) is implementing an SON f u n c t i o n is not sent.
25 Further, information about what k i n d o f SON solution is used to
implement a n SON function is also not sent. For example, the eNB 106
t h a t i s implementing a Distributed SON d o e s n o t recognize whether the
eNB 100 is implementing a D i s t r i b u t e d SON or implementing a
Centralised SON. The eNB 106 is a l s o n o t n o t i f i e d about the EM, the
30 NM, o r t h e l i k e t h a t i s performing the SON f u n c t i o n of the eNB 100.
[0032]
When the PC1 value of a c e l l u n d e r t h e management of the eNB
100 i s changed from 3 t o 2 0 0 , t h e eNB 100 does n o t t r a n s m i t an X2APmessage
to the n e i g h b o r i n g eNBs 104 and 102 because the eNBs 104
12
and 102 are controlled by the same EM 200 and they are implementing
a Centralised SON. In c o n t r a s t , the eNB 100 s e n d s a n X2AP-message
to t h e eNBs 106, 101, 103 and 105 for the PC1 change.
[0033]
5 The eNBs 101, 103, 105 and 1 0 6 , which have received the PC1
change n o t i f i c a t i o n , do not recognize which SON f u n c t i o n t h e
neighboring eNBs are implementing and what kind of SON solution is
used to implement the SON f u n c t i o n . Therefore, as shown i n F i g . 20,
the eNB 101 n o t i f i e s the eNBs 102, 106, 107, 108 a n d 109 about the
10 PC1 value change of the eNB 100, a n d t h e eNB 105 n o t i f i e s t h e eNB
112 about the PC1 value change of the eNB 100. F u r t h e r , t h e eNB 106
notifies the eNB 110 about the PC1 value change o f t h e eNB 100.
[0034]
I n a c t u a l i t y , since the eNBs 108, 11 0 and 11 2 a r e controlled by
15 the SON f u n c t i o n o f t h e same EM 200 a s f o r t h e eNB 1 0 0 , t h e
n o t i f i c a t i o n s a r e u n n e c e s s a r y . That i s , when the eNBs 108, 11 0 and
112 r e c e i v e a n o t i f i c a t i o n about a PC1 change through an X2A-message,
t h e y s e n d it t o t h e SON f u n c t i o n d i s p o s e d i n t h e EM 200. However,
the EM 200 has already recognized the PC1 change i t s e l f o f the eNB
20 100. Therefore, the signals sent t o t h e eNBs 108, 110 and 112 a r e
unnecessary s i g n a l s .
[0035]
As described above, when a D i s t r i b u t e d SON a n d a Centralised
SON exist in a mixed manner, s i g n a l i n g s t h a t a r e unnecessary for the
25 nodes performing t h e C e n t r a l i s e d SON o c c u r because neighboring eNBs
do n o t send t h e i n f o r m a t i o n about what kind of SON s o l u t i o n i s
implemented i n which node t o e a c h o t h e r . T h e r e f o r e , t h e advantage of
the Centralised SON is s i g n i f i c a n t l y l o s t . In t h e above-shown example,
the number o f n e i g h b o r i n g l i n k s i s s i x a t t h e maximum. However,
30 assuming the number o f X 2 - l i n k s is 128 for the neighboring eNBs,
there is a p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t unnecessary X2AP-signalings occur 128
times for one eNB. There is a p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t t h e occurrences of such
signalings in a large q u a n t i t y c a u s e a s h o r t a g e o f comniunication
buffers a n d i n c r e a s e t h e number o f s i g n a l p r o c e s s i n g processes, thus
13
making the operation of the eNB(s) or the EM ( o r t h e NM) u n s t a b l e and
causing f a i l u r e s in t h e apparatuses. As described above, as the
existing problem, there is a problem t h a t s i n c e i n f o r m a t i o n about
which node is implementing an SON function is n o t s e n t among
5 neighboring eNBs in the X2P-procedure, an eNB(s) has to s e n d a PC1
change n o t i f i c a t i o n and the like by using an X2AP-message at all times.
[0036]
A second problem i s explained h e r e i n a f t e r . For example,
although X2AP-messages such as an MRO (Mobility Robustness
10 O p t i m i s a t i o n ) a n d a n MLB (Mobility Load Balancing) a r e d e f i n e d in
3GPP TS36.423 as shown in Fig. 21, i t does not n e c e s s a r i l y mean that
all of neighboring eNBs s u p p o r t t h e same SON f u n c t i o n ( s ) . For
example, a c e r t a i n eNB can improve the handover s u c c e s s r a t e by
optimizing the threshold and/or the parameter o f t h e handover by using
15 MRO ( M o b i l i t y Robustness Optimisation). It should be noted that in
the X2AP-procedure, it is possible to request t h e opposed eNB to
change t h e handover threshold and/or a CIO ( C e l l i n d i v i d u a l o f f s e t ) by
using a M o b i l i t y S e t t i n g Change p r o c e d u r e .
100371
20 Similarly, in the MLB (Mobility Load Balancing) procedure, the
handover parameter and/or the CIO are changed based on load
i n f o r m a t i o n (HW ( h a r d w a r e ) load, TNL ( t r a n s p o r t network l a y e r ) l o a d ,
and PRB ( P h y s i c a l r e s o u r c e block)) among eNBs s o t h a t the load is
controlled among t h e eNBs. To make a change l i k e t h i s , i n t h e X2AP-
25 p r o c e d u r e , a n o t i f i c a t i o n is provided to the opposed eNB through the
M o b i l i t y S e t t i n g Change procedure. Further, when Too Late Handover,
Too E a r l y Handover, a n d HO to Wrong C e l l (TS36.300) are to be
d e t e c t e d , a procedure s u c h as a Radio Link F a i l u r e I n d i c a t i o n and a
Handover Event Report, which are X2AP-procedures, is used t o
30 recognize these phenomena. Fig. 21 shows an example o f a
correspondence r e l a t i o n between X2AP-procedures and SON use cases
(SON functions).
100381
However, when a plurality o f vendor a p p a r a t u s e s exist in a
14
mixed manner, all of neighboring eNBs do n o t n e c e s s a r i l y support the
same SON f u n c t i o n ( s ) . Therefore, there is a possibility that an eNB
t h a t supports t h e MRO s t a r t s a Radio Link Failure I n d i c a t i o n , a
Handover Event Report, o r a Mobility State Change procedure for an
5 eNB that does not s u p p o r t t h e MRO. Similarly, there is a p o s s i b i l i t y
that it s t a r t s up a Resource S t a t u s Reporting I n i t i a t i o n o r a M o b i l i t y
Settings Change procedure f o r an eNB that does n o t support the MLB.
Therefore, unnecessary X2AP-signalings occur i n a large q u a n t i t y , t h u s
causing problems o f t h e communication b u f f e r s h o r t a g e o f an eNB(s)
10 and an increase in t h e number of s i g n a l processing processes.
[0039]
The p r e s e n t invention has been made to s o l v e a t l e a s t one o f t h e
above-described problems, and an object thereof is t o p r o v i d e a
communication s y s t e m , a b a s e station a p p a r a t u s , a data transmission
15 method, a n d a program in which unnecessary signalings do n o t o c c u r in
large quantity as a r e s u l t o f t h e e x e c u t i o n of a SON f u n c t i o n .
Solution to Problem
[0040]
20 A communication system a c c o r d i n g to a f i r s t a s p e c t o f t h e
present i n v e n t i o n i n c l u d e s : a first communication a p p a r a t u s ; and a
second communication a p p a r a t u s that performs d a t a
transmission/reception with the f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , i n
which the f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s includes a transmission unit
25 that t r a n s m i t s i n f o r m a t i o n t o t h e second communication apparatus, the
information being used to determine whether or n o t autonomous setting
i n f o r m a t i o n s h o u l d be transmitted from the second communication
apparatus to t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s .
[004 11
3 0 A b a s e s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s a c c o r d i n g to a second a s p e c t of the
present invention is a b a s e station a p p a r a t u s a d j a c e n t to a f i r s t base
station a p p a r a t u s , i n c l u d i n g a t r a n s m i s s i o n unit that transmits
information to t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , t h e information
being used in the f i r s t b a s e station a p p a r a t u s t o determine whether or
15
not autonomous s e t t i n g information should be transmitted to the base
s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s .
[0042]
A data transmission method a c c o r d i n g t o a t h i r d a s p e c t o f the
5 present invention i s a data transmission method performed i n a base
station a p p a r a t u s a d j a c e n t to a f i r s t base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s , including
t r a n s m i t t i n g information to the f i r s t communication apparatus, the
information being used in t h e f i r s t base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s t o determine
whether or not autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n s h o u l d be transmitted
10 t o t h e base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s .
[0043]
A program according to a f o u r t h a s p e c t o f t h e p r e s e n t invention
i s a program t h a t c a u s e s a computer in a base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s
adjacent to a f i r s t base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s t o e x e c u t e a step of
15 t r a n s m i t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n to the f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , the
information being used in the first base station a p p a r a t u s t o determine
whether o r n o t autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n should be transmitted
t o t h e b a s e station apparatus.
20 Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0044]
According to t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n , i t i s possible to provide a
communication system, a b a s e s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s , a data transmission
method, and a program in which unnecessary signalings do n o t occur i n
25 large quantity as a r e s u l t o f t h e e x e c u t i o n o f a SON function.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0045]
F i g . 1 is a c o n f i g u r a t i o n diagram of a base station apparatus
30 according to a f i r s t exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a table showing i n f o r m a t i o n e l e m e n t s o f an X2 SETUP
REQUEST message a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 3 is a table showing i n f o r m a t i o n e l e m e n t s o f an X2 SETUP
RESPONSE message a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t exemplary embodiment;
16
Fig. 4A is a t a b l e showing d e t a i l s o f setting of SON Solution
Information according t o t h e first exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 4B is a t a b l e showing details of setting of SON Solution
Information according t o t h e first exemplary embodiment;
5 Fig. 5 is a t a b l e showing details of setting of Served Cell
Information according t o t h e first exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 6 is a t a b l e showing information elements o f a n ENB
CONFIGURATION UPDATE message a c c o r d i n g t o t h e first exemplary
embodiment;
10 Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a process f o r s e n d i n g
information about an SON function implementation method according
t o t h e f i r s t exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a process f o r s e n d i n g
information about an SON function implementation method according
15 to the f i r s t exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 9 is a t a b l e showing a c o n f i g u r a t i o n of a database u n i t
according to t h e f i r s t exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 10 is a f l o w c h a r t showing an X2AP-message transmitting
process in an eNB a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t exemplary embodiment;
20 Fig. 11 is a t a b l e showing information about an SON function of
an eNB to be s e n t from an NM t o a n EM t h r o u g h a Type-2 i n t e r f a c e
according to a second cxemplary embodiment;
Fig. 12 is a c o n f i g u r a t i o n diagram o f a communication system
according to t h e second exemplary embodiment;
25 Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a n X2AP establishing
process according to a t h i r d exemplary embodiment;
F i g . 1 4 is a sequence diagram showing a n X2AP establishing
p r o c e s s a c c o r d i n g to t h e t h i r d exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 15 is a t a b l e showing i n f o r m a t i o n e l e m e n t s o f an X2 SETUP
30 RESPONSE message a c c o r d i n g t o the third exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 16 is a c o n f i g u r a t i o n diagram o f a mobile communication
system compliant with an LTE r a d i o communication scheme;
Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an OAM r e f e r e n c e model;
Fig. I8 is a diagram sowing a PC1 change operation;
17
F i g . 19 i s a diagram sowing a PC1 change operation;
Fig. 20 is a diagram sowing a PC1 change o p e r a t i o n ; and
Fig. 21 i s a t a b l e showing an X2AP-message related t o a n SON
function.
5
Description of Embodiments
[0046]
( F i r s t exemplary embodiment)
Exemplary embodiments according to the present invention are
10 explained h e r e i n a f t e r with reference to the d r a w i n g s . A c o n f i g u r a t i o n
example o f a base station apparatus a c c o r d i n g t o a f i r s t exemplary
embodiment of the present invention is explained with r e f e r e n c e t o Fig.
1. Specifically, a c o n f i g u r a t i o n example o f a n eNB used as a base
station in a 3GPP LTE radio communication scheme is explained. An
15 eNB 100 i n c l u d e s a c o n t r o l u n i t 1101, a s i g n a l transmission1reception
u n i t 11 0 2 , and a d a t a b a s e unit 11 03.
LOO471
The s i g n a l transmission1reception u n i t 1102 performs t h e
transmission1reception o f s i g n a l s with o t h e r eNBs, a n MME, an EM and
20 so o n . Examples of the signals to be transmittedlreceived include an
S l A P , an X2AP, a CORBA, an SOAP, a n SNMP and s o o n . The SlAP
is a signal t h a t i s transmittedlreceived between a n eNB 100 and an
MME. The X2AP is a signal t h a t i s transmittedlreceived between eNBs.
[0048]
25 The signal transmission1reception unit 11 0 2 t r a n s m i t s
information about whether o r not autonomous s e t t i n g information
should be transmitted from other eNBs to the eNB 100, to the other
eNBs by u s i n g t h e X2AP. The autonomous s e t t i n g information i n c l u d e s ,
for example, a PC1 value, information that is transmitted at the time of
30 execution of an MRO or an MLB, and s o o n . When a PC1 value o r the
l i k e i s changed in a n e i g h b o r i n g eNB and the eNB 100 is notified about
the changed PC1 value, the eNB 100 autonomously sets the PC1 value
of t h e n e i g h b o r i n g eNB i n t h e eNB 100 i t s e l f . F u r t h e r , when the eNB
100 needs to change the PC1 value of the eNB 100 i t s e l f a s a r e s u l t o f
18
the PC1 value change setting in the neighboring eNB, f o r example,
when PC1 Confusion or the l i k e could o c c u r , t h e eNB 100
autonomously changes t h e PC1 value of the eNB 100 i t s e l f . In the case
where an SON function supported by the eNB itself or a Centralised
5 SON i s u s e d , t h e information about whether or not autonomous s e t t i n g
information should be transmitted includes t h e EM t h a t manages the
eNB i t s e l f , the node i d e n t i f i c a t i o n information of the NM, or !he like.
The SON function i s , f o r example, a function(s) mentioned in the SON
use c a s e s shown i n F i g . 21.
10 [0049]
Examples of the i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t is transmitted from the signal
transmission/reception unit 1102 of the eNB 100 to other eNBs include
an X2 SETUP REQUEST message, an X2 SETUP RESPONSE message,
an ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE message, SON S o l u t i o n
15 Information, Served C e l l Information and so on. Note t h a t the X2
SETUP RESPONSE message i s a response signal to the X2 SETUP
REQUEST message.
[0050]
N e x t , i n f o r m a t i o n elements that are set i n t h e X2 SETUP
20 REQUEST message and the X2 SETUP RESPONSE message a r e
explained with r e f e r e n c e t o Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 2 shows a n X2 SETUP
REQUEST message. Fig. 3 shows a n X2 SETUP RESPONSE message.
As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a n i n f o r m a t i o n element "SON S o l u t i o n
Information" is defined in the X2 SETUP REQUEST message and the
25 X2 SETUP RESPONSE message.
[005 11
Figs. 4A a n d 4B show s p e c i f i c e l e m e n t s set i n t h e SON Solution
Information. In t h e SON Solution I n f o r m a t i o n , f u n c t i o n s t o be
executed i n t h e SON (SON f u n c t i o n s ) a r e s p e c i f i e d . For example, a
30 PC1 Assignment, a n ANR (Automatic Neighbor R e l a t i o n ) , a n MRO
(Mobility Robustness O p t i m i z a t i o n ) , a n MLB (Mobility Load
Balancing), a CCO (Coverage and C a p a c i t y O p t i m i z a t i o n ) , a n Energy
Serving, an ICIC ( I n t e r - C e l l I n t e r f e r e n c e C o o r d i n a t i o n ) and CoC are
shown a s SON functions. Further, in the SON Solution Information,
19
information about which SON s o l u t i o n i s used among a C e n t r a l i s e d
SON, a Hybrid SON, and a Distributed SON to implement each SON
function is also shown. For example, i n the SON S o l u t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n ,
when a Centralised SON o r a Hybrid SON i s to be used, "Centralised",
5 "Hybrid" or the like is e x p l i c i t l y s e t . As for t h e SON functions for
which " C e n t r a l i s e d " , "Hybrid" or t h e l i k e is not e x p l i c i t l y s e t , t h e y
may be implemented by using a Distributed SON.
[0052]
Further, for the SON f u n c t i o n s t h a t a r e t o be executed by u s i n g a
10 Centralised SON o r a Hybrid SON, t h e node i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n
o f a higher-level apparatus that e x e c u t e s t h e SON function is also s e t .
For the node i d e n t i f i c a t i o n information, a FQDN format, an IP address
o r the like may be u s e d . The higher-level apparatus is an EM, an NM
or the like.
15 [0053]
Further, the SON Solution Information may be defined in an
information element c a l l e d "Served C e l l Information" defined in the
X2 SETUP REQUEST message and the X2 SETUP RESPONSE message
instead of being defined in the the X2 SETUP REQUEST message and
20 the X2 SETUP RESPONSE message. F i g . 5 shows a s e t t i n g example of
the Served Cell Information i n which SON S o l u t i o n Information is
added i n i t s i n f o r m a t i o n e l e m e n t .
[0054]
F u r t h e r , t h e SON Solution Information may be defined i n an
25 ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE message instead of being defined i n
the X2 SETUP REQUEST message and the X2 SETUP RESPONSE
message. Fig. 6 shows an ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE message in
which SON S o l u t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n i s added i n its information elements.
[0055]
3 0 R e f e r r i n g t o Fig. 1 a g a i n , t h e c o n t r o l unit 1101 sets a
parameter(s) r e l a t i n g t o the SON function in the eNB 100. F u r t h e r , i n
the c a s e where t h e eNB 100 is implemented by using a Distributed SON,
the SON f u n c t i o n s u c h as an ANR and a PC1 Assignment i s performed
i n t h e c o n t r o l u n i t 1101. That is, in t h e c o n t r o l unit 1101, an ANR
20
algorithm, a PC1 Assignment algorithm or the like i s performed and an
optimal parameter(s) for network design i s autonomously s e t .
[0056]
The database u n i t 1103 stores information about t h e SON o f an
5 eNB(s) adjacent to the eNB 100. For example, t h e d a t a b a s e unit 11 03
s t o r e s information on whether a neighboring eNB is using a D i s t r i b u t e d
SON o r a Centralised SON. Further, the database u n i t 1103 stores
information about t h e SON function(s) supported by a n e i g h b o r i n g
eNB(s) a n d s o o n .
10 [0057]
Note t h a t t h e function of each component o f t h e eNB 100 may be
implemented by using h a r d w a r e , o r may be implemented by using
s o f t w a r e t h a t i s accomplished by c a u s i n g a CPU o r t h e l i k e to execute
a program.
15 [0058]
F u r t h e r , e a c h o f the EM and the NM also has an apparatus
configuration similar to t h a t shown in Fig. 1. For example, the signal
transmission/reception unit 11 02 in the EM t r a n s m i t s a c o n t r o l message
to an eNB through a Type-1 i n t e r f a c e . Further, i n t h e case o f a n EM-
20 Centralised SON or a Hybrid SON in which t h e SON function i s
disposed in the EM, t h e SON f u n c t i o n s u c h as an ANR and a PC1
Assignment is performed i n t h e control u n i t 1101 in the EM.
[0059]
Similarly, t h e s i g n a l transmission/reception unit 1102 i n the NM
25 t r a n s m i t s a control message t o t h e EM through a Type-2 interface.
F u r t h e r , i n the c a s e o f a n NM-Centralised SON o r a Hybrid SON in
which t h e SON function i s disposed in the NM, t h e SON function such
as an ANR a n d a PC1 Assignment is performed i n the control unit 1101
in t h e NM.
30 [0060]
N e x t , a n o t i f i c a t i o n sequence of an SON function
implementation method by using SETUP REQUEST and X2 SETUP
RESPONSE messages is e x p l a i n e d w i t h reference to Fig. 7.
[0061]
F i r s t l y , t h e control u n i t 1101 o f t h e eNB 100 s e t s SON S o l u t i o n
Information in the eNB 100 ( S 1 1 ) . I n t h e case where the eNB 1 0 0 i s
using a Centralised SON solution, the SON Solution Information may
be set by the EM o r t h e NM. Next, the signal transmission/reception
5 unit 1102 of the eNB 100 t r a n s m i t s the SON Solution Information in
the eNB 100 to another eNB (eNB 101) by using an X2 SETUP
REQUEST message ( S 12).
[0062]
The eNB 101, which has received t h e X2 SETUP REQUEST
10 message, stores the SON Solution I n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e eNB 100 in the
database u n i t (S13). F u r t h e r , t h e eNB 101 sets the SON Solution
I n f o r m a t i o n o f the eNB 101 i n t h e c o n t r o l u n i t (S14).
[0063]
Next, the eNB 101 transmits the SON Solution Information in
15 the eNB 101 t o t h e eNB 100 by using an X2 SETUP RESPONSE
message (S15). Upon r e c e i v i n g t h e X2 SETUP RESPONSE message,
the eNB 100 s t o r e s t h e SON Solution I n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e eNB 101 in
the database unit 11 03.
100641
20 Next, a n o t i f i c a t i o n sequence of an SON function
implementation method by using a n ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE
message is explained with reference to Fig. 8. The ENB
CONFIGURATION UPDATE message is sent when a change i s made t o
t h e SON f u n c t i o n implementation method in the eNB. For example, i t
25 is s e n t , when a C e n t r a l i s e d SON is performed, when the EM that
manages the eNB is changed, or when a new SON function i s to be
supported.
[0065]
Firstly, the control unit 11 01 o f t h e eNB 100 updates SON
30 S o l u t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n i n t h e eNB 100 (S21). Next, the signal
transmission/reception unit 11 02 of the eNB 100 t r a n s m i t s t h e updated
SON S o l u t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n o f the eNB 100 t o t h e eNB 101 by using an
ENR CONFIGURATION UPDATE message (S22).
[0066]
22
The eNB 101 overwrites t h e e x i s t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n w i t h t h e
updated SON Solution Information of the eNB 100 a n d t h e r e b y s t o r e s it
in the database unit (S23). A l t e r n a t i v e l y , t h e eNB 101 replaces the
e x i s t i n g information w i t h t h e updated SON S o l u t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n and
5 thereby stores t h e updated SON S o l u t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n in t h e d a t a b a s e
unit. N e x t , t h e eNB 101 sends back an ENB CONFIGURATION
UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message t o t h e eNB 100 as a r e s p o n s e
message to the ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE message (S24). By
receiving the CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message,
10 the eNB 100 c a n r e c o g n i z e t h a t t h e update information of t h e SON
Solution Information of the eNB 100 has been properly reflected in the
eNB 101.
[0067]
N e x t , a c o n f i g u r a t i o n example of the database u n i t 1103
15 included in the eNB 100 i s explained with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9
shows whether o r n o t eNBs 101 to 106 adjacent to the eNB 100 s u p p o r t
PCI optimization and MRO as SON functions. Further, Fig. 9 shows
which o f a Centralised SON, a Hybrid SON, and a Distributed SON is
used in o r d e r t o implement t h e PC1 o p t i m i z a t i o n a n d MRO. F u r t h e r ,
20 Fig. 9 shows t h e node i d e n t i f i e r s of nodes that perform a n SON for the
c a s e s where a Centralised SON o r a Hybrid SON is used.
[OOCS]
For example, the eNB 101 s u p p o r t s t h e PC1 optimization. The
PC1 optimization in the eNB 101 i s performed by u s i n g a Distributed
25 SON. In this way, since the node that performs the PC1 optimization i s
the eNB 101 i t s e l f , "NIA", which indicates that no external node
performing the SON e x i s t s , i s s e t in the PC1 optimization node
i d e n t i f i e r . F u r t h e r , t h e eNB 101 s u p p o r t s t h e MRO. The MRO in the
eNB 101 i s performed by using a Hybrid SON, a n d t h e node performing
30 the MRO i s an EM 201.
[0069]
Further, the eNB 102 supports the PC1 optimization, but does not
s u p p o r t t h e MRO. The PC1 optimization is performed by using a
Centralised SON, and the node performing the PC1 optimization i s an
23
EM 200.
[0070]
As described above, the database unit 1103 o f t h e eNB 100
stores the SON function support status and t h e SON solution
5 information for the neighboring eNB(s).
[0071]
N e x t , a n o p e r a t i o n f o r s e n d i n g information about an SON
function between eNBs is explained. For example, t h e eNB 100
recognizes whether or not a neighboring eNB(s) h a s a PC1 assignment
10 optimization function based on whether or not a n SON S o l u t i o n t y p e
f o r a PC1 Assignment parameter is s e t i n t h e SON Solution Information.
If the neighboring eNB holds a PC1 assignment o p t i m i z a t i o n f u n c t i o n ,
the eNB 100 needs to n o t i f y t h e neighboring eNB about a PC1 change
by using an ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE message when the PC1 of
15 the eNB 100 is changed. On the other hand, if t h e n e i g h b o r i n g eNB
does not hold a PC1 assignment o p t i m i z a t i o n function, the eNB 100
does not need to notify the neighboring eNB about a PC1 change by
using an ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE message when the PC1 of
the eNB 1 0 0 i s changed.
20 [0072]
F u r t h e r , t h e eNB 100 can r e c o g n i z e t h e presencelabsence of
MRO f u n c t i o n s u p p o r t in the neighboring eNB based o n whether o r not
an SON S o l u t i o n t y p e f o r MRO Algorithm parameter is set in the SON
S o l u t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n . The eNB 100 needs n e i t h e r to send information
25 about a Handover Report procedure nor t o s t a r t u p a Mobility State
Change procedure for an eNB(s) t h a t d o e s not s u p p o r t t h e MRO. I n t h e
example in Fig. 9, since eNBs 102 and 105 do n o t s u p p o r t t h e MRO
function, the eNB 1 0 0 d o e s not send information about t h e Handover
Report procedure a n d the Mobility State Change procedure necessary
30 for the MRO operation to t h e eNBs 102 and 105. As a r e s u l t , i t i s
possible to reduce t h e number o f the X2AP-messages.
(00731
Similarly, the eNB 100 can r e c o g n i z e t h e presencelabsence of
ANR f u n c t i o n s u p p o r t in t h e n e i g h b o r i n g eNB based on whether o r not
24
an SON Solution type for ANR Algorithm parameter is set in the SON
Solution Information, recognize the presencelabsence of MLB f u n c t i o n
support i n t h e neighboring eNB based on whether or not a n SON
Solution type f o r MLB Algorithm parameter i s set i n t h e SON S o l u t i o n
5 Information, recognize the presencelabsence of CCO function support
in the neighboring eNB based on whether or not an SON S o l u t i o n t y p e
for CCO Algorithm parameter i s set i n t h e SON Solution Information,
recognize the presencelabsence of Energy Saving function support in
t h e neighboring eNB based o n whether o r not an SON S o l u t i o n t y p e f o r
10 an Energy Saving Algorithm parameter is set in the SON Solution
Information, recognize the presencelabsence of ICIC f u n c t i o n s u p p o r t
in the neighboring eNB based o n whether or not an SON S o l u t i o n t y p e
for ICIC Algorithm parameter i s set in the SON Solution Information,
and recognize the presencelabsence of CoC f u n c t i o n s u p p o r t in the
15 neighboring eNB based on whether o r n o t a n SON Solution type for
CoC Algorithm parameter is set in the SON Solution Information.
[0074]
By sending i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t the presencelabsence of SON
function support to each other among neighboring eNBs i n advance as
20 described above, i t is possible to p r e v e n t change information for an
SON function t h a t i s n o t s u p p o r t e d i n t h e neighboring eNB(s) and t h e
like from being transmitted. As a r e s u l t , it is possible to reduce t h e
number of useless control messages and the like.
[0075]
25 Further, as shown i n F i g s . 4A and 4B, when an SON Solution
type parameter e x i s t s and the SON solution is a Centralised SON or a
Hybrid SON, t h e node i d e n t i f i e r i n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e node t h a t i s
implementing that SON f u n c t i o n can be s e t i n the SON Solution
Information. In F i g s . 4A and 4 B , a n I P - a d d r e s s o r a host name (FQDN
30 format) is set as t h e node i d e n t i f i e r i n f o r m a t i o n . However, t h e node
i d e n t i f i e r i n f o r m a t i o n i s n o t l i m i t e d t o t h e I P - a d d r e s s and t h e h o s t
name (FQDN format). That i s , a n y i d e n t i f i e r s o r any numbering system
can be used, provided that they are uniquely i d e n t i f i e d in the network.
[0076]
25
For example, in the example in Fig. 20, by the I d e n t i f i c a t i o n of
Node executing PC1 Assignment algorithm of the SON Solution
Information, when an X2-link i s e s t a b l i s h e d with a n e i g h b o r i n g eNB,
t h e eNBs 100, 102, 104, 112, 110 and 108 can send information that
5 the PC1 assignment optimization f u n c t i o n s o f t h e eNBs 100, 102, 104,
112, 110 and 108 are implemented by the EM 200 by using an X2
SETUP message. Therefore, when the PC1 v a l u e o f the c e l l o f t h e eNB
100 is changed from 3 to 2 0 0 , t h e eNB 100 sends an X2AP-message to
t h e eNBs 106, 101, 103 and 105. S i n c e t h e eNB 110 recognizes the
10 f a c t t h a t the PC1 assigiinieiit o p t i m i z a t i o n f u n c t i o n is implemented by
the EM 200, the eNB 106 does n o t send the X2AP-message to the eNB
110.
[0077]
Similarly, the eNB 105 can determine not to notify the eNB 112
15 about the signal, a n d t h e eNB 101 can determine not to notify the eNBs
108 and 102 about t h e s i g n a l . Therefore, eventually, the eNB 101 does
not n o t i f y t h e eNBs 102 and 208 a b o u t t h e X2AP signaling in which the
PC1 assignment o p t i m i z a t i o n i s implemented by the same EM 200 as
that f o r t h e eNB 1 0 0 . T h a t i s , the eNB 101 n e e d s to n o t i f y only the
20 eNBs 1 0 6 , 107 and 109 about t h e X2AP s i g n a l i n g . Therefore, i t is
p o s s i b l e t o reduce the number of X2AP-messages transmitted between
eNBs.
[0078]
S i m i l a r l y , I d e n t i f i c a t i o n o f Node executing ANR algorithm i s
25 node i d e n t i f i e r i n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e node t h a t i s implementing an ANR
function. I d e n t i f i c a t i o n o f Node executing MRO algorithm is node
i d e n t i f i e r i n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e node that is implementing an MRO
function. I d e n t i f i c a t i o n o f Node e x e c u t i n g MLB algorithm is node
i d e n t i f i e r information o f t h e node that i s implementing an MLB
30 f u n c t i o n . I d e n t i f i c a t i o n o f Node executing CCO algorithm i s node
i d e n t i f i e r information of the node t h a t i s implementing a CCO function.
I d e n t i f i c a t i o n of Node executing Energy Saving algorithm i s node
i d e n t i f i e r i n f o r m a t i o n o f the node t h a t i s implementing an Energy
Saving f u n c t i o n . I d e n t i f i c a t i o n of Node executing ICIC algorithm i s
26
node i d e n t i f i e r information of t h e node t h a t i s implementing an ICIC
f u n c t i o n . F u r t h e r , I d e n t i f i c a t i o n of Node executing CoC algorithm is
node identifier inforillation of t h e node t h a t is implementing a CoC
function.
5 [0079]
By s e n d i n g node identification i n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e EM or the like
that is implementing a respective SON f u n c t i o n between eNBs in this
manner, i t i s possible to reduce t h e number o f X2AP-messages as
described above.
10 [OOSO]
N e x t , a n X2AP-message t r a n s m i t t i n g p r o c e s s f l o w in an eNB
a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t exemplary embodiment o f t h e present invention
is explained with reference t o Fig. 10. Firstly, the eNB 100 performs
measurement c o n t r o l necessary f o r a n SON a l g o r i t h m , d e t e c t s a trigger
15 for X2AP-message transmission f o r the purpose o f sending a
parameter(s) determined in t h e SON algorithm, and so on (S31). For
example, when the eNB 100 has changed the PC1 value in the eNB 100
i t s e l f , the eNB 100 d e t e c t s a t r i g g e r f o r X2AP-message transmission.
[OOSl]
20 Next, the control unit 1101 of the eNB 100 a c q u i r e s i n f o r m a t i o n
about what kind of SON function i s supported by a neighboring eNB(s)
from the database u n i t 1403 (S32). For example, when t h e neighboring
eNB does not support any SON f u n c t i o n r e l a t i n g to the PC1
o p t i m i z a t i o n , t h e c o n t r o l unit 11 0 1 d e t e r m i n e s n o t t o transmit the
25 X2AP-message r e l a t i n g t o the PC1 v a l u e change t o t h e neighboring eNB.
When the neighboring eNB supports the SON function relating to the
PC1 o p t i m i z a t i o n , t h e control unit 1101 d e t e r m i n e s whether or n o t t h e
node t h a t i s implementing t h e SON function is the same a s i t s own
node (S33). That is, when t h e node t h a t is implementing t h e SON
30 function in the eNB 100 i s t h e EM 2 0 0 , t h e c o n t r o l unit 1101
determines whether or n o t t h e node t h a t i s implementing the SON
function in t h e n e i g h b o r i n g eNB i s t h e EM 200. When the node t h a t is
implementing t h e SON function in t h e n e i g h b o r i n g eNB i s t h e same a s
its own n o d e , the signal transmission/reception u n i t 1102 does not
transmit the X2AP-message to t h e neighboring eNB. When t h e node
that i s implementing t h e SON function i n t h e neighboring eNB is
different from its own node, the signal transmission/reception unit
1102 t r a n s m i t s t h e X2AP-message to the neighboring eNB (S34).
5 [0082]
An operation in the eNB 101 adjacent to the eNB 100 is
explained h e r e i n a f t e r . When the eNB 101 is notified that the PC1
value has been changed i n t h e eNB 100, the eNB 101 performs t h e
processes in the steps ,331 t o S 3 3 . When it i s determined t h a t t h e node
10 implementing the SON function i n t h e neighboring eNB is different
from i t s own node i n t h e step S 3 3 , t h e eNB 101 may f u r t h e r determine
whether or not the node implementing the SON function in the
neighboring eNB is the same as t h a t f o r the eNB 100. When t h e node
implementing the SON function i n t h e n e i g h b o r i n g eNB is the same as
15 that f o r t h e eNB 100, the eNB 101 may not transmit the X2AP-message
to t h e n e i g h b o r i n g eNB. Further, when the node implementing t h e SON
function i n t h e neighboring eNB is different from t h a t f o r the eNB 100,
the eNB 101 may transmit the X2AP-message to the neighboring eNB.
[0083]
20 As explained above, by using t h e communication system
according to the f i r s t exemplary embodiment o f the present invention,
advantageous e f f e c t s explained below can be achieved.
[0084]
As a f i r s t advantageous e f f e c t , s i n c e a n eNB(s) sends
25 information about the s u p p o r t s t a t u s of an SON function when an X2
l i n k i s e s t a b l i s h e d , a n eNR(s) c a n r e c o g n i z e t h e s u p p o r t s t a t u s of the
SON function in t h e n e i g h b o r i n g eNB. T h e r e f o r e , t h e eNB(s) can
prevent an X2AP-message from being t r a n s m i t t e d t o the eNB(s) that
does not support the SON function. As a r e s u l t , t h e eNB(s) can reduce
30 t h e number of X2AP-message transmissions.
[0085]
As a second advantageous e f f e c t , s i n c e a n eNB(s) sends
information about the i d e n t i f i e r o f a node t h a t i s implementing an SON
function when an X2 link is e s t a b l i s h e d , a n eNB(s) can recognize what
28
kind o f SON solution is used to implement t h e SON o f a n e i g h b o r i n g
eNB(s) and which node is implementing the SON f u n c t i o n . Therefore,
the eNB(s) can determine the need f o r t r a n s m i t t i n g a n X2AP-message
by comparing t h e node i d e n t i f i e r s . As a result, it is possible to reduce
5 the number of X2AP-message transmissions.
[0086]
F u r t h e r , i n t h e case where a Relay node (RN) and a Donor eNB
(DeNB) e x i s t as shown in 3GPP TS36.300, t h e communication method
according to t h e f i r s t exemplary embodiment o f the p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n
10 can be applied even to an X2-interface between an RN a n d a DeNB and
between an RN and another RN.. As a r e s u l t , i t i s possible to reduce
the number of X2AP-signalings between the RN and t h e DeNB a n d
between the RN and t h e RN.
[0087]
15 F u r t h e r , t h e f i r s t exemplary embodiment has been explained by
using eNBs in accordance with the LTE. However, t h e i n v e n t i o n
a c c o r d i n g t o t h e first exemplary embodiment c a n a l s o be applied to 3G
systems in accordance w i t h t h e W-CDMA. F u r t h e r , t h e i n v e n t i o n
according to the first exemplary embodiment c a n a l s o be applied to
20 other wireless access s y s t e m s i n accordance with GERAN, Wimax,
WLAN and so on. For example, in the case where an RNC has an SON
function as shown in 3GPP TS25.401, it is possible to reduce the
number of the s i g n a l i n g s n e c e s s a r y f o r t h e SON such as an RNSAP
s i g n a l between RNCs by s e n d i n g i n f o r m a t i o n about t h e support status
25 o f a n SON function, the node identifier of a node implementing an
SON function, or the solution type of a n SON function in an Iurinterface
between RNCs.
[OO 8 8]
F u r t h e r , i t i s conceivable to perform an SON function such as
30 MRO and ICIC even between femto-base s t a t i o n s (HeNBs, HNBs),
eNBs, or RNCs. That is, i t i s possible to send information such a s the
s u p p o r t s t a t u s o f an SON f u n c t i o n , a n SON s o l u t i o n t y p e , and t h e node
identifier of a node implementing a n SON function to each o t h e r
between an HeNB and an HeNB, between an HeNB and an eNB,
29
between an HeNB and an RNC, between an HeNB a n d a n HNB, between
an HNB and an HNB, between an HNB and an eNB, between an HNB
and an RNC, and so on. As a r e s u l t , i t i s p o s s i b l e to reduce the
number of unnecessary s i g n a l i n g s related to t h e SON between femto-
5 base s t a t i o n s or between a femto-base s t a t i o n and a macro-base s t a t i o n .
[0089]
(Second exemplary embodiment)
In the f i r s t exemplary embodiment, a method f o r s e n d i n g
information about a supported SON function, an SON solution and so
10 on by using an X2AP-message between eNBs is explained. However, it
is conceivable t h a t no X2-link i s established between eNBs because of
topographic reasons such as t h e p r e s e n c e o f a mountain range between
eNBs, or for t h e reduction of CAPEXIOPEX by the reduction of the
X2-link band. I n such cases, if t h e r e i s an i n t e r f a c e between NMs,
15 between EMS, or between an NM and an EM i n an OAM system,
information about how an SON function is implemented may be sent by
using t h a t i n t e r f a c e .
[0090]
Fig. 11 i s a t a b l e showing i n f o r m a t i o n about the SON function of
20 an eNB to be sent from an NM t o a n EM through a Type-2 i n t e r f a c e
between the NM and t h e EM. The i n f o r m a t i o n shown in F i g . 11
corresponds to, f o r example, a c a s e where t h e SON Solution
Information defined i n F i g . 4 is added in an EUtranRelation defined in
GPP TS32.762 in which s p e c i f i c a t i o n s relating t o w i r e l e s s access
25 networks are specified. In this way, the EM or the eNB can recognize
the SON f u n c t i o n s u p p o r t s t a t u s in a neighboring eNB(s), as well as
the SON solution type a n d t h e node i d e n t i f i e r o f t h e node
implementing the SON function. The i d e n t i f i e r may be a DN
(Distinguished name), an IP-address, an FQDN, o r o t h e r forms of
30 i d e n t i f i e r s . T h a t i s , the i d e n t i f i e r may be any information t h a t makes
i t p o s s i b l e to uniquely i d e n t i f y nodes w i t h i n t h e network.
[ 0 0 9 l ]
As a r e s u l t , s i m i l a r l y t o the f i r s t exemplary embodiment, i t i s
p o s s i b l e t o omit t h e t r a n s m i s s i o n o f an S l AP message f o r the purpose
30
of the SON through a CN (Core Network) t o a n eNB(s) t h a t d o e s n o t
support t h e SON function and/or t o a n eNB(s) for which t h e SON
implementing node i s t h e same. Note that the method for adding SON
Solution Information i s n o t limited t o t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n shown i n F i g .
5 4. That is, any configuration capable o f s e n d i n g i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e
SON support status i n a neighboring eNB(s), a solution type, and the
node i d e n t i f i e r of a node implementing an SON can be used.
[0092]
F u r t h e r , t h e SON function n o t i f i c a t i o n method and the l i k e c a n
10 also be applied to connection between systems having different
w i r e l e s s a c c e s s e s , i . e . , to an Inter-RAT (Radio Access Technology)
s c e n a r i o . An SON function such as an ANR function and an MRO
function can also be applied to connection between different RATs,
e.g., to connection between an E-UTRAN using an LTE w i r e l e s s access
15 technique and a UTRAN using a W-CDMA w i r e l e s s a c c e s s t e c h n i q u e .
For example, by using an ANR function, an eNB in accordance with the
LTE can automatically c o n f i g u r e n e i g h b o r i n g c e l l i n f o r m a t i o n in the
network. I n such a case, as shown in Fig. 12, it is also possible to
directly c o n n e c t a n eNB 200 with an RNC 201 between a UTRAN
20 system a n d a n E-UTRAN system and to s e n d n e i g h b o r i n g cell
i n f o r m a t i o n t o each o t h e r . The E-UTRAN system i n c l u d e s an eNB 200
and an MME/S-GW 2 0 2 . The UTRAN system i n c l u d e s a n RNC 201, an
MSC 203, and a NodeB205 An SGSN 204 is used as a gateway
apparatus t h a t connects the UTRAN w i t h t h e E-UTRAN. The p r e s e n t
25 invention can be applied even to t h i s c a s e . T h a t i s , information on an
SON f u n c t i o n s u p p o r t s t a t u s , an SON s o l u t i o n t y p e , a n d t h e i d e n t i f i e r
i n f o r m a t i o n o f an SON implementing node c a n be reciprocally sent
between the eNB 200 and the RNC 201. As a r e s u l t , it is possible to
reduce the number o f unnecessary s i g n a l i n g s related to the SON
30 between RATs.
[0093]
Further, it is a l s o p o s s i b l e to r e c i p r o c a l l y s e n d information on
an SON f u n c t i o n s u p p o r t s t a t u s , a n SON s o l u t i o n t y p e , and the node
i d e n t i f i e r of an SON implementing node t h r o u g h a core network (MME,
3 1
MSC, SGSN a n d s o on) between an eNB and an RNC according t o a n
SlAP protocol o r a n RANAP p r o t o c o l . As a r e s u l t , i t is possible to
reduce t h e number of unnecessary signalings related to the SON
between RATS.
5 [0094]
(Third exemplary embodiment)
A purpose o f t h e f i r s t and second exemplary embodiments
according to t h e p r e s e n t invention i s to reduce t h e number o f
unnecessary X2AP-messages by sending information o n a n SON
10 function implementing node, an SON function s u p p o r t s t a t u s , and so on.
I n a t h i r d exemplary embodiment according to the p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n , an
eNB d o e s n o t d i r e c t l y send information on the SON f u n c t i o n
implementing node, the SON function support s t a t u s , a n d s o o n , but
instead s p e c i f i e s a n X2AP-message(s) f o r which t h e r e c e p t i o n is
15 undesired among X2AP-messages transmitted from a neighboring eNB
and sends i t s information i n advance when an X2AP w i t h t h e
neighboring eNB is e s t a b l i s h e d .
[0095]
An X2AP e s t a b l i s h i n g p r o c e s s f l o w i s explained with reference
20 to Fig. 13. F i r s t l y , a t r a n s m i s s i o n s o u r c e eNB d e t e r m i n e s a n X2APmessage(
s) for which the reception from t h e neighboring eNB is
undesired (S31). N e x t , t h e t r a n s m i s s i o n source eNB transmits the
determined information by using an X2 SETUP REQUEST message
(S32). Fig. 15 shows a n example o f a n X2 SETUP message. In F i g . 1 5 ,
25 it is possible to set a Prohibited X2AP-procedure parameter group,
which is the information about an X2AP-message(s) for which the
reception is undesired, in the X2 SETUP REQUEST message. For
example, by setting as "Load Indication", the transmission source eNB
i n d i c a t e s t h a t t h e eNB does n o t want to r e c e i v e a Load I n d i c a t i o n
3 0 p r o c e d u r e .
[0096]
An eNB, which has received the X2 SETUP REQUEST niessage,
memorizes the i n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e X2AP-message that the transmission
source eNB does not want t o r e c e i v e (S33). F u r t h e r , i t performs
3 2
control so that the neighboring eNB t h a t has transmitted this eNB does
not start the specified X2AP-procedure. Next, the eNB, which has
received the X2 SETUP REQUEST message, determines an X2APmessage(
s) for which the reception i s undesired (S34) and sends the
5 X2AP-message(s) o f which t h e reception i s undesired by using an
X2AP SETUP RESPONSE (S36).
[0 0 9 71
F u r t h e r , when a change i s made t o t h e Prohibited X2APprocedure
parameter group, as shown in Fig. 14, f i r s t l y , t h e
10 information o f t h e X2AP-message for which t h e reception i s undesired
is updated in the eNB 100. The eNB 100 sets t h e changed Prohibited
X2AP-procedure parameter group, which is the information of the
X2AP-message for which the reception is undesired, by using ENB
CONFIGURATION UPDATE, and sends i t s information to the
15 neighboring eNB (S42).
[0098]
Next, the eNB 101 updates t h e X2AP-procedure that the eNB 100
does n o t want t o r e c e i v e (S43). As a r e s u l t , t h e eNB c a n r e c o g n i z e t h e
X2AP-message that the neighboring eNB does not want t o r e c e i v e in
20 advance, thus a c h i e v i n g a n advantageous effect of reducing
unnecessary t h e number of X2AP-messages. Needless to say, the
Prohibited X2AP-procedure parameter, which i s the information of the
X2AP-message f o r which the reception is undesired, may be added in
other messages or other parameters. F u r t h e r , t h e Prohibited X2AP-
25 procedure is not limited to t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n shown in Fig. 15,
provided that it c a n s e n d i n f o r m a t i o n o n what kind o f X2AP-procedure
i s undesired to be received. Next, the eNB 101 t r a n s m i t s ENB
CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE to the eNB 100 as a
response signal to the ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE (S44).
30 [0099]
As explained above, by using the communication system
a c c o r d i n g t o the t h i r d exemplary embodiment of the p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n ,
it is possible to n o t i f y a n e i g h b o r i n g eNB(s) about information about
an X2AP-message(s) of which t h e t r a n s m i s s i o n is unnecessary when an
33
X2-link is established. As a result, it i s p o s s i b l e to prevent
unnecessary X2AP-messages from being t r a n s m i t t e d , t h u s making it
possible to reduce the number of the X2AP-message transmissions.
[O 1001
5 Note that t h e p r e s e n t invention is n o t l i m i t e d t o t h e abovedescribed
exemplary embodiments, and various modifications can be
made without departing from the scope and s p i r i t o f the present
invention.
[OlOl]
10 For example, a l t h o u g h t h e p r e s e n t invention is described as a
hardware configuration in the above-described exemplary embodiments,
the p r e s e n t invention is n o t l i m i t e d to t h e hardware c o n f i g u r a t i o n s .
The processes of an eNB(s) shown in Figs. 7, 8, 1 0 , 13 and 14 can be
implemented by c a u s i n g a CPU ( C e n t r a l P r o c e s s i n g Unit) t o e x e c u t e a
15 computer program. In s u c h a c a s e , the computer program can be s t o r e d
in various types of non-transitory computer readable media and thereby
supplied to c o m p u t e r s . The non-transitory computer readable media
includes various t y p e s o f t a n g i b l e s t o r a g e m e d i a . Examples o f t h e
non-transitory computer readable media i n c l u d e a magnetic recording
20 medium (such as a f l e x i b l e d i s k , a magnetic t a p e , and a hard disk
d r i v e ) , a magneto-optic recording medium ( s u c h as a magneto-optic
d i s k ) , a CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), a CD-R, and a CD-RIW, and a
semiconductor memory (such as a mask ROM, a PROM (Programmable
ROM), an EPROM (Erasable PROM), a f l a s h ROM, and a RAM
25 (Random Access Memory)). F u r t h e r , the program can be supplied to
computers by using v a r i o u s t y p e s o f t r a n s i t o r y computer readable
media. Examples of the transitory computer r e a d a b l e media include an
e l e c t r i c a l s i g n a l , a n o p t i c a l s i g n a l , and an e l e c t r o n ~ a g n e t i c wave. The
t r a n s i t o r y computer readable media can be used to supply programs to
30 computer through a w i r e communication path such as an e l e c t r i c a l wire
and an optical f i b e r , o r wireless communication path.
[O 1021
Although t h e p r e s e n t invention i s explained above with reference
t o exemplary embodiments, t h e p r e s e n t invention is not limited to the
3 4
above-described exemplary embodiments. Various m o d i f i c a t i o n s t h a t
can be understood by t h o s e s k i l l e d in t h e a r t c a n be made to the
configuration and details of t h e p r e s e n t invention within t h e s c o p e of
the invention.
5 [0103]
This application is based upon and c l a i m s t h e benefit of priority
from Japanese p a t e n t a p p l i c a t i o n No. 201 1-251454, filed on November
1 7 , 201 1, t h e d i s c l o s u r e of which is incorporated h e r e i n i n i t s entirety
by r e f e r e n c e .
10
Reference Signs List
[0 1041
100, 101, 200 eNB
201 RNC
15 202 MMEIS-GW
203 MSC
204 SGSN
205 NodeB
1101 CONTROL UNIT
20 1102 SIGNAL TRANSMISSIONIRECEPTION UNIT
1103 DATABASE UNIT
WE CLAIM:
1. A communication system comprising:
a f i r s t communication apparatus; and
5 a second communication apparatus t h a t performs data
transmission/reception with t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , wherein
the f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s comprises t r a n s m i s s i o n means
for t r a n s m i t t i n g information to t h e second communication apparatus,
the information being used t o determine whether or not autonomous
10 setting information should be transmitted from the second
communication apparatus to t h e f i r s t communication apparatus.
2. The communication system according to Claim 1, wherein t h e
first and second communication apparatuses are base station
15 apparatuses used in a mobile communication system, and the
autonomous s e t t i n g information i s transmitted by using a
communication message defined between t h e b a s e s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s e s .
3 . The communication system a c c o r d i n g t o Claim 1 o r 2,
20 wherein when t h e autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e f i r s t
communication a p p a r a t u s i s managed i n a h i g h e r - l e v e l a p p a r a t u s , the
f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s t r a n s m i t s node i d e n t i f i e r information of
the h i g h e r - l e v e l a p p a r a t u s t o t h e second communication apparatus.
25 4. The communication system a c c o r d i n g t o Claim 3 , wherein
when the autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n is changed i n t h e f i r s t
communication a p p a r a t u s , the f i r s t communication apparatus transmits
the changed autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n t o a communication
a p p a r a t u s i n c l u d i n g , anlong a n o t h e r communication apparatus adjacent
30 to t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , a t l e a s t one of a comnlunication
a p p a r a t u s o f which t h e autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n is managed in a
h i g h e r - l e v e l a p p a r a t u s d i f f e r e n t from t h e h i g h e r - l e v e l apparatus
managing the autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n o f t h e first
communication a p p a r a t u s and a communication a p p a r a t u s o f which the
36
autonomous s e t t i n g information is not managed in any higher-level
apparatus.
5 . The communication system according to Claim 4, further
5 comprising a t h i r d communication apparatus that receives the changed
autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n from the f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s ,
wherein
t h e t h i r d communication apparatus transmits the changed
autonomous setting information t o a communication apparatus
10 i n c l u d i n g , among another communication a p p a r a t u s a d j a c e n t t o t h e
t h i r d communication a p p a r a t u s , at least o n e o f a communication
a p p a r a t u s o f which t h e autonomous setting information is managed in a
higher-level apparatus different from the h i g h e r - l e v e l a p p a r a t u s
managing t h e autonomous s e t t i n g information o f t h e first
15 communication apparatus and a communication apparatus to which t h e
autonomous setting information is not transmitted from a n y higherlevel
apparatus.
6. The communication system according t o a n y o n e o f Claims 1
20 to 5, wherein
t h e autonomous s e t t i n g information i n c l u d e s i n f o r m a t i o n about a
plurality of SON (Self Organizing Networks) f u n c t i o n s , a n d
the first communication a p p a r a t u s notifies the second
communication a p p a r a t u s about an SON function supported i n t h e f i r s t
25 communication a p p a r a t u s among t h e plurality of SON functions.
7. The communication system according t o Claim 6, wherein the
second communication a p p a r a t u s transmits information about an SON
function t h a t i s supported in the f i r s t comn~unicationa p p a r a t u s t o the
30 f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s a n d d o e s not transmit information about
an SON function that is not supported in t h e f i r s t communication
apparatus to the f i r s t communication apparatus.
8 . The communication system according to any one o f Claims 1
37
to 5 , wherein
the autonomous setting information includes i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t a
plurality o f SON Self Organizing Networks) f u n c t i o n s , and
t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s t r a n s m i t s , among information
5 about t h e p l u r a l i t y of SON functions, information about an SON
function of which transmission from the second communication
apparatus is undesired t o t h e second communication apparatus.
9. The communication system according to Claim 8, wherein the
10 second communication apparatus does n o t t r a n s m i t i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t
an SON function for which i t is n o t i f i e d t h a t transmission from the
f i r s t communication apparatus is undesired, to t h e f i r s t communication
apparatus.
15 1 0 . The communication system a c c o r d i n g t o any one of Claims 1
to 9, wherein the plurality of SON functions includes at l e a s t o n e o f a
PC1 Assignment, an ANR (Automatic Neighbour R e l a t i o n ) , MRO
(Mobility Robustness Optimisation), MLB (Mobility Load Balancing),
CCO (Coverage and Capacity Optimization), Energy Saving, ICIC
20 (Inter-cell I n t e r f e r e n c e C o o r d i n a t i o n ) , and CoC (Cell outage
Compensation).
11. A base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s a d j a c e n t t o a f i r s t base station
a p p a r a t u s , comprising a t r a n s m i s s i o n unit that t r a n s m i t s information to
25 t h e f i r s t communication apparatus, the information being used in the
first b a s e s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s to determine whether or not autonomous
s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n s h o u l d be transmitted to the base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s .
1 2 . A data t r a n s m i s s i o n method performed in a base station
30 apparatus adjacent to a f i r s t b a s e s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s , comprising
t r a n s m i t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n t o the f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , t h e
information being used i n t h e f i r s t b a s e s t a t i o n apparatus t o determine
whether o r not autonomous s e t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n should be transmitted
t o t h e base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s .
13. A non-transitory computer r e a d a b l e media storing a program
t h a t causes a computer i n a base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s a d j a c e n t t o a f i r s t
base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s t o e x e c u t e a s t e p o f t r a n s m i t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n t o
5 t h e f i r s t communication a p p a r a t u s , t h e information being used i n the
f i r s t base s t a t i o n apparatus t o determine whether o r not autonomous
s e t t i n g information should be transmitted to the base s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s .