FI130624B

FI130624B - Management of neighbor settings in mobile communication networks

Info

Publication number: FI130624B
Application number: FI20216109A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Antero Kolehmainen
Original assignee: Elisa Oyj
Priority date: 2021-10-27
Filing date: 2021-10-27
Publication date: 2023-12-18
Also published as: FI20216109A1

Abstract

A computer implemented method for management of neighbor settings of a mobile communication network. The method is performed by analyzing (301) coverage area of cells of the mobile communication network in cell pairs comprising a first cell and a second cell; determining (302) whether the first cell and the second cell have overlapping coverage area; and responsive to determining that the first cell and the second cell have overlapping coverage area, setting (303) at least the second cell as a neighbor for the first cell.

Description

MANAGEMENT OF NEIGHBOR SETTINGS IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION

NETWORKS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to neighbor settings and management of neighbor settings in mobile communication networks.

BACKGROUND

This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.

The network parameters that need to be set for cells of communication networks include neighbor settings. The neighbor settings of a cell define as neighbors one or more other cells that can be used for handovers to enable continuous service for users as they move from service area of one cell to service area of another cell.

Mobile communication networks constantly evolve, and cells may be added, modified or removed for example due to changes in capacity requirements, operating environment and available technology. At the same time, neighbor settings defined for cells of the network need to be changed accordingly. That is, the neighbor settings are not static.

It is preferable that the neighbor settings comprise the best handover candidates to ensure good quality of service. On the other hand, unnecessary neighbors make network management difficult as the number of available channels or codes is limited and the same channels or codes cannot be used in neighbor cells.

Management of neighbor settings is an important and often time-consuming task in — optimization and operation of mobile communication networks. Typically, there are tens or

N

S hundreds of thousands of cells in the network and therefore automated management of the

O neighbor settings is beneficial for network operators from operating cost and quality of

N 25 — service perspectives.

E US8155647 discloses a solution wherein a new cell is detected, and the new cell is o automatically added as a neighbor for certain cell if the new cell covers the same

O o geographical area as already existing neighbors of the certain cell.

N

S Now a new solution is presented.

SUMMARY

The appended claims define the scope of protection. Any examples and technical descriptions of apparatuses, products and/or methods in the description and/or drawings not covered by the claims are presented not as embodiments of the invention but as background art or examples useful for understanding the invention.

According to a first example aspect there is provided a computer implemented method for management of neighbor settings of a mobile communication network. In an example case, the method is performed by analyzing coverage area of cells of the mobile communication network in cell pairs comprising a first cell and a second cell; determining whether the first cell and the second cell have overlapping coverage area; and responsive to determining that the first cell and the second cell have overlapping coverage area, setting at least the second cell as a neighbor for the first cell.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises, responsive to determining that the first cell and the second cell have overlapping coverage area, setting the first cell as a neighbor for the second cell. That is, in this case, the neighbor setting is in both directions.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises, responsive to determining that the first cell and the second cell do not have overlapping coverage area, removing neighbor — settings, if any, between the first cell and the second cell.

The coverage area may be analyzed at least based on network topology data. Additionally or alternatively, the coverage area may be analyzed at least based on information about surrounding environment. = In some embodiments, the method is periodically repeated. The method may be repeated

N 25 eg. daily. Additionally or alternatively, the method may be repeated for e plurality of cell 2 pairs.

NN

N In some embodiments, the method is centrally run.

I a = In some embodiments, the method is triggered by external information. o

O o In some embodiments, the external information indicates an area or a set of cells in which

N 30 coverage area has changed, and the method is performed at least in said area or in said

N set of cells.

In some embodiments, the external information indicates an area or a set of cells in which automatic network configuration adjustments have been made, and the method is performed at least in said area or in said set of cells.

In some embodiments, the external information indicates an area or a set of cells in which deteriorated performance has been detected, and the method is performed at least in said area or in said set of cells.

In some embodiments, the external information comprises information about surrounding environment.

According to a second example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a processor and a memory including computer program code; the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method of the first aspect or any related embodiment.

According to a third example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable program code which when executed by a processor causes an apparatus to perform the method of the first aspect or any related embodiment.

According to a fourth example aspect there is provided a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium having the computer program of the third example aspect stored thereon.

According to a fifth example aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any preceding aspect.

Any foregoing memory medium may comprise a digital data storage such as a data disc or diskette; optical storage; magnetic storage; holographic storage; opto-magnetic storage; phase-change memory; resistive random-access memory; magnetic random-access

N memory; solid-electrolyte memory; ferroelectric random-access memory; organic memory; 5 25 or polymer memory. The memory medium may be formed into a device without other

N substantial functions than storing memory or it may be formed as part of a device with other

Nn

N functions, including but not limited to a memory of a computer; a chip set; and a sub

E assembly of an electronic device.

S Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments have been illustrated in the = 30 foregoing. The embodiments in the foregoing are used merely to explain selected aspects

N or steps that may be utilized in different implementations. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Some example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a system according to an example embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart according to an example embodiment; and

Fig. 4 shows an example case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference signs denote like elements or steps. — Various embodiments of present disclosure provide management of neighbor settings based on overlapping coverage area of cells. The process is run centrally and repeated periodically e.g. on daily basis. Instead of triggering analysis of neighbor settings based on detecting a new cell, network conditions are dynamically monitored and detection of overlapping coverage area and/or detection of lack of overlapping coverage area triggers changes in neighbor settings. By dynamically monitoring network conditions in a centrally run process, changes in network topology and/or changes in surrounding environment can be automatically taken into account in neighbor settings. That is, also changes that are not related to adding new cells are taken into account.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a system according to an example embodiment. The system shows a mobile communication network 101 comprising a plurality of cells and base stations and other network devices, and an automation system 111. Further, the system shows an information storage 102. The automation system 111 is configured to implement at least some example embodiments of present disclosure. The information storage 102 may be a — network planning system and/or a server operable to provide information about surrounding

O 25 environment. The information about surrounding environment may comprise for example

O information about new buildings, tearing down buildings, cutting trees or the like changes in

N environment.

N

E The automation system 111 is operable to interact with the mobile communications network 2 101 directly or through some intermediate system, such as through an operations support 5 30 system, OSS, that is configured to manage operations of the communications network 101.

N The automation system 111 may be configured to receive information, such as network

N topology data and/or current neighbor settings, from the mobile communications network 101 and to provide modified or new neighbor settings for use in the mobile communications network 101. The network topology data may comprise for example antenna directions, antenna radiation patterns, power levels, signal levels, information about parameter adjustments, performance data and the like.

In an embodiment of the invention the scenario of Fig. 1 operates as follows: The 5 automation system 111 gathers information from the mobile communication network 101 and/or from one or more other information sources, such as the information storage 102.

Network topology data and current neighbor settings may be collected from the mobile communication network 101 and information about surroundings may be collected from the other information sources. Additionally or alternatively, network topology data and other information may be collected from network planning systems. The gathered information is automatically analysed in the automation system 111 to manage neighbor settings of the mobile communication network 101 and to make changes thereof when necessary.

Additionally, the results of the analysis may be provided for further automated processes running in the automation system 111 or shown on a display or otherwise output to a user.

The analysis may be automatically or manually triggered. The analysis may be performed in association with all changes implemented in the mobile communication network or in association with some selected changes. Additionally or alternatively, the process may be periodically repeated. The process may be daily repeated for example.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of an apparatus 20 according to an embodiment. The apparatus 20 is for example a general-purpose computer or server or some other electronic data processing apparatus. The apparatus 20 can be used for implementing at least some embodiments of present disclosure. That is, with suitable configuration the apparatus 20 is suited for operating for example as the automation system 111 of Fig. 1.

The apparatus 20 comprises a communication interface 25; a processor 21; a user interface

N 25 24;andamemory22. The apparatus 20 further comprises software 23 stored in the memory

N 22 and operable to be loaded into and executed in the processor 21. The software 23 may 2 comprise one or more software modules and can be in the form of a computer program

N product.

I

= The processor 21 may comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital 2 30 signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit, or the like. Fig. 2 shows one processor

O 21, but the apparatus 20 may comprise a plurality of processors.

N

N The user interface 24 is configured for providing interaction with a user of the apparatus.

Additionally or alternatively, the user interaction may be implemented through the communication interface 25. The user interface 24 may comprise a circuitry for receiving input from a user of the apparatus 20, e.g., via a keyboard, graphical user interface shown on the display of the apparatus 20, speech recognition circuitry, or an accessory device, such as a headset, and for providing output to the user via, e.g., a graphical user interface oraloudspeaker.

The memory 22 may comprise for example a non-volatile or a volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM) erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a data disk, an optical storage, a magnetic storage, a smart card, or the like. The apparatus 20 may comprise a plurality of memories. The memory 22 may serve the sole purpose of storing data, or be constructed as a part of an apparatus 20 serving other purposes, such as processing data.

The communication interface 25 may comprise communication modules that implement data transmission to and from the apparatus 20. The communication modules may comprise a wireless or a wired interface module(s) or both. The wireless interface may comprise such as a WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared (IR), radio frequency identification (RF ID),

GSM/GPRS, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G radio module. The wired interface may comprise such as Ethernet or universal serial bus (USB), for example. The communication interface 25 may support one or more different communication technologies. The apparatus 20 may additionally or alternatively comprise more than one of the communication interfaces 25.

A skilled person appreciates that in addition to the elements shown in Fig. 2, the apparatus 20 may comprise other elements, such as displays, as well as additional circuitry such as memory chips, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), other processing circuitry for — 25 specific purposes and the like.

N

N Fig. 3 shows a flow chart according to an example embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates a process 2 comprising various possible steps including some optional steps while also further steps

N can be included and/or some of the steps can be performed more than once. The process = may be implemented in the automation system 111 of Fig. 1 and/or in the apparatus 20 of > 30 Fig. 2. The process is implemented in a computer program code and does not require = human interaction unless otherwise expressly stated. It is to be noted that the process may

N however provide output that may be further processed by humans and/or the process may

N reguire user input to start. 301: Coverage area of cells of the mobile communication network is analyzed. The analysis is performed in cell pairs comprising a first cell and a second cell.

The coverage areas of the first cell and the second cell are determined for example based on current network topology data that is gathered from the mobile communication network and possibly other sources. Additionally, information about surrounding environment may be used in determination of the coverage areas. In an embodiment, the coverage areas of the first cell and the second cell are determined by using a network planning tool that calculates simulated coverage area based on input. Current network topology data is input to the network planning tool and the tool provides coverage areas of cells. Also the information about surrounding environment may be input to the network planning tool.

Alternatively, some other tools or methods may be used in determination of the coverage areas. For example, antenna directions, radiation patterns and estimated signal levels of a cell may suffice for calculating estimated coverage area of the cell.

The analysis may be periodically performed, or the analysis may be triggered based on certain external information. — All cells of the network may be analyzed or some subset of cells of the network may be analyzed. Further, some additional parameters may be used in selecting the cell pairs. It may be required from example that the first cell and the second cell reside in the same geographical area. In this way, for example cells that are hundreds of kilometers apart from each other are not unnecessarily analyzed as cell pairs. In this context it is to be noted that the geographical area that is considered may be larger or smaller taking into account for example cell sizes or some other factors. Furthermore, suitable external information may be used for selecting which cell pairs to analyse. Still further, the external information may be used for selecting which cell pairs to analyse first, whilst other cell pairs may be analysed later. That is, analysis of some cell pairs may be prioritized based on certain external information.

O In an example case, the external information indicates an area or a set of cells in which

O coverage area has changed, and the analysis is triggered at least for that area or set of ~ cells. For example, a network planning tool may provide such external information. Other - areas and other cells may be analysed later. a > 30 In another example case, the external information indicates an area or a set of cells in which = automatic network configuration adjustments have been made, and the analysis is triggered

N at least for that area or set of cells. For example, automation system 111 may be in charge

N of making such automatic network configuration adjustments and may thus provide such external information. Other areas and other cells may be analysed later.

In still another example case, the external information indicates an area or a set of cells in which deteriorated performance has been detected, and the analysis is triggered at least for that area or set of cells. Such external information may be based on, for example, performance indicators of the mobile communication network. Other areas and other cells may be analysed later.

Further, the external information may be information about surrounding environment. The information about surrounding environment may for example indicate an area where there has been a significant change in the woods of the area and the analysis may be triggered at least for that area. The significant change may have been caused e.g. by storm or planned felling of trees. Other areas and other cells may be analysed later.302: It is determined whether the first cell and the second cell have overlapping coverage area. Once the coverage area of the first cell and the coverage area of the second cell are known, the determination of the overlapping coverage area is a straightforward task. 303: Responsive to determining that the first cell and the second cell have overlapping coverage area, a neighbor setting is added between the first cell and second cell if it does not exist. In an embodiment, at least the second cell is set as a neighbor for the first cell.

Additionally or alternatively, the first cell may be set as a neighbor for the second cell. |.e. the neighbor setting may in both directions or only in one direction. 304: Responsive to determining that the first cell and the second cell do not have overlapping coverage area, neighbor settings between the first cell and the second cell are removed, if such neighbor settings exist. In this way unnecessary or inoperative neighbor settings become removed.

It is to be noted that in connection with or prior to steps 303 and 304, the neighbor settings that are currently used in the mobile communication network are collected from the mobile — 25 communication network or from some other source.

N

O

N 305: The process proceeds to analyzing a subseguent cell pair according to phases 301- 2 304 until all cell pairs have been processed.

NN

- After this, the new neighbor settings may be deployed in the mobile communication network. a > The process is periodically repeated in order to keep the neighbor lists updated in changing © 30 operating conditions. In an embodiment, the process is daily repeated for a plurality of cell ©

N pairs. The neighbor lists may be updated for example every night.

O

N

Fig. 4 shows a simplified example case. Fig. 4 shows a first cell 401, coverage area 402 of the first cell, a second cell 411, coverage area 412 of the second cell, and a third cell 415.

The coverage area 402 of the first cell and the coverage area 412 of the second cell overlap at area 420. Now, when coverage areas of the first cell 401 and the second cell 411 are analysed, itis noted that a neighbor setting needs to be added if it does not exist yet. Dashed line 432 illustrates the new neighbor setting that is added. By way of example, Fig. 4 shows solid line 431 illustrating already existing neighbor setting between the first cell 401 and the third cell 415.

In an embodiment, it may be defined that the determined coverage area of a cell extends to a region where signal level is at least at a predetermined level. The required signal level at the edge of the coverage area may depend on the network technology that is used and — other factors. As an example, the required signal level at the edge of the coverage area may be for example between -85 dBm and -95 dBm. By varying the required signal level at the edge of the coverage area a user may adjust the neighbor settings. If the coverage area is more relaxed, more cells will have overlapping coverage area and consequently there are more neighbor cells. If the coverage area is tighter, less cells will have overlapping coverage area and consequently the number of neighbor cells diminishes. It is to be noted that different coverage area settings may be used for adding new neighbor settings and for removing already existing neighbor settings. For example, looser settings may be used for removing already existing neighbor settings e.g. in phase 304 of Fig. 3. In this way, possibility to accidentally remove necessary neighbor settings may be reduced. On the other hand, by using tighter settings for adding new neighbor settings e.g. in phase 303 of

Fig. 3, one may reduce the possibility of accidentally adding inoperative or unnecessary neighbor settings.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the appended claims, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is simple yet effective process of automatically managing neighbor lists. As neighbor settings are = continuously or periodically analysed changes in network topology are automatically taken < into account. Additionally changes in surrounding environment may be taken into account. = Any of the afore described methods, method steps, or combinations thereof, may be

N controlled or performed using hardware; software; firmware; or any combination thereof.

E 30 The software and/or hardware may be local; distributed; centralised; virtualised; or any 2 combination thereof. Moreover, any form of computing, including computational © intelligence, may be used for controlling or performing any of the afore described methods,

N method steps, or combinations thereof. Computational intelligence may refer to, for

N example, any of artificial intelligence; neural networks: fuzzy logics; machine learning; genetic algorithms; evolutionary computation; or any combination thereof.

Various embodiments have been presented. It should be appreciated that in this document, words comprise; include; and contain are each used as open-ended expressions with no intended exclusivity.

The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples of particular implementations and embodiments a full and informative description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. It is however clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments presented in the foregoing, but that it can be implemented in other embodiments using equivalent means or in different combinations of embodiments without deviating from the characteristics of the invention.

Furthermore, some of the features of the afore-disclosed example embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description shall be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof. Hence, the scope of the invention is only restricted by the appended patent claims.

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Claims

1. A computer implemented method for management of neighbor settings of a mobile communication network, the method comprising: analyzing (301) coverage area of cells of the mobile communication network in cell pairs comprising a first cell (401) and a second cell (411); determining (302) whether the first cell and the second cell have overlapping coverage area (420); and responsive to determining that the first cell and the second cell have overlapping coverage area (420), setting (303) at least the second cell as a neighbor for the first cell; responsive to determining that the first cell and the second cell do not have overlapping coverage area (420), removing (304) neighbor settings, if any, between the first cell and the second cell characterized in that different coverage area settings are used for setting new neighbors and removing neighbor settings.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, responsive to determining that the first cell and the second cell have overlapping coverage area, setting (303) the first cell as a neighbor for the second cell.

3. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising, using looser coverage area settings for removing neighbor settings and using tighter coverage area settings for setting new neighbors..

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein coverage area is analyzed at least N 25 based on network topology data. a S

~

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein coverage area is analyzed at least N based on information about surrounding environment. j S 30

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method is periodically 3 repeated.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method is daily repeated for a plurality of cell pairs.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method is centrally run for a plurality of cell pairs.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein performing the method is triggered by external information.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the external information indicates an area or a set of cells in which coverage area has changed, and the method is performed at least in — said area or in said set of cells.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the external information indicates an area or a set of cells in which automatic network configuration adjustments have been made, and the method is performed at least in said area or in said set of cells.

12. The method of any one of claims 9-11, wherein the external information indicates an area or a set of cells in which deteriorated performance has been detected, and the method is performed at least in said area or in said set of cells.

13. The method of any one of claims 9-12, wherein the external information comprises information about surrounding environment.

14. An apparatus (20, 111) comprising N a memory section (22) comprising computer executable program code; and N 25 a processing section (21) configured to cause the apparatus to perform, when ? executing the program code, the method of any one of claims 1-13. N = =

15. A computer program comprising computer executable program code (23) which S when executed in an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the method of any one of 2 30 claims 1-13. N O N