WO2020036585A1

WO2020036585A1 - Centralized son assisted multi hop discovery and management

Info

Publication number: WO2020036585A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/046533
Authority: WO
Inventors: Madhur Raj Nagesh Shetigar; Vinayak Prabhu; Kaladi Sriharsha RAO; Rajni Kant LAL
Original assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
Priority date: 2018-08-13
Filing date: 2018-08-13
Publication date: 2020-02-20
Also published as: EP3837880A1; EP3837880A4

Abstract

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for determining a shortest path from an anchor node to a serving node in a network for managing the serving node and providing integrated access backhaul. An aspect of the present disclosure includes a Self Organizing Network (SON) server with one or more memories have computer-readable instructions stored thereon and one or more processors. The one or more processors configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to determine that a new serving node is registered in a network, the new serving node provide wireless access services to one or more end points communicatively coupled thereto; determine a shortest path in the network between an anchor node and the new serving node, the anchor node providing backhaul access to core network to nodes of the network and end points using services of the network; and configure the new serving node via the shortest path.

Description

CENTRALIZED SON ASSISTED MULTI HOP DISCOVERY AND

MANAGEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present technology pertains in general to providing integrated access backhaul to network nodes of a 5G network and more specifically to determining a shortest path from an anchor node to a serving node in a network for managing the serving node.

BACKGROUND

[0002] With the arrival of 5^th generation (5G) wireless communication technology and its inherent nature of network densification, it has become increasingly difficult to provide access and backhaul services to nodes (and end point devices connected thereto) of the network. Furthermore, with the introduction of mmWave technology, popularity of small cell service has increased eventually leading to more network densification and difficulties in managing integrated access backhaul to all such nodes.

[0003] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) proposed relay nodes to extend the services of backhaul over the wireless connectivity between a serving node (a serving base station) and an anchored node (an anchored base station with wired connection to the core network). But 3GPP faces a restriction of only one relay node connected with the anchored node. Furthermore, with limited bandwidth of LTE technology, the bandwidth available for the backhaul link is also limited.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0005] FIGs. 1 A-B illustrate an example of network architecture and associated components, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0006] FIG. 2 describes a process for a new node joining a network of FIGs. 1A-B, according to an aspect of die present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a process of managing nodes in network of FIG. 1, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an example structure of serving and anchor nodes within a network, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates an example system including various hardware computing components, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Various example embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it. should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be references to the same embodiment or any embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0011] Reference to "one embodiment” or“an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment Is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.

[0012J Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, in the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in pan will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out. in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.

OVERVIEW

[0014] Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer-readable media for providing integrated access backhaul to network nodes of a 5G network and more specifically to determining a shortest path from an anchor node to a serving node in a network for managing the serving node.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes determining, by one or more processors, that a new serving node is registered in a network, the new- serving node providing wireless access services to one or more end points communicatively coupled thereto; determining, by the one or more processors, a shortest path in the network between an anchor node and the new serving node, the anchor node providing backhaul access to core network to nodes of the network and end points using services of the network; and configuring, by the one or more processors, the new serving node via the shortest path. [0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a Self Organizing Network (SON) server includes one or more memories that have computer-readable instructions stored thereon and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to determine that a new serving node is registered in a network, the new serving node providing wireless access services to one or more end points communicatively coupled thereto; determine a shortest path in the network between an anchor node and the new serving node, the anchor node providing backhaul access to core network to nodes of the network and end points using services of the network; and configure the new serving node via the shortest path.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer- readable medium have computer-readable instruction stored thereon, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to function as a Self Organizing Network (SON) to determine that a new serving node is registered in a network, the new' serving node providing wireless access services to one or more end points communicatively coupled thereto: determine a shortest path in the network between an anchor node and die new serving node, the anchor node providing backhaul access to core network to nodes of the network and end points using services of the network; and configure the new serving node via the shortest path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The disclosed technology addresses the need in the ait for providing an improved integrated backhaul access to all cell sites (various types of base stations) within a 5G network.

[0019] The disclosure begins with a description of example 5G network architecture.

[0020] FIGs. 1A-B illustrates an example of network architecture and associated components, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, network 100 is a 5G wireless communication network. Network. 100 can include various end points 102. End points 102 can be any type of known or to be developed device capable of establishing communication over a wireless/radio access technology with other devices. Examples of end points 102 include, but are not limited to, various types of known or to be developed smart phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0021 J End points 102 can have multiple different radio access technology (RAT) interfaces to establish a wireless communication session with one or more different types of base stations (nodes) that operate using different RATs with network 100.

[0022] Network 100 may also include nodes 104, 106, 108 and 110. Nodes 104, 106, 108 and 110 can also be referred to as base stations or access points 104, 106, 108 and 110. For example, node 104 can be a WiFi router or access point providing a small cell site or coverage area 112 for several of the end points 102 therein. Therefore, node 104 may be referred to as a small cell node. Nodes 106 and 108 can be any one of various types of known or to be developed base stations providing one or more different types of Radio Access Networks (RANs) to devices connecting thereto. Examples of different RANs include, but are not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)/Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), WiFi, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution- Data Optimized (EV-DO), IS-95 etc.

[0023] Node 106 can provide coverage area 114 for end points 102 within coverage area 114. As shown in FIG. 1A, one or more end points 102 can be located on an overlapping portion of coverage areas 112 and 114. Therefore, such one or more end points 102 can communicate with node 104 or node 106.

[0024] Furthermore, node 108 can provide coverage area 116 for some of end points 102 in coverage area 116. Node 110 can provide coverage area 118 for all end points 102 shown in FIG. 1A.

[0025] Within the 5G structure of network 100, nodes 104, 106, 108 and 110 may operate in a connected manner to expand the coverage area provide by node 110 and/or to serve more end points 102 than node 110 or some of the nodes 104, 106, 108 and 110 can handle individually. Node 104 may be communicatively coupled to node 106, which may in turn be communicatively coupled to node 110. Similarly node 108 can be communicatively coupled to node 106 and/or node 110. Node 104 and node 106 can communicate with node 110 via any known or to be developed wireless communication standard. Also, node 108 can communicate with node 110 via any known or to be developed wireless communication standard.

[0026] Within network 100, node 110 can have a wired connection to core network 120 via, for example, fiber optics cables. This may be referred to as backhaul 122. While fiber optic cables is mentioned as one example connection medium for backhaul 122, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the wired connection can be any other type of know or to be developed wire.

[0027] Node 110 can be referred to as anchor node (Anchor Base Station(ABS)) 110 (since it serves as a wired anchor or connection point of all nodes and end points 102 of network 100 to core network 120), while nodes 104, 106 and 108 can be referred to as serving nodes (Serving Base Station (SBS)). Node 110 can be any type of know or to be developed base station such as an e-NodeB, a next generation e-NodeB (ng- eNodeB), etc.

[0028] PIG. IB illustrates another example architecture with components of core network 120 of FIG. 1A, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. A simplified version of network 100 is shown in FIG. IB, where a single end point 102 has a wireless communication session established with serving node 106, which in turn has a wireless communication session established with anchor node 110. Anchor node 110 is then connected to core network 120 via backhaul 122.

[0029] Furthermore, FIG. 1B illustrates example logical components of core network 120. Example components include various network functions implemented via one or more dedicated and/or distributed servers (can be cloud based). Core network 120 of 5G network 100 can be highly flexible, modular and scalable. It can include many functions including network slicing. It offers distributed cloud-based functionalities, Network functions virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN).

[0030] For example and as shown in FIG. IB, core network 120 has Application and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 126, with which anchor node 110 communicates (e.g., using an N2 interface). Core network 120 further has a bus 128 connecting various servers providing different example functionalities. For example, bus 128 can connect AMF 126 to Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 130, Network Exposure Function (NEF) 132, Network Repository Function (NRF) 134, Unified Data Control (UDC) 136, which itself can include example functions including Unified Data Management (UDM) 136, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 140, Policy Control Function (PCF) 142, Application Function (AF) 144 and Session Management Function (SMF) 146. Various components of core network 120, examples of which are described above, provide known or to be developed functionalities for operation of 5G networks including, but not limited to, device registration, attachment and authentication, implementing network policies, billing policies, etc.

[0031J Furthermore, as shown in FIG. IB, SMF 146 is connected to User Plane Function (UPF) 148, which in turns connects core network 120 or end point 102 (after authentication and registration with core network 120) to data network 150.

[0032] While FIG. IB illustrates an example structure and components of core network 120, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Core network. 120 can include any other number of known or to be developed logical functions and components and/or can have other known or to be developed architecture.

[0033] Furthermore, core network 120 can have a centralized Self Organizing Network (CSON) function/server 152 connected to AMF 126. CSON server 152 can have a dedicated server for performing functionalities thereof, w'hich will be described below, or can have functionalities thereof distributed among existing servers of core network 120.

[0034] For purposes of illustration and discussion, network 100 has been described with reference to a limited number of end points 102, nodes 104, 106, 108, 110, etc., inventive concepts are not limited thereto. One can readily appreciate that one of the advantages of 5G networks are their applicability and scalability to provide wireless access connectivity to significantly more diverse group of devices and electrical devices that their older peers such as 3G and 4G networks. Accordingly, one can appreciate that network 100 can include a significantly larger number of end points 102 and/or nodes (anchor nodes or serving nodes).

[0035] Furthermore, while certain components have been illustrated and described with reference to FIGs. 1A-B, network 100 can include any other known, or to be developed, elements or components for its operation.

[0036] The wired backhaul connection 122 of anchor node 110 has a limited bandwidth, which should be split between providing wireless network access (e.g., a minimum downlink rate for data exchange) to end points 102 and backhaul access to nodes in network 100. This may be referred to as Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB). As the number of nodes within a 5G network increases to service a larger number and types of end points, IAB becomes more challenging.

[0037] Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described, whereby any new cell cite established within a 5G network (any new node joining the 5G network) discovers an optimal serving and/or anchor node to connect to tor establishing backhaul access to core network 114 and subsequent provisioning of each new node.

[0038] For purposes of discussing example embodiments below', an assumption is made that node 104 is a new node joining the 5G network 100 to provide a new small cell site 112. As noted above, nodes 104, 106 and 108 are serving nodes while node 110 is an anchor node.

[0039] FIG. 2 describes a process for a new node joining a network of FIGs. 1A-B, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 will be described from perspective of node 104 of FIG. 1A. However, it will be understood that functionalities of node 104 are implemented by one or more processors operating at node 104 executing computer-readable instructions stored on one or more memories thereof.

[0040] At S200 and upon becoming operational, node 104 scans network 100 to find nearby serving and/or anchor nodes. The scanning may be performed according to any known or to be developed method, For example, scanning can include determining signal strength of signals received from other nodes.

[0041] At S202, node 104 selects one of the discovered nearby nodes (serving or anchor node) with a strongest signal strength among the received signals from nearby nodes. This can be for example, node 106.

[0042] At S204, node 104 performs an attach process for establishing a connection to the selected node at S202 (e.g., node 106). In performing the attach process, node 104 sends a radio resource control (RRC) registration message to node 106. Alternatively, node 104- sends a RjRC container message to node 106. The RRC registration or container message can include information including, but not limited to, location information of node 104, neighboring cells, neighboring cells’ interference information, node 104’s beamforming information, which can convey information about the nature of the radio transmission by node 104' s antenna as well as whether it is a narrow beam with a relatively long range or a broad beam with a short range.

[0043J At S206, node 104 registers with AMF 126 in core network 120 of network 100. in doing so, an N2 message is encapsulated into the RRC Message Container in the form of Direct Transfer Message. In a multi Hop scenario (multiple nodes between node 104 and anchor node 110), each intermediary node (e.g., node 106) forwards all received direct transfer messages to the next hop. RRC message container is transferred to N2 Message once a physical link is established. This completes the registration process of node 104 with core network 126 of network 100.

[0044] At this point, SON server 152 has a record of node 104 as an active node of network 100. With knowledge and record of active and registered nodes in network 100, SON server 152 can now manage the nodes for both provisioning them (backhaul access) and servicing user traffic to and from end points 102. An aspect of this managing includes finding the shortest path to a node from core network 120.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a process of managing nodes in network of FIG. 1, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 will be described from the perspective of CSON server 152. However, it will be understood that functionalities of CSON server 152 are implemented by one or more processors executing computer-readable instructions stored on one or more memories associated therewith. Furthermore,

FIG. 3 will be described concurrently with FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates an example structure of serving and anchor nodes within a network, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0046] Prior to describing the process of FIG. 3, FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 4 illustrates node structure of network 400 including multiple serving nodes and two anchor nodes. Number of serving nodes and anchor nodes are exemplary and nonlimiting. Network 400 can be the same as network 100.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, network 400 includes serving nodes 402, 404 and 406 and 408. Nodes 402, 404 and 406 can be similar to or the same as nodes 104, 106 and 108 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 also illustrates node 408, which can be an LTE e-NodeB. Node 408 can directly connect to AMF 126 (via a wired N2 link) just like anchor node 410. Furthermore, node 408 can have a direct link (e.g., without any other intermediary node) in each serving node 402, 404 and 406, shown as a wired link 414. [0048] Network 400 also includes anchor node 410. Node 410 can be a 5G New Radio (NR) or New RAT anchor node. Node 410 establishes backhaul 412 (same as backhaul 122) with AMF 126, which is then managed and controlled by CSON server

152.

[0049] Hereinafter, nodes 402, 404, 406, 408 and 410 may be referred to as registered nodes of network 400. Furthermore, node 404 can be an example of a newly added serving node in the same way as node 104, described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, each serving node 402, 404 and 406 has multiple different paths to anchor node 410. For example, serving node 404 can connect to anchor node 410 via P2 and P4 or via PI and P3. Therefore, for managing IAB, one objective is for CSON server 152 to determine the shortest path from anchor node 410 (not in terms of distance but rather in terms of path weights) to each serving node.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 will be described in relation to FIGs. 1 and 4 as two slightly different examples of network setup.

[0052] At S300, CSON server 152 collects (records) various Key Performance Indices (KFls) for all“registered” nodes of network. 100/400 (e.g., nodes 104, 106, 108 and 110 of FIG. 1 and/or nodes 404 , 406, 408, 410 and 412 of FIG. 4). Examples of KPIs include, but are not limited to, resource utilization, control channel such as Physical Downlink Control Channel utilization (PDCCH utilization), downlink and uplink throughput, Beamforming KPI and Coverage Rate.

[0053] At S302, CSON server 152 monitors load conditions of all registered nodes of network 100/400. Load condition of a node can be indicative of a number of devices or end points 102 currently being served by that node, amount of downlink and uplink traffic between served end points and the node, etc.

[0054] At S304, CSON server 152, using collected KPIs determines a cell coverage area of each registered node of network 100/400. For example, CSON server 152 makes use of the Timing Advance Performance counter collected from each serving node (e.g., nodes 104, 106 and 108 and/or nodes 402, 404 and 406) to determine the distance of served end points 102 from their respective serving nodes. For example, coverage area of serving node 104 is the area around node 104 within which 99 percent of the end points 102 served by serving node 104 reside. [0055] At S306, CSON server 152, performs bandwidth partitioning (B_p) for integrated access backhaul (IAB) for each node to network 100/400 (e.g., nodes 104, 106 and 108 and/or nodes 402, 404 and 406). Bandwidth partitioning may be performed based on load conditions of S302 and coverage area of S304, according to any known or to be developed method such as those described by Saha et al.; “Integrated mmWave Access and Backhaul in 5G: Bandwidth Partitioning and Downlink Analysis;” October 27, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0056] For example, total bandwidth of anchor node 110 can be 1 Gbps in downlink. In case of IAB, this downlink bandwidth, at S306, can be partitioned between end points 102 and serving nodes 104, 106 and 108. For example, 30% (300 Mbps) of the total bandwidth can be used for end points 102 while 70% (700 Mbps) of the total bandwidth can be assigned for all serving nodes 104, 106 and 108.

[0057] At S308, CSON server 152 determines an average bandwidth (B_avg) for each registered node of network 100/400. In one example, CSON server 152 uses the KPIs collected at S3QQ to determine an average bandwidth for each registered node of network 400. For example, CSON server 152 may set a duration for receiving KPIs for a given serving/anchor node. The duration may be set to 15 minutes, for example. Therefore, a node’s (e.g., node 104’s) bandwidth is the average of its bandwidth over the period of 15 minutes.

[0058] At S310, CSON server 152 determines a weight for each path. For example and with reference to FIG. 4, CSON server 152 determines a weight for each of PI, P2, P3 and P4 shown in FIG. 4. The weight can be determined based on each node’s average bandwidth determined at S308 and each node’s partitioned bandwidth determined at S306. More specifically, a weight for any given path can be determined based on formula (1) shown below:

[0059] Thereafter, at S312, CSON server 152 uses the weights to determine the shortest path to each serving node. For example, upon identifying node 404 as the newest node of network 400, CSON server 152 determines the shortest path from anchor node 410 to serving node 404. The shortest path may be a combination of paths from anchor node 410 to serving node 404 having the lowest sum of path weights.

[0060J For example, CSON server 152 may select P2 and P4 as the shortest path from serving node 404 to anchor node 410 over PI and P3, if the sum of the path weights for P2 and P4 is less than the sum of path weights for P1 and P3.

[0061] Thereafter, at S314, CSON server 152 uses the shortest path to node 404 selected at S312 to communicate with node 404. In doing so, CSON server 152 can direct AMF 126 to establish N2 links with node 404 using the selected shortest path, where such N2 links may be establishing using known or to be developed protocol messages such as RRC messages. Furthermore, CSON server 152 can provision node 404 with appropriate configuration parameters over the selected shortest path.

[0062] In one example, CSON 152 performs the process of FIG. 3 every time a new node is added to network 100 (or network 400). In another example, CSON 152 performs the process of FIG. 3 to dynamically and continuously determine/update shortest paths to registered nodes of network 100 (or network 400).

[0063] In one example, due to control links instability, CSON server 152 may not provision each serving node via the selected shortest path but may instead dedicate LTE e-NodeB 408 for pushing configuration parameters to each serving node of network 400 in the control plane, while the shortest path may still be used for user traffic to and from core network 120 in the user plane. As shown in FIG. 4, paths P5, P6 and 1*7 are direct links between LTE node 408 and each serving node 402, 404 and 406. In this example, while paths P5, P6 and P7 are used for provisioning serving nodes, for each serving node, the shortest path determined per the process of FIG. 3 is used for servicing end nodes 102 connected to each serving node (e.g., for downlink data exchange).

[0064] Having described example embodiments for managing IAB by selecting shortest path from an anchor node to each serving node in a network, the disclosure now turns to discussion of example devices that can be used as components within nodes of network 100 or 400, as one or more devices or servers within core network 120, etc.

[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates an example system including various hardware computing components, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The more appropriate embodiment will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when practicing the present technology. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will also readily appreciate that other system embodiments are possible.

[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates a system bus computing system architecture 500 wherein the components of the system are in electrical communication with each other using a connection 506. Exemplary system 500 includes a cache 502 and a processing unit (CPU or processor) 504 and a system connection 506 that couples various system components including the system memory 520, such as read only memory (ROM) 518 and random access memory (RAM) 516, to the processor 504. The system 500 can include a cache of high-speed memory connected directly with, in close proximity to, or integrated as part of the processor 504. The system 500 can copy data from the memory 520 and/or the storage device 508 to the cache 502 for quick access by the processor 504. In this way, the cache can provide a performance boost that avoids processor 504 delays while waiting for data. These and other modules can control or be configured to control the processor 504 to perform various actions. Other system memory 520 may be available for use as well. The memory 520 can include multiple different types of memory with different performance characteristics. The processor 504 can include any general purpose processor and a service component, such as service 1 510, service 2 512, and service 3 514 stored in storage device 508, configured to control the processor 504 as well as a special-purpose processor where software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. The processor 504 may essentially be a completely self-contained computing system, containing multiple cores or processors, a bus, memory controller, cache, etc. A multi-core processor may be symmetric or asymmetric.

[0067] To enable user interaction with the computing device 500, an input device 522 can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphical input, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech and so forth. An output device 524 can also be one or more of a number of output mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. In some instances, multimodal systems can enable a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with the computing device 500. The communications interface 526 can generally govern and manage the user input and system output There is no restriction on operating on any particular hardware arrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily be substituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed.

[0068] Storage device 508 is a non-volatile memory and can be a hard disk or other types of computer readable media which can store data that are accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, solid state memory devices, digital versatile disks, cartridges, random access memories (RAMs) 516, read only memory (ROM) 518, and hybrids thereof.

[0069] The system 500 can include an integrated circuit 528, such as an application- specific integrated circuit (ASIC) configured to perform various operations. The integrated circuit 528 can be coupled with the connection 506 in order to communicate with other components in the system 500.

[0070] The storage device 508 can include software services 510, 512, 514 for controlling the processor 504. Other hardware or software modules are contemplated. The storage device 508 can be connected to the system connection 506. In one aspect, a hardware module that performs a particular function can include the software component stored in a. computer-readable medium in connection with the necessary hardware components, such as the processor 504, connection 506, output device 524, and so forth, to carry out the function.

[0071] For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology may be presented as including individual functional blocks including functional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps or routines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardware and software.

[0072] In some example embodiments the computer-readable storage devices, mediums, and memories can include a cable or wireless signal containing a bit stream and the like. However, when mentioned, non-transitory computer-readable storage media expressly exclude media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

[0073] Methods according to the above-described examples can be implemented using computer-executable instructions that are stored or otherwise available from computer readable media. Such instructions can comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that may be used to store instructions, information used, and/or information created during methods according to described examples include magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, and so on.

[0074J Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can comprise hardware, firmware and/or software, and can take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptops, smart phones, small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, rackmouni devices, standalone devices, and so on. Functionality described herein also can be embodied in peripherals or add-in cards. Such functionality can also be implemented on a circuit board among different chips or different processes executing in a single device, by way of further example.

[0075] The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are means for providing the functions described in these disclosures.

[0076] Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements in such examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. For example, such functionality can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims.

[0077] Claim language reciting "at least one of" a set indicates that one member of the set or multiple members of the set satisfy the claim. For example, claim language reciting“at least one of A and B” means A, B, or A and B.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

determining, by one or more processors, that a new serving node is registered in a network, the new serving node providing wireless access services to one or more end points communicatively coupled thereto;

determining, by the one or more processors, a shortest path in the network between an anchor node and the new serving node, the anchor node providing backhaul access to a core network to nodes of the network and end points using services of the network; and

configuring, by the one or more processors, the new serving node via the shortest path.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that the new serving node is registered in the network includes receiving a record of registration of the new serving node with an Application and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the core network.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the registration is based on receiving an N2 message encapsulated into a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Message Container in the form of a direct transfer message.

4. The method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein determining the shortest path includes:

performing, by the one or more processors, a bandwidth partitioning for the new serving node to yield a bandwidth partition;

determining, by the one or more processors, an average bandwidth for the new serving node; and

determining, by the one or more processors, the shortest path based on the bandwidth partition and the average bandwidth.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining the shortest path includes determining a path weight for each path from the anchor node to the new serving node based on the bandwidth partition and the new serving node.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein each path weight is determined as a ratio of the average bandwidth to a sum of the average bandwidth and the bandwidth partition.

7. The method of claim 4, 5, or 6, wherein determining the average bandwidth is based on key performance indices of the new serving node as well as other nodes of the network collected by the one or more processors.

8. A Self Organizing Network (SON) server, comprising:

one or more memories having computer-readable instructions stored thereon; and

one or more processors configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to:

determine that a new serving node is registered in a network, the new serving node provide wireless access services to one or more end points communicatively coupled thereto;

determine a shortest path in the network between an anchor node and the new serving node, the anchor node providing backhaul access to core network to nodes of the network and end points using services of the network; and

configure the new serving node via the shortest path.

9. The SON server of claim 8, wherein the instructions to determine that the new serving node is registered in the network includes instructions to receive a record of registration of the new serving node with an Application and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the core network.

10. The SON server of claim 9, wherein the registration is based on receiving an N2 message encapsulated into a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Message Container in the form of a direct transfer message.

11. The SON server of claim 8, 9, or 10, wherein the instructions to determine the shortest path includes instructions to:

perform a bandwidth partitioning for the new serving node to yield a bandwidth partition;

determine an average bandwidth for the new serving node;

determine a path weight for each path from the anchor node to the new serving node based on the bandwidth partition and the new serving node to yield a plurality of path weights; and

determine the shortest path using the plurality of path weights.

12. The SON server of claim 11, wherein the shortest path is a path having the least sum of path weights from the anchor node to the new serving node.

13. The SON server of claim 11 or 12, wherein each path weight is determined as a ratio of the average bandwidth to a sum of the average bandwidth and the bandwidth partition.

14. The SON server of claim 11, 12, or 13, wherein the average bandwidth is determined based on key performance indices of the new serving node as well as other nodes of the network collected by the one or more processors.

15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer- readable instruction stored thereon, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to function as a Self Organizing Network (SON) to: determine that a new serving node is registered in a network, the new serving node provide wireless access services to one or more end points communicatively coupled thereto;

configure the new serving node via the shortest path.

16. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the SON is configured to determine that the new serving node is registered in the network by receiving a record of registration of the new serving node with an Application and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the core network.

17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the registration is based on receiving an N2 message encapsulated into a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Message Container in the form of a direct transfer message.

18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, 16, or 17, wherein the SON is configured to determine that the new serving node is registered in the network by:

performing a bandwidth partitioning for the new serving node to yield a bandwidth partition;

determining an average bandwidth for the new serving node;

determining a path weight for each path from the anchor node to the new serving node based on the bandwidth partition and the new serving node to yield a plurality of path weights; and

determining the shortest path using the plurality of path weights.

19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the shortest path is a path having the least sum of path weights from the anchor node to the new serving node.

20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18 or 19, wherein each path weight is determined as a ratio of the average bandwidth to a sum of the average bandwidth and the bandwidth partition.