U.S. patent application number 13/470875 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-06 for initial enode-b configuration over-the-air.
This patent application is currently assigned to NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS OY. Invention is credited to Frank FREDERIKSEN, Klaus PEDERSEN, Bernhard RAAF, Vinh VAN PHAN.
Application Number | 20120225660 13/470875 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41257434 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120225660 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PEDERSEN; Klaus ; et
al. |
September 6, 2012 |
INITIAL ENODE-B CONFIGURATION OVER-THE-AIR
Abstract
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program embodied on a
computer readable medium is provided to define new messages to be
transmitted over a broadcast channel to better support
uncoordinated base station deployment in a local area environment.
In this context, uncoordinated local base station deployment refers
to cases where new base stations are placed, and activated, without
any detailed a priori network planning and considerations for
placement of already active base stations in the area.
Inventors: |
PEDERSEN; Klaus; (Aalborg,
DK) ; FREDERIKSEN; Frank; (Klarup, DK) ; VAN
PHAN; Vinh; (Oulu, FI) ; RAAF; Bernhard;
(Neuried, DE) |
Assignee: |
NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS OY
Espoo
FI
|
Family ID: |
41257434 |
Appl. No.: |
13/470875 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12453170 |
Apr 30, 2009 |
8200285 |
|
|
13470875 |
|
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|
61071476 |
Apr 30, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/446 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2203/205 20130101;
H04W 24/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/446 |
International
Class: |
H04W 16/18 20090101
H04W016/18 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: creating a message, at a first base
station, comprising network configuration information; and
broadcasting the message over a broadcast channel to a second base
station, wherein the second base station is configured to use the
network configuration information to configure network parameters
of the second base station.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the creating the
message comprises including at least one of a cell identification,
a list of internet protocol addresses of existing base stations,
and a scrambling code assignment in the message.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the creating the
message comprises inserting the network configuration information
into a third generation partnership project long term evolution
release 9 broadcast channel message or a subsequent third
generation partnership long term evolution release broadcast
channel message.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the broadcasting the
message comprises broadcasting the message over a third generation
partnership project long term evolution release 8 broadcast
channel.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the broadcasting the
message comprises periodically broadcasting the message over the
broadcast channel to the second base station over a predetermined
interval.
6. A computer program, embodied on a computer readable medium,
configured to control a processor to implement a method, the method
comprising: creating a message, at a first base station, comprising
network configuration information; and broadcasting the message
over a broadcast channel to a second base station, wherein the
second base station is configured to use the network configuration
information to configure network parameters of the second base
station.
7. An apparatus, comprising: a processor configured to create a
message comprising network configuration information; and a
transmitter configured to broadcast the message over a broadcast
channel to a base station, wherein the base station is configured
to use the network configuration information to configure network
parameters of the base station.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor is further
configured to include at least one of a cell identification, a list
of internet protocol addresses of existing base stations, and a
scrambling code assignment in the message.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor is further
configured to insert the network configuration information into a
third generation partnership project long term evolution release 9
broadcast channel message or a subsequent third generation
partnership long term evolution release broadcast channel
message.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the transmitter is further
configured to broadcast the message over a third generation
partnership project long term evolution release 8 broadcast
channel.
11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the transmitter is further
configured to periodically broadcast the message over the broadcast
channel to the base station over a predetermined interval.
12. An apparatus, comprising: means for creating a message
comprising network configuration information; and means for
broadcasting the message over a broadcast channel to a base
station, wherein the base station is configured to use the network
configuration information to configure network parameters of the
base station.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
12/453,170, filed on Apr. 30, 2009 (herein incorporated by
reference), which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/071,476, filed on
Apr. 30, 2008 (herein incorporated by reference).
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to communication
systems, and particularly to wireless communication systems, such
as Third Generation Mobile System ("3GPP"). More specifically, the
present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for
uncoordinated base station deployment in communication systems.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) Terrestrial
Radio Access Network (UTRAN) refers to a communications network
including base stations, or Node-Bs, and radio network controllers
(RNC). UTRAN allows for connectivity between the user equipment
(UE) and the core network. A Node-B is the equipment which
facilitates the wireless communication between UEs and the network.
Once a Node-B is installed and activated, its network parameters
must be configured so that the Node-B is aware of the network that
it belongs to, is aware of other network elements of its network,
such as other Node-Bs and UEs, and can communicate with the other
network elements of its network.
[0006] 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) refers to improvements of the
UMTS through improved efficiency and services, lower costs, and use
of new spectrum opportunities. In discussion of the LTE standard, a
Node-B is referred to as an enhanced Node-B ("eNode-B").
SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments of the invention can provide a method which
includes creating a message, at a first base station, including
network configuration information. The method further includes
broadcasting the message over a broadcast channel to a second base
station. The second base station is configured to use the network
configuration information to configure network parameters of the
second base station.
[0008] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can provide a
method, which includes listening over a broadcast channel for a
first message from a first base station, at a second base station,
the first message including network configuration information, and
receiving the first message over the broadcast channel from the
first base station. The method further includes configuring network
parameters of the second base station based upon the received
network configuration information, and broadcasting a second
message over the broadcast channel to a third base station
operating on a same frequency as the second base station, the
second message including the configured network parameters.
[0009] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can provide a
computer program, embodied on a computer readable medium,
configured to control a processor to implement a method. The method
includes creating a message, at a first base station, including
network configuration information, and broadcasting the message
over a broadcast channel to a second base station. The second base
station is configured to use the network configuration information
to configure network parameters of the second base station.
[0010] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can provide a
computer program, embodied on a computer readable medium,
configured to control a processor to implement a method. The method
includes listening over a broadcast channel for a first message
from a first base station, at a second base station, the first
message including network configuration information, and receiving
the first message over the broadcast channel from the first base
station. The method further includes configuring network parameters
of the second base station based upon the received network
configuration information, and broadcasting a second message over
the broadcast channel to a third base station operating on a same
frequency as the second base station, the second message including
the configured network parameters.
[0011] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can provide an
apparatus, which includes a processor configured to create a
message including network configuration information, and a
transmitter configured to broadcast the message over a broadcast
channel to a base station. The base station is configured to use
the network configuration information to configure network
parameters of the base station.
[0012] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can provide an
apparatus, which includes a listener configured to listen over a
broadcast channel for a first message from a first base station,
the first message including network configuration information, and
a receiver configured to receive the first message over the
broadcast channel from the first base station. The apparatus
further includes a controller configured to configure network
parameters of a second base station based upon the received network
configuration information, and a transmitter configured to
broadcast a second message over the broadcast channel to a third
base station operating on a same frequency as the second base
station, the second message including the configured network
parameters.
[0013] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can provide an
apparatus, which includes means for creating a message including
network configuration information, and means for broadcasting the
message over a broadcast channel to a base station. The base
station is configured to use the network configuration information
to configure network parameters of the base station.
[0014] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can provide an
apparatus, which includes means for listening over a broadcast
channel for a first message from a first base station, the first
message including network configuration information, and means for
receiving the first message over the broadcast channel from the
first base station. The apparatus further includes means for
configuring network parameters of a second base station based upon
the received network configuration information, and means for
broadcasting a second message over the broadcast channel to a third
base station operating on a same frequency as the second base
station, the second message including the configured network
parameters.
[0015] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can provide a
system, which includes a first base station, including a processor
configured to create a first message which includes network
configuration information, and a transmitter configured to
broadcast the first message over a broadcast channel to a second
base station. The system further includes a second base station,
including a listener configured to listen over a broadcast channel
for the first message from the first base station, and a receiver
configured to receive receiving the first message over the
broadcast channel from the first base station. The second base
station further includes a controller configured to configure
network parameters of the second base station based upon the
received network configuration information, and a transmitter
configured to broadcast a second message over the broadcast channel
to a third base station operating on a same frequency as the second
base station, the second message including the configured network
parameters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Further embodiments, details, advantages, and modifications
of the present invention, will become apparent from the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which is to be
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a frequency domain representation of a
possible backward compatible LTE Rel'9 solution with up to 100 MHz
system bandwidth, where the full Rel'9 system bandwidth is a
bonding of several Rel'8 bands.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a communication
system according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a base station
according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates another example embodiment of a base
station according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for generating and transmitting
network configuration information, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for receiving network
configuration information and configuring network parameters based
on the network configuration information, in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates another method for receiving network
configuration information and configuring network parameters based
on the network configuration information, in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] It will be readily understood that the components of the
present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the
figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of a method, apparatus, and system,
as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit
the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative
of selected embodiments of the invention.
[0025] The features, structures, or characteristics of the
invention described throughout this specification may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the
usage to "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other
similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact
that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described
in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one
embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the
phrases "in certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other
embodiments," or other similar language, throughout this
specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of
embodiments, and the described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments.
[0026] In addition, while the term "message" has been used in the
description of the present invention, the invention may be applied
to many types of network data, such as packet, frame, datagram,
etc. For purposes of this invention, the term message also includes
packet, frame, datagram, and any equivalents thereof.
[0027] As standardization of Release 8 ("Rel'8") of 3GPP LTE is
coming to an end, there are currently a lot of activities related
to definition of study items for Release 9 ("Rel'9") of 3GPP LTE,
as discussed in 3GPP TSG RAN #39, RP-080137. One likely candidate
for Rel'9 of 3GPP LTE is a local area solution with enhanced
support for uncoordinated eNode-B (or home eNode-B) deployment and
bandwidths larger than 20 MHz (potentially up to 100 MHz as
discussed for International Mobile Telecommunication--Advanced
requirements).
[0028] Assuming requirements for backward compatibility between
Rel'8 and Rel'9, the so-called "channel bonding solution" as
pictured in FIG. 1 is a promising candidate for Rel'9 of 3GPP LTE.
FIG. 1 shows the frequency domain characteristics, where the user
equipments ("UEs") can be served over the full 100 MHz bandwidth,
while UEs of Rel'8 can only be served under one of the Rel'8 bands
(each with a maximum bandwidth of 20 MHz). As agreed for Rel'8 of
3GPP LTE, a broadcast channel (BCH) is periodically transmitted in
the downlink (from each eNode-B), in the center part of each Rel'8
band. As one of ordinary skill in the art would readily understand,
a BCH is a downlink transport channel that is used to broadcast
system- and cell-specific information in a message format. The BCH
provides signaling information, so that the UEs in a particular
cell can locate, synchronize, and access the network. The BCH is
described in greater detail, including how often, and at which
symbols in the time-frequency domain, the signaling information is
transmitted, at 3GPP Specification 36.211 Version 8.2.0.
[0029] In the context of 3GPP LTE, uncoordinated local eNode-B
deployment refers to cases where new eNode-Bs are placed, and
activated, in an existing 3GPP network, without any detailed a
priori network planning and consideration for the placement of
eNode-Bs which are already active in the area.
[0030] One of the problems related to uncoordinated eNode-B
deployment is initial configuration of parameters such as
scrambling code assignment, identification of neighboring eNode-Bs,
etc. 3GPP LTE Rel'8 does not provide for over-the-air information
exchange between eNode-Bs for the purpose of initial configuration
of network parameters of newly activated eNode-Bs. Instead, this
configuration is typically assumed to be part of the radio network
planning and configuration phase. In other words, it is typically
assumed that this configuration must occur at the site of the
eNode-B, and before the eNode-B is activated.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a communication
system according to the present invention. The depicted system
includes a network 100, an existing eNode-B 101, newly activated
eNode-Bs 102 and 103, and existing eNode-Bs 104 and 105. In the
illustrated embodiment, eNode-B 102 operates on the same frequency
as eNode-B 104, and eNode-B 103 operates on the same frequency as
eNode-B 105. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, newly
activated eNode-Bs 102 and 103 can be Rel'9 eNode-Bs. The eNode-Bs
can communicate with each other over a Rel'8 BCH. While FIG. 2
includes arrows which illustrate, according to embodiments of the
invention, that the eNode-B 101 is capable of communicating with
eNode-B 102 and 103, that eNode-B 102 is capable of communication
with eNode-B 104, and that eNode-B 103 is capable of communicating
with eNode-B 105, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily
understand that each of the eNode-Bs are capable of communicating
with any and all of the other eNode-Bs within the network 100.
[0032] One of ordinary skill in the art would readily understand
that the network 100 is capable of having any number of eNode-Bs
within the network. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art
would readily understand that the system as depicted in FIG. 2 is
an example embodiment of a communication system according to the
present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present
invention to a particular number of eNode-Bs.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an eNode-B 201, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. The depicted eNode-B
201 includes a transmitter 202, and a processor 203. In certain
embodiments, the eNode-B 201 corresponds to the existing eNode-B
101 of FIG. 2. The components of the eNode-B 201 cooperate to
define a message which includes network configuration information
and to transmit the message over a BCH to newly activated eNode-Bs
of the network.
[0034] In certain embodiments, the processor 203 of the eNode-B 201
is configured to create a new message which includes network
configuration information. The network configuration information is
inserted into a message that is to be broadcasted to other eNode-Bs
over a BCH. The network configuration information can be used by an
eNode-B for rapid configuration of its network parameters, once the
eNode-B has been activated within the network. In some embodiments,
the network configuration information can include network
configuration parameters, such as the identification of which cell
the neighboring eNode-B is located, the Internet Protocol (IP)
addresses of eNode-Bs which already exist on the network, or a
scrambling code assignment. In some embodiments, the new message is
a 3GPP LTE Rel'9 message capable of being transmitted over a BCH of
an eNode-B.
[0035] In certain embodiments, the transmitter 202 of the eNode-B
201 is configured to broadcast the new message which includes
network configuration information over the BCH to all new eNode-Bs
(not shown) which have recently been activated, but have not yet
been configured. In certain embodiments, the transmitter 202 is
configured to broadcast the new message over a 3GPP LTE Rel'8 BCH.
Due to the backwards capability of Rel'9 and Rel'8, as discussed
above, the transmitter 202 may be capable of transmitting a Rel'9
message over a Rel'8 BCH.
[0036] In certain embodiments, the transmitter 202 can be
configured to periodically broadcast the new message over the BCH
to any newly activated eNode-Bs, over a predetermined interval.
This can provide a framework for constant automatic configuration
of eNode-Bs, as new eNode-Bs, which are activated, can receive the
new message and use the received network configuration information
to configure its network parameters as the new eNode-Bs enter the
network.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an eNode-B 301, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. The depicted
eNode-B 301 includes a listener 202, a receiver 303, a controller
304, and a transmitter 305. In certain embodiments, the eNode-B 301
corresponds to the newly activated eNode-Bs 102 and 103 of FIG. 2.
The components of the eNode-B 301 cooperate to listen for a message
which includes network configuration information over a BCH,
receive the message, configure network parameters based on the
received network configuration information, and to transmit the
message over a BCH to eNode-Bs of the same frequency.
[0038] In certain embodiments, the listener 302 of the eNode-B 301
is configured to listen over a BCH for a message from a neighboring
eNode-B (not shown), which can include network configuration
information. In some embodiments, the message which the listener
302 listens for can be a 3GPP LTE Rel'9 message, while the BCH, of
which the listener 302 listens over, can be a 3GPP LTE Rel'8 BCH.
As discussed above, due to the backwards capability of 3GPP LTE
Rel'9, the Rel'8 BCH is capable of transmitting and receiving Rel'9
messages.
[0039] Once the listener 302 detects a message from a neighboring
eNode-B, in certain embodiments, the receiver 303 of the eNode-B
301 is configured to receive the message which can contain network
configuration information over the BCH from the neighboring eNode-B
(not shown). In some embodiments, the network configuration
information can include network configuration parameters, such as
the identification of which cell the neighboring eNode-B is
located, the IP addresses of eNode-Bs which already exist on the
network, or a scrambling code assignment.
[0040] In certain embodiments, once the receiver 303 has received
the network configuration information, the controller 304 of the
eNode-B 301 is configured to configure network parameters of the
eNode-B 301. The configuration can be carried out by adopting
recommended network parameters based on the received network
configuration information from the neighboring eNode-B before
starting operation, where the eNode-B 301 starts to carry
user-plane traffic to new users. In other words, the controller 304
can use the received network configuration information to set the
network parameters of the eNode-B 301 to appropriate settings which
will allow the eNode-B 301 to operate within the network. As
discussed above, in some embodiments, this network configuration
information can include the identification of which cell the
neighboring eNode-B is located, the IP addresses of eNode-Bs which
already exist on the network, or a scrambling code assignment. Such
information can allow the eNode-B 301 to effectively operate within
the network.
[0041] In some embodiments, the controller 304 can configure the
network configuration parameters of the eNode-B 301 by internally
deriving the network configuration parameters based on a
combination of the received network configuration information, and
a set of unique parameters that are specific to the eNode-B 301.
The set of unique parameters can include, for example, one or more
media access control addresses for one or more network cards.
[0042] In some embodiments, if a message containing network
configuration information is not received by the receiver 303, the
controller 304 can configure the network configuration parameters
of the eNode-B 301 by internally deriving the network configuration
parameters based solely on a set of default parameters. In this
way, the automatic network configuration is able to recover from a
system failure, such as a power outage, as the newly activated
eNode-B is still able to configure its network parameters despite
the fact that it does not sense any neighboring eNode-Bs, and does
not receive any network configuration information from the
neighboring eNode-Bs.
[0043] Once the controller 304 has configured the network
configuration parameters of the eNode-B 301, in certain
embodiments, the transmitter 305 of the eNode-B 301 is configured
to inform the existing neighboring eNode-Bs (not shown) operating
in the same frequency by broadcasting a message over the BCH which
can include the configured network configuration parameters. This
allows the existing neighboring eNode-Bs to learn about the
existence of newly activated eNode-B 301 within the network. In
some embodiments, the message broadcasted by the transmitter 305 is
a 3GPP LTE Rel'9 message, while the BCH, of which the transmitter
305 broadcasts over, is a 3GPP LTE Rel'8 BCH. In certain
embodiments, the existing neighboring eNode-Bs operating in the
same frequency correspond to the previously existing eNode-Bs 104
and 105 of FIG. 2.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram of a method for generating
and transmitting network configuration information, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 410, the
method creates a message which can include network configuration
information. At step 420, the method broadcasts the message over a
BCH to a newly activated eNode-B. The newly activated eNode-B can
use the network configuration information to configure its own
network parameters.
[0045] In some embodiments, the network configuration information
can include network configuration parameters, such as the
identification of which cell the neighboring eNode-B is located,
the IP addresses of eNode-Bs which already exist on the network, or
a scrambling code assignment.
[0046] In some embodiments, the new message is a 3GPP LTE Rel'9
message capable of being transmitted over a BCH of an eNode-B. In
some other embodiments, the BCH is a 3GPP LTE Rel'8 BCH. As
discussed above, due to the backwards capability of 3GPP LTE Rel'9,
the Rel'8 BCH is capable of transmitting and receiving Rel'9
messages.
[0047] In certain embodiments, the broadcasting of the message can
include periodically broadcast the new message over the BCH to any
newly activated eNode-Bs, over a predetermined interval. As
discussed above, this can provide a framework for constant
automatic configuration of eNode-Bs, as new eNode-Bs, which are
activated, can receive the new message and use the received network
configuration information to configure its network parameters as
the new eNode-Bs enter the network.
[0048] One of ordinary skill in the art would readily understand
that the sequence of operations described in relation to FIG. 5 may
vary between embodiments of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram of a method for receiving
network configuration information and configuring network
parameters based on the network configuration information, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. At
step 500, the method listens over a BCH for a first message which
can contain network configuration information from a neighboring
eNode-B. At step 510, the method receives the first message, which
can include the network configuration information, over the BCH
from the neighboring eNode-B. At step 520, the method configures
network parameters of a newly activated eNode-B based upon the
received network configuration information. The configuration can
be carried out by adopting recommended network parameters based on
the received network configuration information from the neighboring
eNode-B. At step 530, the method broadcasts a second message, which
can include the configured network parameters, over the BCH to any
neighboring eNode-Bs operating on the same frequency.
[0050] In some embodiments, the first message is a 3GPP LTE Rel'9
message, while the BCH is a 3GPP LTE Rel'8 BCH. As discussed above,
due to the backwards capability of 3GPP LTE Rel'9, the Rel'8 BCH is
capable of transmitting and receiving Rel'9 messages.
[0051] In some embodiments, the network configuration information
can include network configuration parameters, such as the
identification of which cell the neighboring eNode-B is located,
the IP addresses of eNode-Bs which already exist on the network, or
a scrambling code assignment.
[0052] In some embodiments, the configuring of the network
parameters of a newly activated eNode-B, based upon the received
network configuration information, is achieved by internally
deriving the network configuration parameters based on a
combination of the received network configuration information, and
a set of unique parameters that are specific to the newly activated
eNode-B. The set of unique parameters can include, for example, one
or more media access control addresses for one or more network
cards.
[0053] In some embodiments, the second message broadcasted in step
530 is a 3GPP LTE Rel'9 message, while the BCH, of which the second
message is broadcasted over, is a 3GPP LTE Rel'8 BCH.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram of another method for
receiving network configuration information and configuring network
parameters based on the network configuration information, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] At step 600, the method listens over a BCH for a first
message which can contain network configuration information from a
neighboring eNode-B. At decision 605, it is determined whether a
first message containing network configuration information is
found. If a first message is found, the method moves to step 610.
At step 610, the method receives the first message, which can
include the network configuration information, over the BCH from
the neighboring eNode-B. At step 620, the method configures network
parameters of a newly activated eNode-B based upon the received
network configuration information. At step 630, the method
broadcasts a second message, which can include the configured
network parameters, over the BCH to any neighboring eNode-Bs
operating on the same frequency.
[0056] At decision 605, if a first message is not found, the method
proceeds to step 606 instead of step 610. At step 606, the method
configures network parameters of the newly activated eNode-B solely
based upon a set of pre-defined default parameters, rather than
received network configuration information from a neighboring
eNode-B. The method then proceeds to step 630, where the method
broadcasts the second message, as described above. In this way, the
automatic network configuration is able to recover from a system
failure, such as a power outage, as the newly activated eNode-B is
still able to configure its network parameters despite the fact
that it does not sense any neighboring eNode-Bs, and does not
receive any network configuration information from the neighboring
eNode-Bs.
[0057] One of ordinary skill in the art would readily understand
that the sequence of operations described in relation to FIG. 6 and
FIG. 7, respectively, may vary between embodiments of the present
invention.
[0058] The method steps performed in FIGS. 5-7 may be performed by
a computer program product embodied on a computer-readable medium,
encoding instructions for performing at least the method described
in FIGS. 5-7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The computer program product may be embodied on a
computer readable medium, such as a storage medium. For example, a
computer program product may reside in random access memory
("RAM"), flash memory, read-only memory ("ROM"), erasable
programmable read-only memory ("EPROM"), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), registers, hard disk, a
removable disk, a compact disk read-only memory ("CD-ROM"), or any
other form of storage medium known in the art. The computer program
product may include encoded instructions for implementing the
method described in FIGS. 5-7, which may also be stored on the
computer readable medium.
[0059] The computer program product can be implemented in hardware,
software, or a hybrid implementation. The computer program product
can be composed of modules that are in operative communication with
one another, and which are designed to pass information or
instructions to a communication device, such as a user equipment or
a base station. The computer program product can be configured to
operate on a general purpose computer, or an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC).
[0060] Thus, embodiments of the present invention offer many
advantages. For example, embodiments of the invention may provide
an easy method for automatic configuration of new eNode-Bs that are
installed, and activated, in a preexisting network. Embodiments of
the invention solely rely on over-the-air communication between the
eNode-Bs, so no a priori knowledge of the backbone network
configuration is required.
[0061] Furthermore, because certain embodiments of the invention
provide for a newly activated eNode-B to derive its own network
configuration parameters from a set of pre-defined default
parameters, in the scenario that the newly attached eNode-B does
not sense any neighboring cells, the autonomous network
configuration should be able to recover from a system failure, such
as a power outage. This is because the newly activated eNode-B is
still able to configure its network parameters, and to broadcast
the network parameters in a Rel'9 message, over a Rel'8 BCH,
despite the fact that the newly activated eNode-B does not sense
any neighboring eNode-Bs, and does not receive any network
configuration information from the neighboring eNode-Bs.
[0062] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present
invention, only basic eNode-B to eNode-B communication over the
air, and setting of eNode-B parameters are involved. Thus,
embodiments of the present invention are transparent to UEs, and
implementation is therefore only related to eNode-Bs. Thus,
embodiments of the present invention provide an advantage in that a
framework is provided for easy automatic configuration of eNode-Bs,
allowing support for uncoordinated deployment of eNode-Bs.
[0063] One having ordinary skill in the art would readily
understand that the invention, as described above, may be utilized
in time domain division duplexing (TDD) systems, where all eNode-Bs
have the capability to both receive and transmit in the same
frequency. Thus, new eNode-Bs being activated can easily listen for
BCHs from existing eNode-Bs in a network.
[0064] One having ordinary skill in the art would also readily
understand that the invention, as described above, may also be
utilized in frequency division duplexing (FDD) systems. While new
eNode-Bs would need to be configured with receiver capability in
the same band normally used for transmission, implementation would
be feasible, as new eNode-Bs would not start transmission during
the phase when listening for a BCH from neighboring eNode-Bs.
[0065] One having ordinary skill in the art would also readily
understand that while embodiments of the invention have been
discussed in relation to 3GPP LTE Rel'8 and Rel'9, the invention
could be applied, in other embodiments, towards other future 3GPP
LTE releases, or other standards, such as WLAN, WiFi, Bluetooth,
UTMS, GSM, etc. Thus, the discussed embodiments of the invention
utilizing 3GPP LTE Rel'8 and Rel'9 are only an example to
illustrate and clarify the present invention, and do not limit the
spirit and scope of the invention in any way.
[0066] One having ordinary skill in the art would also readily
understand that while embodiments of the invention have been
discussed in relation to eNode-Bs, the invention could be applied,
in other embodiments, towards any type of base station, such as a
base station, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a
Node-B, etc. Furthermore, one having ordinary skill in the art
would also readily understand that the invention could be applied,
in other embodiments, towards any type of network element, other
than a base station, capable of transmitting and receiving messages
over a communication network, such as a WLAN router, etc. Thus, the
discussed embodiments of the invention utilizing eNode-Bs are only
an example to illustrate and clarify the present invention, and do
not limit the spirit and scope if the invention in any way.
[0067] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand
that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps
in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in
configurations which are different than those which are disclosed.
Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon
these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill
in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative
constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit
and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and
bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the
appended claims.
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