US 2019/0097891 A1 · TOPOLOGY DISCOVERY AND MANAGEMENT AND SON ORCHESTRATION

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for managing an aggregated self-organizing network (A-SON). In such, a plurality of small cells is grouped into clusters using available topology information. In one implementation, a subset of clusters is assigned to groups of a first type, such that the clusters within a group of the first type have minimal RF connectivity. For example, scanning or updating of RF parameters may then be coordinated such that adjacent clusters do not scan or update simultaneously but clusters within groups of the first type do have at least partially overlapping scans or updates. Similarly, subsets of clusters may be assigned to first and second groups of a second type, such that the clusters within a first group of the second type have sufficient coverage to provide RF connectivity to clusters within the second group, if the second group encounters a service interruption. Other benefits are also described.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A gateway through which a plurality of radio access networks (RANs) communicate with a packet core network, comprising:

a plurality of access controller modules to which at least one RAN is assigned, each of the plurality of access controller modules being configured to control the at least one RAN assigned thereto;
a core network aggregator module configured as a single interface for all communication between the plurality of access controller modules and the packet core network;
and
a cluster manager module configured to:
assign radio nodes (RNs) to the plurality of access controller modules;
transfer RN assignments from one access controller module to a different access controller module under specified circumstances;
assign a subset of clusters to groups of a first type, such that clusters within a group of the first type have minimal radio frequency (RF) connectivity;
and
coordinate scanning or updating of RF parameters such that adjacent clusters do not scan or update simultaneously but clusters within the groups of the first type do have at least partially overlapping scans or updates.

6 more elements

A gateway through which a plurality of radio access networks (RANs) communicate with a packet core network, comprising:

a plurality of access controller modules to which at least one RAN is assigned, each of the plurality of access controller modules being configured to control the at least one RAN assigned thereto;
a core network aggregator module configured as a single interface for all communication between the plurality of access controller modules and the packet core network;
and
a cluster manager module configured to:
assign radio nodes (RNs) to the plurality of access controller modules;
transfer RN assignments from one access controller module to a different access controller module under specified circumstances;
assign a subset of clusters to groups of a first type, such that clusters within a group of the first type have minimal radio frequency (RF) connectivity;
coordinate scanning or updating of RF parameters such that clusters within the groups of the first type have at least partially overlapping scans or updates;
and
assign a subset of clusters to first and second groups of a second type, such that clusters within a first group of the second type have sufficient coverage to provide RF connectivity to clusters within the second group, if the second group encounters a service interruption.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Topology discovery and management and son orchestration

Life of this patent

Topology discovery and management and son orchestration

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16