Methods, Devices and Computer Program Products for Exploiting Predictions for Capacity and Coverage Optimization

A method for a first network node of a wireless network, the method comprising:

• determining a predicted modification in coverage and/or capacity, during a subsequent time period, of one or more of the following served by the first network node:
• one or more cells, and one or more reference signal (RS) beams;
• and
• sending, to a second network node of the wireless network, a first message comprising an indication of the predicted modification in coverage and/or capacity.

A method for a second network node of a wireless network, the method comprising:

• receiving, from a first network node of the wireless network, an indication of a predicted modification in coverage and/or capacity, during a subsequent time period, of one or more of the following served by the first network node:
• one or more cells, and one or more reference signal (RS) beams;
• and
• based on the indication, determining a corresponding modification in coverage and/or capacity, during a subsequent time period, of one or more of the following served by the second network node:
• one or more cells, and one or more RS beams.

A first network node configured to operate in a wireless network, the first network node comprising:

• communication interface circuitry configured to communicate with a second network node of the wireless network;
• and
• processing circuitry operatively coupled to the communication interface circuitry, whereby the processing circuitry and the communication interface circuitry are configured to:
• determine a predicted modification in coverage and/or capacity, during a subsequent time period, of one or more of the following served by the first network node:
• one or more cells, and one or more reference signal (RS) beams;
• and
• send, to the second network node, a first message comprising an indication of the predicted modification in coverage and/or capacity.

A second network node configured to operate in a wireless network, the second network node comprising:

• communication interface circuitry configured to communicate with a first network node of the wireless network;
• and
• processing circuitry operatively coupled to the communication interface circuitry, whereby the processing circuitry and the communication interface circuitry are configured to:
• receive, from the first network node, an indication of a predicted modification in coverage and/or capacity, during a subsequent time period, of one or more of the following served by the first network node:
• one or more cells, and one or more reference signal (RS) beams;
• and
• based on the indication, determining a corresponding modification in coverage and/or capacity, during a subsequent time period, of one or more of the following served by the second network node:
• one or more cells, and one or more RS beams.