Method and apparatus for self configuration of LTE e-Node Bs

#The present invention relates to wireless communication systems.

#The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has initiated the Long Term Evolution (LTE) program to bring new technology, new network architecture, new configurations, and new applications and services to wireless cellular networks in order to provide improved spectral efficiency and faster user experiences. LTE also requires a low maintenance system in terms of network deployment and runtime service optimization. This is the background for the current LTE evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) Self Configuration and Self Optimization work effort.

#Prior to LTE, the UTRAN architecture of the currently used 3GPP universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) is shown in FIG. 1. The radio access network or radio network system (RNS) or the UTRAN 10 comprises one or more radio network controllers (RNC) 11 and one or more Node-Bs 12. The configurations and operations of deployed Node-Bs 12 currently are totally controlled by RNC 11 using explicit commands over Iub link 13. Any configurations and service upgrades of Node-Bs 12 depend on RNC 11 and other cell engineering and planning efforts. Currently, there is no ability or requirements that exist for self configuration and optimization of Node Bs by the Node B.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the current 3GPP UTRAN architecture;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example Long Term Evolution (LTE) E-UTRAN network sharing architecture;

#FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example eNB;

#Hereafter, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) includes but is not limited to a user equipment, mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, pager, or any other type of device capable of operating in a wireless environment. When referred to hereafter, a base station includes but is not limited to a Node-B, site controller, access point or any other type of interfacing device in a wireless environment.

#An eNB is disclosed that is linked directly with the EPC and among other eNBs and performs the radio access network functionality for E-UTRAN. An example LTE system 20 including the disclosed self configuring eNB is illustrated in FIG. 2. LTE system 20 comprises an EPC network 80 and a radio access network (RAN) operator 100. RAN operator 100 comprises one or more eNBs 30 (i.e., 30a, 30b and 30c.

#FIG. 3 is an example of a functional block diagram of an eNB 30. In addition to components included in a typical transceiver, eNB 30 includes a processor 125, configured to perform self configuration, as disclosed below. The eNB further includes a receiver 126 in communication with the processor 125, a transmitter 127 in communication with the processor 125, and an antenna 128 in communication with the receiver 126 and the transmitter 127 to facilitate the transmission and reception of wireless data.