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    • 专利摘要:
    A computer implemented method of monitoring impact of a parameter change in a communication network for the purpose of controlling the communication network. The method includes repeatedly changing (501-504) value of the parameter back and forth between a first value and a second value; determining (505) a first performance metric based on first performance samples associated with plurality of time intervals, wherein the parameter has the first value, and determining a second performance metric based on second performance samples associated with plurality of time intervals, wherein the parameter has the second value; and comparing (506) the first performance metric and the second performance metric to determine whether the first or the second value is better.
    公开号:FI20205340A1
    申请号:FI20205340
    申请日:2020-04-02
    公开日:2021-10-03
    发明作者:Petteri Lundèn；Mateo Rendon；Adriana Chis
    申请人:Elisa Oyj；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] [0001] The present application generally relates to automated monitoring of impacts of parameter changes made in cellular communication networks.BACKGROUND
    [0002] [0002] This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.
    [0003] [0003] Cellular communication networks comprise a plurality of cells serving users of the network. When users of the communication network move in the area of the network, connections of the users are seamlessly handed over between cells of the network. In order to provide good quality of service for users of the network, different parts of the network need to operate as intended.
    [0004] [0004] There are various network parameters that affect operation of individual cells of the network and/or the network in larger scale. For example, due to network topology and usage of the network evolving or for other reasons there is constant need to change (values of) various parameters to optimize operation of the cells of the network. Such parameters that are changed comprise for example antenna tilt, transmission power, handover parameters and plurality of other parameters.
    [0005] [0005] Impact of a parameter change may be evaluated by comparing performance indicators before and after the change. A challenge in such comparison is that there are other factors that affect the performance, too. If the time period over which the evaluation is done is long, the performance indicators may include seasonal N effects of long-term changes. Shorter time periods, on the other hand, include more noise due to inherent uncertainty in network load, traffic patterns, weather conditions = etc.
    [0008] [0008] According to a first example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer implemented method of monitoring impact of a parameter change in a communication network for the purpose of controlling the communication network. The method comprises repeatedly changing value of the parameter back and forth between a first value and a second value; determining a first performance metric based on first performance samples associated with plurality of time intervals, wherein the parameter has the first value, and determining a second performance metric based on second performance samples associated with plurality of time intervals, wherein the parameter has the second value; and comparing the first performance metric and the second performance metric to determine whether the first or the second value is better.
    [0009] [0009] In an example embodiment, the method further comprises choosing the first value for the parameter if the first performance metric is better and choosing the second value for the parameter if the second performance metric is better.
    [0010] [0010] In an example embodiment, the value of the parameter back and forth between the first value and the second value is changed at regular intervals.
    [0011] [0011] In an example embodiment, the regular interval is 1 hour.
    [0012] [0012] In an example embodiment, changing the value of the parameter back and forth between the first value and the second value is continued for a predefined period of time. The predefined period of time may be 1 day. Alternatively, the predefined period of time is 2-7 days, for example.
    [0016] [0016] According to a second example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer implemented method for finding a value for a parameter in a communication network, the method comprising incrementally changing value of the parameter from a first value to a second value using the method of the first aspect or any associated embodiment until the first performance metric is better that the second performance metric.
    [0017] [0017] According to a third example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a processor and a memory including computer program code; the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method of the first aspect or any related embodiment.
    [0018] [0018] According to a fourth example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable program code which when executed by a processor causes an apparatus to perform the method of the first aspect or any related embodiment.
    [0019] [0019] The computer program of the third aspect may be a computer program product stored on a non-transitory memory medium.
    [0020] [0020] Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the foregoing. The embodiments in the foregoing are used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in implementations of the present invention. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects of the invention. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well.
    [0023] [0023] Fig.2 comprises graphs illustrating an example embodiment;
    [0024] [0024] Fig. 3 shows an example scenario according to an embodiment;
    [0025] [0025] Fig. 4 shows an apparatus according to an embodiment;
    [0026] [0026] Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram illustrating an example method according to certain embodiment;
    [0027] [0027] Fig. 6 comprises graphs illustrating another example embodiment;
    [0028] [0028] Fig. 7 illustrates performance comparison according to an example embodiment;
    [0029] [0029] Fig. 8 shows a flow diagram illustrating a further example method according to certain embodiment; and
    [0030] [0030] Fig. 9 is a graph illustrating an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0031] [0031] Example embodiments of the present invention and its potential advantages are understood by referring to Figs. 1 through 9 of the drawings. In this document, like reference signs denote like parts or steps.
    [0032] [0032] Example embodiments of the invention provide monitoring impact of a parameter change in a communication network for the purpose of controlling the communication network. The parameter that is changed may be for example antenna tilt, transmission power, handover parameters or some other parameter that may be adjusted in a communication network.
    [0033] [0033] Example embodiments are based on repeatedly changing the value of the parameter back and forth between a first value (old value) and a second value (new value). Performance is monitored at the same time to obtain piecewise performance metrics associated with the first and second values. The piecewise performance metrics related to time periods that use the first value and the piecewise performance metrics N related to time periods that use the second value are then compared and the value that gives better performance may be chosen for the parameter. As the time periods that use = the first value and the time periods that use the second value are interleaved, one z achieves more reliably comparable results than by just comparing values before and + after changing the parameter value. 3 [0034] Fig. 1 is a graph showing performance before and after a parameter N change. The graph shows 4 different performance indicator values 151-154 as a N function of time. The performance indicators may relate to spectral efficiency, signal level, throughput, number of dropped calls or other performance indicators available in a communication network. Line 150 indicates point of time when a parameter value is changed. Before the point of time 150, a first value is used and after the point of time 150 a second value is used. It can be clearly seen that comparing any one of the performance indicators before and after the point of time 150 is not straightforward as there is no clearly visible difference in the performance graphs.
    [0035] [0035] Fig. 2 comprises graphs 250, 251 illustrating an example embodiment. Graph 250 shows that parameter value is changed back and forth between a first value and a second value in 1-hour intervals. From instant of time t to instant of time t+1, the parameter has the first value; from instant of time t+1 to instant of time t+2, the parameter has the second value; from instant of time t+2 to instant of time t+3, the parameter has the first value; and so forth. Graph 251 shows performance during corresponding time periods. From instant of time t to instant of time t+1, the graph provides performance associated with the first value; from instant of time t+1 to instant of time t+2, the graph provides performance associated with the second value; from instant of time t+2 to instant of time t+3, the graph provides performance associated with the first value; and so forth.
    [0036] [0036] The pieces of monitored performance results associated with the first value may then be combined to a first performance metric and the pieces of monitored performance results associated with the second value may then be combined to a second performance metric. On the basis of comparison of the first and second performance metric, network operator may then make educated choice for the parameter value. Additionally or alternatively, the result of the comparison may provide basis for making automated changes.
    [0037] [0037] Fig. 3 shows an example scenario according to an embodiment. The N scenario shows a communication network 101 comprising a plurality of cells and base 5 stations and other network devices, and an automation system 111 configured to = implement monitoring impact of parameter changes according to example z embodiments. The automation system may additionally implement automatic > parameter changes in the network. 3 [0038] In an embodiment of the invention the scenario of Fig. 3 operates as N follows: In phase 11, the automation system 111 repeatedly changes the value of a N parameter in a cell of the network back and forth between a first value and a second value. At the same time the automation system 111 obtains performance data the cell or from plurality of cells of the network.
    [0039] [0039] In phase 12, the automation system 111 uses the performance data to evaluate whether the first value or the second value provides better performance to evaluate impact of the change from the first value to the second value. Based on this the first or the second value may be chosen.
    [0040] [0040] In phase 13, the chosen parameter value is taken into use in the cell of the network 101.
    [0041] [0041] The process may be manually or automatically triggered. Additionally or alternatively, the process may be periodically repeated. The process may be repeated for example once a week, every two weeks, once a month, or every 2-5 months. By periodically repeating the process, network parameters may be automatically optimized and thereby changes in the network may be automatically taken into account. The process may be automatically triggered also e.g. based on certain performance monitoring condition, such as a high number of handover failures or call drops triggering handover parameter optimization.
    [0042] [0042] Itis to be noted that even though changing one parameter in one cell is discussed, the same mechanisms may be applied to a plurality of parameters and/or a plurality of cells consecutively or in parallel.
    [0043] [0043] Fig. 4 shows an apparatus 20 according to an embodiment. The apparatus 20 is for example a general-purpose computer or server or some other electronic data processing apparatus. The apparatus 20 can be used for implementing embodiments of the invention. That is, with suitable configuration the apparatus 20 is suited for operating for example as the automation system 111 of foregoing disclosure.
    [0044] [0044] The general structure of the apparatus 20 comprises a processor 21, N and a memory 22 coupled to the processor 21. The apparatus 20 further comprises software 23 stored in the memory 22 and operable to be loaded into and executed in the = processor 21. The software 23 may comprise one or more software modules and can be z in the form of a computer program product. Further, the apparatus 20 comprises a + communication interface 25 coupled to the processor 21.
    [0046] [0046] The memory 22 may be for example a non-volatile or a volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a data disk, an optical storage, a magnetic storage, a smart card, or the like. The apparatus 20 may comprise a plurality of memories.
    [0047] [0047] The communication interface 25 may comprise communication modules that implement data transmission to and from the apparatus 20. The communication modules may comprise, e.g, a wireless or a wired interface module. The wireless interface may comprise such as a WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared (IR), radio frequency identification (RF ID), GSM/GPRS, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G radio module. The wired interface may comprise such as Ethernet or universal serial bus (USB), for example. Further the apparatus 20 may comprise a user interface (not shown) for providing interaction with a user of the apparatus. The user interface may comprise a display and a keyboard, for example. The user interaction may be implemented through the communication interface 25, too.
    [0048] [0048] A skilled person appreciates that in addition to the elements shown in Fig. 4, the apparatus 20 may comprise other elements, such as displays, as well as additional circuitry such as memory chips, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), other processing circuitry for specific purposes and the like. Further, it is noted that only one apparatus is shown in Fig. 4, but the embodiments of the invention may equally be implemented in a cluster of shown apparatuses.
    [0049] [0049] Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram illustrating example methods according to certain embodiments. The methods may be implemented in the automation system 111 of Fig. 3 and/or in the apparatus 20 of Fig. 4. The methods are implemented in a N computer and do notreguire human interaction unless otherwise expressly stated. It is to be noted that the methods may however provide output that may be further = processed by humans and/or the methods may reguire user input to start. Different z phases shown in Fig. 5 may be combined with each other and the order of phases may + be changed except where otherwise explicitly defined. Furthermore, it is to be noted 3 that performing all phases of the flow charts is not mandatory. N [0050] The method of Fig. 5 comprises following phases: N [0051] Phase 501: Initially, first parameter valueT is in use.
    [0052] [0052] Phase 502: Parameter value is changed to a second value T+g and, while the second value T+q is in use, a second performance sample is collected.
    [0053] [0053] Phase 503: Parameter value is changed back to the first value T and, while the first value T is in use, a first performance sample is collected.
    [0054] [0054] Phase 504: Phases 502-503 are repeated for a period of time. In this way value of the parameter is repeatedly changed back and forth between T and T+q. At the same time a plurality of first and second performance samples are being collected. The period of time (i.e. how long changing the first and second values back and forth is continued) may be for example 1 day, 2 days, one week, or some other period of time.
    [0055] [0055] Phase 505: First performance metric is determined based on the plurality of first performance samples and second performance metric is determined based on the plurality of second performance samples.
    [0056] [0056] Phase 506: The first and second performance metric are compared with each other.
    [0057] [0057] Phase 507: The second value is chosen for the parameter if the second performance metric is better and otherwise the first value is kept (i.e. if the first performance metric is better).
    [0058] [0058] The first and second values may be changed in regular time intervals in phases 502 and 503. The regular time interval may be for example 1 hour. Alternatively the time interval may be 15 minutes or 30 minutes or some other period of time. The appropriate time interval may depend for example on the performance KPI aggregation period used or the duration of the parameter/configuration change to take effect (mechanical change, such as antenna tilt adjusted by remote electrical tilt (RET) equipment, may require a longer interval than a parameter change done purely in software).
    [0061] [0061] The monitored performance during time periods that use the first value in graphs 603 and 604 are combined to a first performance metric and the monitored performance during time periods that use the second value in graphs 603 and 604 are combined to a second performance metric. The first and second performance metric may then be compared to evaluate impact of changing the parameter value from the first value to the second value.
    [0062] [0062] The example embodiment of Fig. 6 provides that for example effects of certain peak hour can be taken into account as opposite hours are using the first value and the second value during consecutive days.
    [0063] [0063] The example of Fig. 6 shows a two-day period, but itis to be understood that also other period of time could be used.
    [0064] [0064] Fig. 7 illustrates performance comparison according to an example embodiment. As mentioned in foregoing disclosure, the monitored performance during time periods that use the first value are combined to a first performance metric and the monitored performance during time periods that use the second value are combined to a second performance metric.
    [0065] [0065] In the example of Fig. 7 the performance samples from the time periods 701-709 are combined to form the first performance metric and the performance samples from the time periods 711-719 are combined to form the second performance metric.
    [0066] [0066] Combination of the performance samples may be implemented by taking average value of the performance samples. That is, in Fig. 7 the first performance metric may be average of the performance samples from the time periods 701-709 and the second performance metric may be average of the performance samples from the S time periods 711-719.
    [0069] [0069] Fig. 8 shows a flow diagram illustrating a further example method according to certain embodiment. The method may be implemented in the automation system 111 of Fig. 3 and/or in the apparatus 20 of Fig. 4. The methods are implemented in a computer and do not require human interaction unless otherwise expressly stated. It is to be noted that the methods may however provide output that may be further processed by humans and/or the methods may require user input to start. Different phases shown in Fig. 8 may be combined with each other and the order of phases may be changed except where otherwise explicitly defined. Furthermore, it is to be noted that performing all phases of the flow charts is not mandatory.
    [0070] [0070] The method of Fig. 8 provides incrementally changing value of a parameter as long as performance improves. The method comprises following phases:
    [0071] [0071] Phase 801: Initially, first parameter value T is in use.
    [0072] [0072] Phase 802: Impact of changing the parameter value to a second value T+q is evaluated using for example the method of Fig. 5.
    [0073] [0073] Phase 803: It is checked if changing to the second value T+q provides performance improvement.
    [0074] [0074] Phase 804: If there is improvement, the second value is used as a new first value and the process returns to phase 802 to evaluate a further parameter change. That is, itis set T = T+q, and the process returns to phase 802.
    [0075] [0075] Phase 805: If itis determined in phase 803 that there is no performance improvement, the current first value T is taken into use and the process stops.
    [0076] [0076] Fig. 9 is a graph illustrating an example embodiment. The graph shows performance as a function of time. The example shown in the graph of Fig. 9 illustrates parameter changes made in the method of Fig. 8. In points of time 901-903 it is N determined that T+g provides improved performance and T+g is taken into use. In point of time 904, it is determined that T+q does not provide improvement in performance = and the process rolls back to current value T and stops.
    [0078] [0078] Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is ability to obtain reliable and comparable evaluation results as effect of seasonal and trend variations is minimized and thereby it is possible to take longer evaluation period to reduce short-term noise.
    [0079] [0079] Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is ability evaluate changes in individual cells.
    [0080] [0080] Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is ability advance development of automated parameter adjustment arrangements by allowing incremental trial-and-error approach for optimizing parameter values. Instead of needing to start with a good guess of optimal parameter value, basically any starting value could be used and then incrementally changed towards optimal value. Still further the automatic trial-and-error approach allows making changes in small steps to fine tune the value optimization as no human effort is needed.
    [0081] [0081] If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the before-described functions may be optional or may be combined.
    [0082] [0082] Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.
    [0083] [0083] It is also noted herein that while the foregoing describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications, which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.ONO
    N <+INO
    I a a
    O +OLOONON
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [1] 1. A computer implemented method of monitoring impact of a parameter change in a communication network (101) for the purpose of controlling the communication network, the method comprising repeatedly changing (501-504) value of the parameter back and forth between a first value and a second value; determining (505) a first performance metric based on first performance samples associated with plurality of time intervals, wherein the parameter has the first value, and determining a second performance metric based on second performance samples associated with plurality of time intervals, wherein the parameter has the second value; and comparing (506) the first performance metric and the second performance metric to determine whether the first or the second value is better.
    [2] 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising choosing (507) the first value for the parameter if the first performance metric is better and choosing the second value for the parameter if the second performance metric is better.
    [3] 3. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the value of the parameter back and forth between the first value and the second value is changed at regular intervals.
    [4] 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the regular interval is 1 hour.
    [5] S 3 5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the changing the value of the N parameter back and forth between the first value and the second value is continued for z a predefined period of time. a
    [6] O 3 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the predefined period of time is 1 day. ä
    [7] 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the predefined period of time is 2-7 days.
    [8] 8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the first performance metric and the second performance metric are based on average of the first performance samples and the second performance samples, respectively.
    [9] 9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the first performance metric and the second performance metric are based on distribution of the first performance samples and the second performance samples, respectively.
    [10] 10. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising continuing changing the value of the parameter back and forth between the first value and the second value at least for two consecutive days so that during a latter day the changes are performed in opposite order compared to a previous day.
    [11] 11. A computer implemented method for finding a value for a parameter in a communication network (101), the method comprising incrementally changing (802- 805) value of the parameter from a first value to a second value using the method of any one of claims 1-10 until the first performance metric is better that the second performance metric.
    [12] 12. An apparatus (20, 111) comprising a processor (21), and a memory (22) including computer program code; the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11.
    N
    N 3
    [13] 13. A computer program comprising computer executable program code (23) which N when executed by a processor causes an apparatus to perform the method of any one of
    O T claims 1-11. a a
    O +
    O
    LO
    O
    N
    O
    N
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