WO2025209151A1 - Method and apparatus for processing physical cell identifier - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a method and apparatus for processing a physical cell identifier (PCI). The method in the embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: on the basis of at least one of neighbor cell information sent by a second network function and a stored neighbor cell relationship, acquiring PCI information of a neighbor cell, wherein the second network function is a network function in a service-based RAN architecture; and when it is detected on the basis of the PCI information of the neighbor cell that a conflict, confusion or interference has occurred in a PCI of a cell, executing a PCI reallocation process or sending a report to an operation and maintenance (OAM), wherein the report is used for instructing the OAM to reallocate a PCI to the cell in which the conflict, confusion or interference has occurred in the PCI.

Description

Physical cell identification processing method and device

This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application number 202410400581.1, filed with the China Patent Office on April 3, 2024, entitled “Method and Device for Processing Physical Cell Identification,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and device for processing a physical cell identifier.

Background Art

The Physical Cell Identifiers (PCIs) of adjacent cells, or neighboring cells of the same cell, must meet certain constraints; otherwise, PCI conflicts, confusion, or interference may occur. Currently, when a base station (integrated architecture) or a centralized unit (CU) (split architecture) detects an anomaly such as a PCI conflict or confusion, it coordinates with Operation and Maintenance (OAM) to reallocate the PCI for the New Radio (NR) cell. The service-based Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture differs from existing integrated or split-architecture base stations, making existing PCI optimization methods difficult to adapt to.

Summary of the Invention

The present disclosure aims to provide a method and apparatus for processing a physical cell identifier (PCI) to solve the problem in related arts that a PCI optimization method is difficult to adapt to a service-oriented RAN architecture.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present disclosure provides a method for processing a physical cell identifier, which is performed by a first network function in a service-oriented network architecture of a radio access network (RAN). The method includes:

Obtaining physical cell identifier (PCI) information of a neighboring cell according to at least one of neighboring cell information sent by a second network function and a stored neighboring cell relationship, where the second network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN service-oriented service;

When a conflict, confusion or interference is detected in the cell PCI according to the PCI information of the neighboring cell, a PCI reallocation process is performed or a report is sent to the operation and maintenance OAM, wherein the report is used to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflict, confusion or interference occurs.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function includes at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, the method of the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes at least one of the following:

Obtaining neighboring area information sent by the terminal or the fourth network function, wherein the neighboring area information sent by the fourth network function is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring area detection;

Obtain neighboring area information sent by the fifth network function.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station.

In some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure further includes:

Obtaining a neighbor relationship change notification sent by the second network function, and/or obtaining a PCI change notification sent by the OAM;

The saved neighbor relationship is updated according to the neighbor relationship change notification and/or the PCI change notification.

In some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure further includes:

Get the PCI configuration rules sent by OAM;

The PCI reallocation process includes:

According to the PCI configuration rule, the PCI is reconfigured for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused or interfered.

In some embodiments, performing the PCI reallocation process includes:

In the PCI list allocated by OAM, a new PCI is selected for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused, or interferes.

The present disclosure also provides a method for processing a physical cell identifier, which is performed by a second network function in a service-oriented network architecture of a radio access network (RAN). The method includes:

Neighboring cell information is sent to a first network function, where the first network function is a network function in a servitized RAN network architecture.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function includes at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, sending the neighbor information to the first network function includes at least one of the following:

The fourth network function in the first base station sends neighboring cell information to the first network function, where the neighboring cell information is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring cell detection;

The fifth network function sends neighboring cell information to the first network function.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores the neighboring area relationship of the base station, and the second network function includes the base station or a network function within the base station.

In some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure further includes:

Send a neighbor relationship change notification to the first network function.

The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a physical cell identification processing device, which is applied to a first network function and includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

Obtaining physical cell identifier (PCI) information of a neighboring cell according to at least one of neighboring cell information sent by a second network function and a stored neighboring cell relationship, where the second network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN service-oriented service;

When a conflict, confusion or interference is detected in the cell PCI according to the PCI information of the neighboring cell, a PCI reallocation process is performed or a report is sent to the operation and maintenance OAM, wherein the report is used to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflict, confusion or interference occurs.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function includes at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements at least one of the following:

Obtaining neighboring area information sent by the terminal or the fourth network function, wherein the neighboring area information sent by the fourth network function is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring area detection;

Obtain neighboring area information sent by the fifth network function.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements the following steps:

Obtaining a neighbor relationship change notification sent by the second network function, and/or obtaining a PCI change notification sent by the OAM;

The saved neighbor relationship is updated according to the neighbor relationship change notification and/or the PCI change notification.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements the following steps:

Get the PCI configuration rules sent by OAM;

The processor further implements the following steps:

According to the PCI configuration rule, the PCI is reconfigured for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused or interfered.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements the following steps:

In the PCI list allocated by OAM, a new PCI is selected for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused, or interferes.

The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a physical cell identity processing device, which is applied to a second network function and includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

Neighboring cell information is sent to a first network function, where the first network function is a network function in a servitized RAN network architecture.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function includes at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements at least one of the following:

Sending neighboring cell information to the first network function through a fourth network function in the first base station, where the neighboring cell information is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring cell detection;

The neighboring cell information is sent to the first network function through the fifth network function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements the following steps:

Send a neighbor relationship change notification to the first network function.

The present disclosure also provides a device for processing a physical cell identifier, including:

a first acquiring unit, configured to acquire physical cell identifier (PCI) information of a neighboring cell according to at least one of neighboring cell information sent by a second network function and a stored neighboring cell relationship, where the second network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN service-oriented service;

A processing unit is configured to, when detecting that a conflict, confusion, or interference occurs in a cell PCI based on the PCI information of the neighboring cell, perform a PCI reallocation process or send a report to the operation and maintenance OAM, wherein the report is used to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflict, confusion, or interference occurs.

The present disclosure also provides a device for processing a physical cell identifier, including:

The first sending unit is used to send neighboring cell information to a first network function, where the first network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN serviceization.

An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a processor-readable storage medium, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the steps of the method for processing a physical cell identity as described above.

The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method for processing a physical cell identifier as described above.

The above technical solution disclosed in the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network function in a network architecture after RAN service-based operation obtains physical cell identifier (PCI) information of a neighboring cell based on at least one of neighboring cell information and stored neighboring cell relationships sent by a second network function, where the second network function is a network function in the network architecture after RAN service-based operation. When a conflict, confusion, or interference is detected in a cell PCI based on the PCI information of the neighboring cell, a PCI reallocation process is performed or a report is sent to an operation and maintenance (OAM) to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell in which the PCI conflict, confusion, or interference occurs. In the above scheme, different PCI processing operations are adapted for different network functions in the network architecture after RAN service-based operation, and PCI optimization in the network architecture after RAN service-based operation can be achieved through the cooperation or collaboration of different network functions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a structural diagram of a network system to which the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied;

FIG2 shows a flow chart of a method for processing a physical cell identifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG3 shows one interactive schematic diagram of a method for processing a physical cell identity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG4 shows a second interactive diagram of the method for processing a physical cell identifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG5 shows a third interactive diagram of a method for processing a physical cell identifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG6 shows a fourth interactive diagram of a method for processing a physical cell identifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG7 shows a fifth interactive diagram of a method for processing a physical cell identifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG8 shows a second flow chart of a method for processing a physical cell identifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG9 shows a structural block diagram of a device for processing a physical cell identity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG10 shows one of the module schematic diagrams of the device for processing a physical cell identity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG11 shows a second module schematic diagram of the device for processing a physical cell identity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of the present disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequential sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein may be implemented in a sequence other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, e.g., a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and/or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, A and/or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character "/" generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "plurality" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

FIG1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The wireless communication system includes a terminal device 11 and a network-side device (or network device) 12. The terminal device 11 may also be referred to as a terminal or a user terminal (UE). It should be noted that the specific type of the terminal 11 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The network-side device 12 may be a base station or a core network. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure only take the base station in the NR system as an example, but the specific type of the base station is not limited.

In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following description is first given.

(1) The Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of an NR cell is configured through Operation and Maintenance (OAM). The PCIs of adjacent cells or neighboring cells of the same cell must meet certain constraints, and neighboring cell relationships are generated and maintained through OAM or the automatic neighboring cell relationship process. PCI conflicts or confusions may occur due to omissions, mismatches, mobility, or automatic identification failures. Currently, when a base station (integrated architecture) or CU (split architecture) detects a PCI conflict or confusion, the OAM or base station reallocates a suitable PCI for the NR cell based on the PCI allocation method used.

(2) 5G NR PCI;

5G NR PCI supports up to 1008 PCIs. Currently, when configuring cell PCIs through OAM, the following scenarios should be avoided:

PCI collision: Adjacent cells cannot be assigned the same PCI;

PCI confusion: Two adjacent cells in the same cell cannot be assigned the same PCI;

Interference reduction: The UE should not receive multiple PCIs of the following modes simultaneously: Mode 3, Mode 4, Mode 30.

(3) Maintenance of base station neighboring cell relationships;

The Neighbor Cell Relation Table (NCRT) in the gNB is maintained through the Automatic Neighbor Cell Relation Function (ANR) and OAM configuration;

When the gNB neighbor relationship changes, it will also report to OAM.

(4) Current PCI optimization methods;

(4.1) Integrated base station;

Centralized PCI allocation: OAM assigns a PCI to each NR cell of the gNB, and the gNB selects this value as the PCI of the NR cell;

Distributed PCI allocation: OAM assigns a PCI list to each NR cell of the gNB, and the gNB selects a PCI value from the list. The gNB controls the PCI list and removes PCIs reported by the UE, reported by neighboring gNBs via the Xn interface, and/or obtained through other methods (e.g., through downlink over-the-air detection).

(4.2) CU, Distributed Unit (DU) separate base station;

Centralized PCI allocation: When the gNB-CU detects a PCI conflict in an NR cell, it reports it directly to the OAM, which then reallocates the PCI to the cell.

Distributed PCI allocation: OAM allocates a PCI list for each NR cell and sends it to the gNB-CU. If the gNB-CU detects a PCI conflict, it reselects a PCI value from the pre-configured list and sends it to the gNB-DU through the F1 establishment process or the gNB-CU configuration update process.

(5) RAN service-oriented;

Current 6G research focuses on introducing the service-oriented concept of the 5G core network into the RAN. RAN service-oriented development involves transforming traditional functions into service-oriented functions (NFs) to provide distinct services. RAN service-oriented development requires simultaneous adjustments or redefinition of RAN architecture-related functions during PCI optimization.

The service-oriented RAN architecture is different from the current integrated base station or the base station with a CU/DU separated architecture. Especially when RAN service-oriented architecture reaches the stage of traditional functional separation, the PCI allocation and optimization methods in related technologies cannot be simply mapped to the service-oriented architecture. They need to be adjusted and adapted according to the characteristics of RAN service-oriented architecture. However, the existing RAN service-oriented solutions do not propose PCI optimization methods that are adapted to RAN service-oriented architecture.

As shown in FIG2 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for processing a physical cell identifier, which is performed by a first network function in a service-oriented network architecture of a radio access network (RAN). The method includes:

Step 201: Obtain physical cell identifier PCI information of a neighboring cell based on at least one of neighboring cell information sent by a second network function and a stored neighboring cell relationship, where the second network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN service.

The above-mentioned first network function may be a network function within the RAN, such as a network function within a base station, or may be a network function outside the RAN, that is, a public network function.

The second network function may be a network function within the RAN or a network function outside the RAN, such as a public network function.

The above-mentioned neighboring cell information refers to the information of the neighboring cells of a cell, and the information may include the identifier of the neighboring cell (such as PCI), and may also include the frequency, scrambling code, etc. of the neighboring cell.

The neighbor relationship mentioned above refers to information used to indicate the relationship between cells. The neighbor relationship can be managed and stored in the base station or OAM or a newly added network function.

Step 202: When a conflict, confusion or interference is detected in a cell PCI according to the PCI information of the neighboring cell, a PCI reallocation process is performed or a report is sent to the operation and maintenance OAM, where the report is used to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflict, confusion or interference occurs.

Here, after sending the report to the OAM, the OAM reallocates the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused, or interferes.

In some embodiments, performing a PCI reallocation process includes:

In the PCI list allocated by OAM, a new PCI is selected for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused, or interferes.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network function in a network architecture after RAN service-based operation obtains physical cell identifier (PCI) information of a neighboring cell based on at least one of neighboring cell information and stored neighboring cell relationships sent by a second network function, where the second network function is a network function in the network architecture after RAN service-based operation. When a conflict, confusion, or interference is detected in a cell PCI based on the PCI information of the neighboring cell, a PCI reallocation process is performed or a report is sent to an operation and maintenance (OAM) to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell in which the PCI conflict, confusion, or interference occurs. In the above scheme, different PCI processing operations are adapted for different network functions in the network architecture after RAN service-based operation, and PCI optimization in the network architecture after RAN service-based operation can be achieved through the cooperation or collaboration of different network functions.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function includes at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station.

For example, the third network function may be a wireless network management function in the first base station, the fourth network function may be a wireless connection control function in the first base station, and the fifth network function may be a wireless network management function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, the method of the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes at least one of the following:

Obtaining neighboring area information sent by the terminal or the fourth network function, wherein the neighboring area information sent by the fourth network function is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring area detection;

Obtain neighboring area information sent by the fifth network function.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to obtaining the neighboring area information sent by the fifth network function, the first network function also sends the neighboring area information to the fifth network function, that is, the first network function and the fifth network function send neighboring area information related to each other to each other, that is, the first network function and the fifth network function exchange neighboring area information.

By sending the neighboring cell information to the fifth network function, the fifth network function can perform PCI conflict, confusion or interference monitoring based on the neighboring cell information.

In this implementation, different network functions (NFs) collaborate to implement PCI optimization process-related functions within the RAN-serviced base station. Alternatively, the PCI optimization process is implemented by network functions within different base stations in the RAN-serviced base station. Alternatively, the PCI optimization process is implemented by an independent network function within the RAN-serviced base station.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station.

The method of the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes:

Obtaining a neighbor relationship change notification sent by the second network function, and/or obtaining a PCI change notification sent by the OAM;

The saved neighbor relationship is updated according to the neighbor relationship change notification and/or the PCI change notification.

In some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure further includes:

Get the PCI configuration rules sent by OAM;

Based on this implementation, the PCI reallocation process includes:

According to the PCI configuration rule, the PCI is reconfigured for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused or interfered.

In some embodiments, the PCI configuration rules include the PCIs available to each base station and rules for automatically allocating or reallocating the PCIs.

In this implementation, the PCI optimization function is implemented based on a public network function outside the base station.

The method for processing the physical cell identifier of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

Example 1: Different NFs collaborate to implement PCI optimization related functions in a base station after RAN service transformation.

Assume that after the RAN control plane is service-oriented, neighbor cell detection and PCI conflict or confusion monitoring are implemented in different NFs of the base station. For example, neighbor cell detection is implemented in the radio connection control function, and PCI conflict or confusion monitoring is implemented in the radio network management function. Among them, the radio connection control function and the radio network function are different NFs in the base station after the RAN service is transformed. These NFs have other functions in addition to the PCI optimization function. Here, only the PCI optimization-related functions are described as being located in different NFs. The NF names are only examples and are not limited.

Different NFs within the base station work together to monitor PCI conflicts, confusion, or interference through processes such as neighbor detection and neighbor information exchange, and reallocate appropriate PCIs to cells when necessary. The PCI optimization process after RAN service-oriented optimization may be shown in Figure 3:

Step 1: The radio connection control function (ie, the second network function) of base station 1 instructs each UE to measure neighboring cell information.

Step 2: The radio network management function of base station 1 (i.e., the first network function) and the radio network management functions of other base stations (i.e., the second network functions) dynamically exchange neighboring cell information through an initial information exchange process or a configuration update process.

Step 3: The wireless connection control function of base station 1 reports the detected neighboring cell information to the wireless network management function of base station 1.

It should be noted that there is no restriction on the order of step 2 and step 3.

Step 4: The wireless network management function of base station 1 automatically monitors PCI conflicts, confusion, and interference based on the obtained neighboring cell information and stored neighboring cell relationships.

Step 5: If the radio network management function of base station 1 detects a PCI conflict, confusion, or interference, it performs PCI reallocation and/or reports to the OAM, ultimately allocating a suitable new PCI to the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell of base station 1. In a centralized PCI allocation scheme, the OAM assigns a new PCI to the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell of base station 1. In a distributed PCI allocation scheme, the radio network management function of base station 1 reselects a PCI value for the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell from a preconfigured list assigned by the OAM.

Example 2: After the RAN service is transformed, different NFs are used in the base station to implement conflict, confusion, and interference monitoring respectively;

Similar to Example 1, the wireless connection control function and the wireless network management function both have PCI optimization related functions, that is, when the wireless connection control function detects PCI conflict, confusion and interference, it can directly execute the PCI reallocation process instead of having to go through the wireless network management function.

As shown in Figure 4, it includes:

Step 1: The radio connection control function of base station 1 instructs each UE to measure neighboring cell information.

Step 2: The wireless network management function of base station 1 dynamically exchanges neighboring cell information with the wireless network management functions of other base stations through an initial information exchange process or a configuration update process.

Step 3: The wireless connection control function of base station 1 reports the detected neighboring cell information to the wireless network management function of base station 1.

It should be noted that there is no restriction on the order of step 2 and step 3.

Step 4: The wireless network management function of base station 1 automatically monitors PCI conflicts, confusion, and interference based on the obtained neighboring cell information and stored neighboring cell relationships.

Step 5: If the radio network management function of base station 1 detects a PCI conflict, confusion, or interference, it performs PCI reallocation and/or reports to the OAM, ultimately allocating a suitable new PCI to the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell of base station 1. In a centralized PCI allocation scheme, the OAM assigns a new PCI to the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell of base station 1. In a distributed PCI allocation scheme, the radio network management function of base station 1 reselects a PCI value for the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell from a preconfigured list assigned by the OAM.

Step 6: The wireless connection control function of base station 1 automatically monitors PCI conflicts, confusion, and interference based on the obtained neighboring cell information.

The wireless connection control function of base station 1 can also obtain neighboring cell information from the wireless network management function of base station 1. In step 6, the wireless connection control function of base station 1 automatically monitors PCI conflicts, confusion, interference, etc. based on the obtained neighboring cell information or the saved neighboring cell relationship.

Step 7: If the radio connection control function of base station 1 detects a PCI conflict, confusion, or interference, it performs PCI reallocation and/or reports to the OAM, ultimately allocating a suitable new PCI to the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell of base station 1. In a centralized PCI allocation scheme, the OAM assigns a new PCI to the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell of base station 1. In a distributed PCI allocation scheme, the radio connection control function of base station 1 reselects a PCI value for the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell from a preconfigured list assigned by the OAM.

The above process is similar to that of Example 1, except that steps 6 and 7 are added. Steps 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 are not sequentially related and can be executed in parallel. Step 6 performs similar functions to step 4, but is executed by the wireless connection control function. Step 7 is similar to step 5, but is executed by the wireless connection control function and OAM.

Example 3: After the RAN is service-oriented, the co-located NF implements the PCI optimization process related functions;

Functions related to PCI optimization are implemented within the base station by the same NF. This NF is the combined wireless connection control function and wireless network management function in Example 1. For example, it can be called a wireless control and management function (i.e., the first network function). This is for convenience of description only and the name is only an example and not a limitation. The process is shown in Figure 5:

Step 1: The radio control management function of base station 1 instructs each UE to measure neighboring cell information.

Step 2: The wireless control and management function of base station 1 (the first network function) and the wireless control and management function of base station 2 (i.e., the second network function) dynamically exchange neighboring cell information through an initial information exchange process or a configuration update process.

Step 3: The wireless control and management function of base station 1 automatically monitors PCI conflicts, confusion, and interference based on the obtained neighboring cell information and stored neighboring cell relationships.

Step 4: If the radio control and management function of base station 1 detects a PCI conflict, confusion, or interference, it performs PCI reallocation and/or reports to the OAM, ultimately allocating a suitable new PCI to the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell of base station 1. In a centralized PCI allocation scheme, the OAM assigns a new PCI to the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell of base station 1. In a distributed PCI allocation scheme, the radio control and management function of base station 1 reselects a PCI value for the PCI conflicting, confusing, or interfering cell from a preconfigured list assigned by the OAM.

The above process is similar to that of Example 1, except that the neighbor relationship is directly obtained after automatic neighbor detection, and step 3 (reporting neighbor information) in Example 1 is no longer required. The other processes are the same as those of Example 1, but the radio control and management function in this embodiment completes the PCI optimization-related functions provided by the radio connection control function and radio network management function in Example 1, and may also have the corresponding functions of the original gNB-CU or gNB-DU except PCI optimization.

Example 4: A newly defined NF implements PCI optimization process related functions in a base station after RAN service transformation;

A new independent PCI optimization function NF is defined within the base station. The process is similar to that in Example 3, except that the PCI optimization function in this example only performs the PCI optimization-related functions provided by the original wireless connection control function and wireless network management function. The process diagram is also similar; the wireless control and management function in the process diagram of Example 3 needs to be replaced with the PCI optimization function within the base station. This description will not be repeated here.

Example 5: PCI conflict, confusion, and interference monitoring functions are centralized and implemented in an independent NF outside the base station;

In this embodiment, the PCI conflict, confusion, and interference monitoring function is implemented as an independent NF (i.e., a public network function) outside the base station, and is named here as a PCI anomaly monitoring function (i.e., a first network function). This is only an example and the name is not limited. The PCI anomaly monitoring function saves a unified neighbor relationship table for all base stations. The neighbor relationship may or may not be stored in the base station. Since the neighbor relationship is uniformly stored in the PCI anomaly monitoring function, there is no need to exchange neighbor information between base stations.

As shown in Figure 6, it includes:

Step 1: The base station instructs each UE to measure neighboring cell information.

The base station may be any of the relevant NF configurations in Embodiments 1 to 3, for example, including a wireless connection control function, a wireless network management function, a wireless control management function, or a PCI optimization function, but the PCI conflict, confusion, and interference monitoring functions are separated from the base station.

Step 2a: The base station reports the monitored neighbor relationship to the PCI anomaly monitoring function. If the neighbor relationship changes due to other reasons, it will also report to the PCI anomaly monitoring function.

Step 2b: OAM notifies the PCI anomaly monitoring function of the changed PCI-related information. If the PCI-related information changes due to other reasons, it is also reported to the PCI anomaly monitoring function.

There is no restriction on the order of the above steps 2a and 2b.

Step 3: The PCI anomaly monitoring function automatically monitors PCI conflicts, confusion, and interference based on the acquired neighbor information and stored neighbor relationships.

Step 4: If the PCI anomaly monitoring function detects a PCI conflict, confusion, or interference, it reports it to the OAM. The OAM then coordinates with the base station to perform PCI reallocation, ultimately allocating a suitable new PCI to the cell affected by the conflict, confusion, or interference. In centralized PCI allocation, the OAM assigns a new PCI to the base station's cell affected by the conflict, confusion, or interference. In distributed PCI allocation, the base station's radio connection control function, radio network management function, radio control management function, or PCI optimization function reselects a PCI value for the cell affected by the conflict, confusion, or interference from a preconfigured list assigned by the OAM.

Example 6: Optimizing method for implementing PCI monitoring and configuration in an independent NF outside a base station;

The difference from Example 5 is that the public PCI optimization function (i.e., the first network function) completes the PCI allocation, PCI conflict, confusion and interference monitoring, and PCI reallocation processes. The OAM needs to issue PCI automatic configuration rules to the PCI optimization function, and the PCI optimization function automatically configures the PCI value according to these rules during the PCI allocation/reallocation process. The process may be as shown in Figure 7, including:

Step 0: OAM issues PCI auto-configuration rules to the PCI optimization function, which may include the available PCIs for each base station and the rules for automatic allocation or reallocation.

Step 1: The base station instructs each UE to measure neighboring cell information.

The base station may be any of the relevant NF configurations in Embodiments 1 to 3, for example, including a wireless connection control function, a wireless network management function, a wireless control management function, or a PCI optimization function, but the PCI conflict, confusion, and interference monitoring functions are separated from the base station.

Step 2a: The base station reports the monitored neighbor relationship to the PCI optimization function. If the neighbor relationship changes due to other reasons, it also reports to the PCI anomaly monitoring function.

Step 2b: OAM notifies the PCI optimization function of the changed PCI-related information. When the PCI-related information changes due to other reasons, it also reports to the PCI anomaly monitoring function.

There is no restriction on the order of the above steps 2a and 2b.

Step 3: The PCI optimization function automatically monitors PCI conflicts, confusion, and interference based on the acquired neighbor information and stored neighbor relationships.

Step 4: If the PCI optimization function detects PCI conflict, confusion or interference, the PCI optimization function cooperates with the base station to perform a PCI automatic reallocation process to allocate a suitable new PCI to the conflicting, confused or interfering cell of the base station. The process is similar to step 4 of Example 5, but the OAM therein is replaced by the common PCI optimization function in this embodiment.

The disclosed embodiments propose optimization methods for monitoring PCI conflicts, confusion, and interference after RAN service-oriented deployment, as well as PCI configuration/reallocation. These methods adapt to the RAN service-oriented architecture and enable timely detection of PCI anomaly-related issues, improving network deployment and operational efficiency. Automated PCI reallocation reduces manual intervention, avoids the possibility of human error, and improves troubleshooting efficiency.

As shown in FIG8 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for processing a physical cell identifier, which is performed by a second network function in a service-oriented network architecture of a radio access network RAN. The method includes:

Step 801: Send neighboring cell information to a first network function, where the first network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN serviceization.

The above-mentioned first network function may be a network function within the RAN, such as a network function within a base station, or may be a network function outside the RAN, that is, a public network function.

The second network function may be a network function within the RAN or a network function outside the RAN, such as a public network function.

The above-mentioned neighboring cell information refers to the information of the neighboring cells of a cell, and the information may include the identifier of the neighboring cell (such as PCI), and may also include the frequency, scrambling code, etc. of the neighboring cell.

The neighbor relationship mentioned above refers to information used to indicate the relationship between cells. The neighbor relationship can be managed and stored in the base station or OAM or a newly added network function.

By sending neighboring cell information to the first network function, the first network function can obtain the neighboring cell's physical cell identifier (PCI) information based on the neighboring cell information sent by the second network function. If a conflict, confusion, or interference is detected based on the neighboring cell's PCI information, the first network function can perform a PCI reallocation process or send a report to the Operation and Maintenance (OAM) system. In the above solution, different PCI processing operations are adapted for different network functions in the RAN service-oriented network architecture. Through the cooperation or collaboration of different network functions, PCI optimization in the RAN service-oriented network architecture can be achieved.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function includes at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station.

For example, the third network function may be a wireless network management function in the first base station, the fourth network function may be a wireless connection control function in the first base station, and the fifth network function may be a wireless network management function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, sending the neighbor information to the first network function includes at least one of the following:

The fourth network function in the first base station sends neighboring cell information to the first network function, where the neighboring cell information is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring cell detection;

The fifth network function sends neighboring cell information to the first network function.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station.

In some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure further includes:

Send a neighbor relationship change notification to the first network function.

It should be noted that the method for processing the physical cell identifier executed by the second network function is a method corresponding to the method for processing the physical cell identifier executed by the above-mentioned first network function. The specific interaction process between the two has been described in detail in the embodiment of the first network function side and will not be repeated here.

As shown in FIG9 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a physical cell identity processing device, which is applied to a first network function or a second network function, and includes a memory 920 , a transceiver 900 , and a processor 910 ;

The memory 920 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 900 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor;

When the above apparatus is applied to a first network function in a service-oriented network architecture of a radio access network (RAN), the processor 910 is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

Obtaining physical cell identifier (PCI) information of a neighboring cell according to at least one of neighboring cell information sent by a second network function and a stored neighboring cell relationship, where the second network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN service-oriented service;

When a conflict, confusion or interference is detected in the cell PCI according to the PCI information of the neighboring cell, a PCI reallocation process is performed or a report is sent to the operation and maintenance OAM, wherein the report is used to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflict, confusion or interference occurs.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function includes at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements at least one of the following:

Obtaining neighboring area information sent by the terminal or the fourth network function, wherein the neighboring area information sent by the fourth network function is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring area detection;

Obtain neighboring area information sent by the fifth network function.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements the following steps:

Obtaining a neighbor relationship change notification sent by the second network function, and/or obtaining a PCI change notification sent by the OAM;

The saved neighbor relationship is updated according to the neighbor relationship change notification and/or the PCI change notification.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements the following steps:

Get the PCI configuration rules sent by OAM;

The processor further implements the following steps:

According to the PCI configuration rule, the PCI is reconfigured for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused or interfered.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements the following steps:

In the PCI list allocated by OAM, a new PCI is selected for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused, or interferes.

When the above apparatus is applied to a second network function in a service-oriented network architecture of a radio access network (RAN), the processor 910 is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

Neighboring cell information is sent to a first network function, where the first network function is a network function in a servitized RAN network architecture.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function includes at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements at least one of the following:

Sending neighboring cell information to the first network function through a fourth network function in the first base station, where the neighboring cell information is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring cell detection;

The neighboring cell information is sent to the first network function through the fifth network function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station.

In some embodiments, the processor further implements the following steps:

Send a neighbor relationship change notification to the first network function.

In FIG9 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits linked together by one or more processors represented by processor 910 and memory represented by memory 920. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not described in the embodiments herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 900 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, and the like. The processor 910 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 920 may store data used by the processor 910 when performing operations.

The processor 910 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned embodiment of the method for processing the physical cell identifier applied to the first network function or the second network function, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment in this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

As shown in FIG10 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a device for processing a physical cell identifier, including:

A first acquiring unit 1001 is configured to acquire physical cell identifier (PCI) information of a neighboring cell based on at least one of neighboring cell information sent by a second network function and a stored neighboring cell relationship, where the second network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN service-oriented service;

The processing unit 1002 is used to perform a PCI reallocation process or send a report to the operation and maintenance OAM when it is detected that the cell PCI conflicts, is confused or interfered according to the PCI information of the neighboring cell. The report is used to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused or interfered.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function includes at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, the first acquiring unit is configured to perform at least one of the following:

Obtaining neighboring area information sent by the terminal or the fourth network function, wherein the neighboring area information sent by the fourth network function is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring area detection;

Obtain neighboring area information sent by the fifth network function.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station.

In some embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure further includes:

A second acquiring unit, configured to acquire a neighbor relation change notification sent by a second network function, and/or acquire a PCI change notification sent by an OAM;

An updating unit is configured to update the stored neighbor relationship according to the neighbor relationship change notification and/or the PCI change notification.

In some embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure further includes:

A third acquiring unit is used to acquire the PCI configuration rule sent by the OAM;

The processing unit is configured to reconfigure the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused or interferes according to the PCI configuration rule.

In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to reselect a PCI from a PCI list allocated by OAM for a cell where a PCI conflict, confusion or interference occurs.

It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned embodiment of the method for processing the physical cell identifier applied to the first network function, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment in this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

As shown in FIG11 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a device for processing a physical cell identifier, including:

The first sending unit 1101 is configured to send neighboring cell information to a first network function, where the first network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN service-oriented service.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function includes at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station.

In some embodiments, the first sending unit is configured to perform at least one of the following:

Sending neighboring cell information to the first network function through a fourth network function in the first base station, where the neighboring cell information is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring cell detection;

Send neighboring cell information to the first network function through the fifth network function.

In some embodiments, the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station.

In some embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure further includes:

The second sending unit is used to send a neighbor relationship change notification to the first network function.

It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned embodiment of the method for processing the physical cell identifier applied to the second network function, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment in this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present disclosure is schematic and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure, or the part that contributes to the relevant technology, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk, and other media that can store program code.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor-readable storage medium is further provided, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores program instructions, and the program instructions are used to enable the processor to execute all steps implemented in the method embodiment for implementing the above-mentioned first network function execution or all steps implemented in the method embodiment for implementing the second network function execution, and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those of the method embodiment will not be specifically described here.

The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the various processes of the above-mentioned physical cell identification processing method embodiment are implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they are not repeated here.

The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a device that provides voice and/or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing equipment connected to a wireless modem. In different systems, the name of the terminal device may also be different. For example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be called a user equipment (UE). The wireless terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks (CN) via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal device may be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it may be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges language and/or data with the radio access network. For example, Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), etc. A wireless terminal device may also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, but is not limited to these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

The network device (or network-side device) involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to the terminal. Depending on the specific application scenario, the base station may also be called an access point, or may be a device in the access network that communicates with the wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to interchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, wherein the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a network device (Base Transceiver Station, BTS) in the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), or a network device (NodeB) in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), or an evolved network device (evolutional Node B, eNB or e-NodeB) in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in the 5G network architecture (next generation system), or a home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto base station, a pico base station, etc., but is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some network structures, network devices may include centralized unit (CU) nodes and distributed unit (DU) nodes, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be geographically separated.

Network devices and terminal devices can each use one or more antennas for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be either Single User MIMO (SU-MIMO) or Multi User MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the configuration and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be two-dimensional MIMO (2D-MIMO), three-dimensional MIMO (3D-MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), or massive MIMO. It can also use diversity transmission, precoding, or beamforming.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

The present disclosure is described with reference to the flowcharts and/or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each process and/or box in the flowchart and/or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and/or boxes in the flowchart and/or block diagram, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and/or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and/or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

These processor-executable instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and/or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

In addition, it should be noted that, in the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is obvious that each component or each step can be decomposed and/or recombined. These decompositions and/or recombinations should be regarded as equivalent schemes of the present invention. Moreover, the steps of performing the above-mentioned series of processing can naturally be performed in chronological order according to the order of description, but it is not necessary to perform them in chronological order, and some steps can be performed in parallel or independently of each other. For those of ordinary skill in the art, it will be understood that all or any steps or components of the method and apparatus of the present invention can be implemented in any computing device (including processors, storage media, etc.) or a network of computing devices in hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof, which can be achieved by those of ordinary skill in the art using their basic programming skills after reading the description of the present invention.

It should be noted that it should be understood that the division of the above modules is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into one physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Moreover, these modules can all be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element; or they can all be implemented in the form of hardware; or some modules can be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element, and some modules can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, a module can be a separately established processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip of the above-mentioned device. In addition, it can also be stored in the memory of the above-mentioned device in the form of program code, and called by a processing element of the above-mentioned device to perform the functions of the above-mentioned module. The implementation of other modules is similar. In addition, these modules can all or partly be integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element described here can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method or each module above can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor element or instructions in the form of software.

For example, each module, unit, sub-unit or sub-module can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more microprocessors (digital signal processors, DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). For another example, when a module is implemented by scheduling program code through a processing element, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor that can call program code. For another example, these modules can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of the present disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein may be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units need not be limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. In addition, the use of "and/or" in the specification and claims to indicate at least one of the connected objects, for example, A and/or B and/or C, means that seven situations are included: A alone, B alone, C alone, both A and B present, both B and C present, both A and C present, and all A, B, and C present. Similarly, the use of "at least one of A and B" in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "A alone, B alone, or both A and B present."

Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalents, the present disclosure is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims (28)

A method for processing a physical cell identifier is performed by a first network function in a service-oriented network architecture of a radio access network (RAN), the method comprising: Obtaining physical cell identifier (PCI) information of a neighboring cell according to at least one of neighboring cell information sent by a second network function and a stored neighboring cell relationship, where the second network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN service-oriented service; When a conflict, confusion or interference is detected in the cell PCI according to the PCI information of the neighboring cell, a PCI reallocation process is performed or a report is sent to the operation and maintenance OAM, wherein the report is used to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflict, confusion or interference occurs. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first network function comprises a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function comprises at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station. The method according to claim 2, wherein the method further comprises at least one of the following: Obtaining neighboring area information sent by the terminal or the fourth network function, wherein the neighboring area information sent by the fourth network function is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring area detection; Obtain neighboring area information sent by the fifth network function. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: Obtaining a neighbor relationship change notification sent by the second network function, and/or obtaining a PCI change notification sent by the OAM; The saved neighbor relationship is updated according to the neighbor relationship change notification and/or the PCI change notification. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: Get the PCI configuration rules sent by OAM; The PCI reallocation process includes: According to the PCI configuration rule, the PCI is reconfigured for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused or interfered. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein performing a PCI reallocation process comprises: In the PCI list allocated by OAM, a new PCI is selected for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused, or interferes. A method for processing a physical cell identifier is performed by a second network function in a service-oriented network architecture of a radio access network (RAN), the method comprising: Neighboring cell information is sent to a first network function, where the first network function is a network function in a servitized RAN network architecture. The method of claim 8, wherein the first network function comprises a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function comprises at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station. The method according to claim 9, wherein sending the neighbor information to the first network function comprises at least one of the following: The fourth network function in the first base station sends neighboring cell information to the first network function, where the neighboring cell information is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring cell detection; The fifth network function sends neighboring cell information to the first network function. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Send a neighbor relationship change notification to the first network function. A physical cell identity processing device is applied to a first network function, the physical cell identity processing device comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: Obtaining physical cell identifier (PCI) information of a neighboring cell according to at least one of neighboring cell information sent by a second network function and a stored neighboring cell relationship, where the second network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN service-oriented service; When a conflict, confusion or interference is detected in the cell PCI according to the PCI information of the neighboring cell, a PCI reallocation process is performed or a report is sent to the operation and maintenance OAM, wherein the report is used to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflict, confusion or interference occurs. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first network function comprises a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function comprises at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor further implements at least one of the following: Obtaining neighboring area information sent by the terminal or the fourth network function, wherein the neighboring area information sent by the fourth network function is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring area detection; Obtain neighboring area information sent by the fifth network function. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the processor further implements the following steps: Obtaining a neighbor relationship change notification sent by the second network function, and/or obtaining a PCI change notification sent by the OAM; The saved neighbor relationship is updated according to the neighbor relationship change notification and/or the PCI change notification. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the processor further implements the following steps: Get the PCI configuration rules sent by OAM; The processor further implements the following steps: According to the PCI configuration rule, the PCI is reconfigured for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused or interfered. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the processor further implements the following steps: In the PCI list allocated by OAM, a new PCI is selected for the cell where the PCI conflicts, is confused, or interferes. A physical cell identity processing device is applied to a second network function, the physical cell identity processing device comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: Neighboring cell information is sent to a first network function, where the first network function is a network function in a servitized RAN network architecture. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first network function comprises a third network function in the first base station, and the second network function comprises at least one of a fourth network function in the first base station and a fifth network function in the second base station. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the processor further implements at least one of the following: Sending neighboring cell information to the first network function through a fourth network function in the first base station, where the neighboring cell information is obtained after the fourth network function instructs the terminal to perform neighboring cell detection; The neighboring cell information is sent to the first network function through the fifth network function in the second base station. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the first network function includes a public network function, and the first network function stores a neighboring cell relationship, and the second network function includes a base station or a network function within a base station. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the processor further implements the following steps: Send a neighbor relationship change notification to the first network function. A device for processing a physical cell identifier, comprising: a first acquiring unit, configured to acquire physical cell identifier (PCI) information of a neighboring cell according to at least one of neighboring cell information sent by a second network function and a stored neighboring cell relationship, where the second network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN service-oriented service; A processing unit is configured to, when detecting that a conflict, confusion, or interference occurs in a cell PCI based on the PCI information of the neighboring cell, execute a PCI reallocation process or send a report to the operation and maintenance OAM, wherein the report is used to instruct the OAM to reallocate the PCI for the cell where the PCI conflict, confusion, or interference occurs. A device for processing a physical cell identifier, comprising: The first sending unit is used to send neighboring cell information to a first network function, where the first network function is a network function in a network architecture after RAN serviceization. A processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is used to cause the processor to execute the steps of the method for processing a physical cell identifier as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or to execute the steps of the method for processing a physical cell identifier as described in any one of claims 8 to 12. A computer program product, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the method for processing a physical cell identifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are implemented, or the steps of the method for processing a physical cell identifier according to any one of claims 8 to 12 are implemented.