Systems and methods for passive collection of neighbor base station configuration information through handover messages

Abstract

Passive collection of neighbor base station configuration information through handover messages is provided. In one embodiment, a base station comprises: a processor coupled to a memory, the base station coupled to a core network for a wireless network operator, the base station radiates downlink RF signals to at least one UE and receives uplink RF signals from the UE. The processor implements: a UE handover function that receives and processes a handover request message associated with a UE transferring to the cell from a neighboring cell; and a handover request parser that evaluates information elements in the handover request message to extract neighbor information. The handover request parser stores the extracted neighbor information as a set of neighbor information in the memory; and wherein the processor is configured to adjust operation of the base station based on the set of neighbor information stored in the memory.