A network node and a method therein for controlling uplink power control

[0026] Briefly, an exemplary embodiment of a network node and a method therein is provided for controlling uplink power control in an area including at least one macro radio base station RBS and at least one low power RBS. In short, a cluster of low-power RBS and macro RBS is created based on the measurement reports collected from the UE; the level of path loss is identified, and the interference level in the low-power RBS is determined. Based on this, the uplink power control setting is selected for low power RBS.

[0027] Will now refer to figure 2 To describe an exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling uplink power control in an area including at least one macro RBS and at least one low-power RBS in a network node in a wireless communication network, figure 2 It is a flowchart of a method for controlling uplink power control in a network node in a wireless communication network according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] figure 2 The illustrated method includes collecting 210 measurement reports from UEs located in the area. The method further includes creating 220 clusters of low-power RBS and macro RBS based on the collected measurement reports, where each cluster includes one low-power RBS and at least one macro RBS; and based on the measurements collected for those UEs connected to the low-power RBS Report and path loss level to identify 230 the macro RBS with the lowest path loss. The method also includes determining 240 the level of interference in the low-power RBS caused by the UEs connected to the macro RBS based on measurement reports collected for those UEs connected to the macro RBS. In addition, the method includes selecting 250 uplink power control for the low-power RBS based on the size of the path loss associated with the identified macro RBS and the level of interference in the low-power RBS due to UEs connected to the macro RBS Setting; and instructing 260 the UE connected to the low-power RBS to use the selected uplink power control setting.

[0029] In the above exemplary embodiment of the method, the area includes at least one macro RBS and at least one low power RBS. Low-power RBS is any one of micro, pico, femto or relay RBS and any mixture between different types of low-power RBS. In addition, in this area, multiple UEs are located, and each independent UE is connected to one of at least one macro RBS and at least one low power RBS. When the UE is connected to the RBS, it can provide services from the wireless or cellular communication network to the UE. There may be UEs that are not connected to any RBS in this area, which means that they are not using any services from the network.

[0030] The connected UE will receive a certain type of signaling from the RBS to which it is connected, and each UE will perform at least one measurement on the received strength or the quality of the received signaling, and report to the RBS reports the measurement.

[0031] In addition to the RBS to which each independent UE is connected directly described above, the UE can also receive signaling from neighboring RBSs to which it is not connected, and perform information regarding the information received from those RBSs from which they received signaling. Reception strength or quality measurement, and also send measurement reports on those RBS.

[0032] The method in the network node includes collecting all these measurement reports from UEs present in the area where the uplink power control is to be controlled.

[0033] Once the network node has collected all these measurement reports from the UE, the method includes creating a cluster of low-power RBS and macro RBS based on the collected measurement reports. Each cluster will include one low-power RBS and at least one macro RBS. Generally, there will be the same number of clusters as the number of low-power RBSs in the area where the resource distribution is to be controlled. However, there may be low-power RBSs that will not form a cluster with any macro RBS, so there may be fewer clusters than low-power RBSs. More specifically, low-power RBSs form a cluster with those macro RBSs that have low-power RBSs as neighbors. Analyze the measurement report from the UE connected to the macro RBS. The adjacent low-power RBS can be identified based on the measurement report.

[0034] Then, for each low-power RBS in each cluster, the method includes identifying the macro RBS with the lowest path loss based on the measurement report collected for the UE connected to the low-power RBS and the level of path loss. In order to perform the identification of the pair of macros with the lowest path loss, the network node knows the output power of each macro RBS. The measurement report from the UE indicates the downlink received power, and in order to determine the path loss, the network node needs the output power of each macro RBS and the power received by the UE. The identified macro RBS is the RBS to which the low-power RBS may cause the most uplink interference.

[0035] The method also includes determining the level of interference in the low-power RBS caused by the UEs connected to the macro RBS based on measurement reports collected for those UEs connected to the macro RBS. This can be done in two ways. An example is to analyze the measurement report received from the UE in the macro RBS. The statistics of the path loss to the low-power RBS are determined and indicate strong interference from the macro user (ie, the UE connected to the macro RBS) to the low-power RBS. At the same time, determine the statistics of the path loss to the serving macro RBS, which will indicate whether the UE needs high power to reach the macro RBS.

[0036] The path loss ratio may for example be defined as R=G_low_power_RBS/G_macro_RBS, where G_low_power_RBS is the path loss from the macro UE to the low power RBS, and G_macro_RBS is the path loss from the macro UE to the serving macro RBS. A high value of R means potential strong interference to the low-power RBS, because the path loss to the low-power RBS is small, and the macro UE is far away from the macro RBS and needs to use high transmit power. The traffic volume in the macro RBS can be considered by weighting the path loss or the R factor.

[0037] In addition, the method includes selecting an uplink power control setting for the low power RBS based on the magnitude of the path loss associated with the identified macro RBS and the level of interference in the low power RBS caused by the UE connected to the macro RBS .

[0038] The uplink power control setting P0 can be selected in different ways. For example, low-power RBS interferes with macro RBS, but macro RBS does not cause interference to low-power RBS → there is no need to adjust P0 in low-power RBS (use P0=-103dBm in low-power RBS). In other words, the path loss from the low-power RBS to the macro RBS is low, indicating high interference from the low-power RBS to the macro RBS. In addition, R is low, which means that the macro RBS only causes low interference to low-power RBS.

[0039] The low-power RBS does not interfere with the macro RBS, but the macro RBS interferes with the low-power RBS → P0 in the low-power RBS needs to be adjusted (actively in pico-use P0=-87). In other words, the path loss from the low-power RBS to the macro RBS is high, indicating low interference from the low-power RBS to the macro RBS. In addition, R is large, which means that the macro RBS causes high interference to the low-power RBS.

[0040] The low-power RBS does not interfere with the macro RBS, and the macro RBS does not interfere with the low-power RBS → P0 in the low-power RBS does not need to be adjusted (P0=-103 is used in the low-power RBS). In other words, the path loss from the low-power RBS to the macro RBS is high, indicating low interference from the low-power RBS to the macro RBS. In addition, R is low, which means that the macro RBS only causes low interference to low-power RBS.

[0041] Low-power RBS interferes with macro RBS, and macro RBS interferes with low-power RBS→P0 (medium compensation in low-power RBS needs to be adjusted to improve the performance of low-power RBS, but it will not cause large Coverage loss-use for example P0=-97). In other words, the path loss from the low-power RBS to the macro RBS is low, indicating high interference from the low-power RBS to the macro RBS. In addition, R is large, which means that the macro RBS causes high interference to the low-power RBS.

[0042] Once the uplink power control setting for low power has been selected, the network node instructs the UE connected to the low power RBS to use the selected uplink power control setting.

[0043] This method in or performed by a network node has several advantages. It can reduce the interference level in the communication system and increase the total system capacity. It is also possible to reduce battery consumption for UEs connected to low-power RBS.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the measurement report includes the reference signal received power RSRP, and the wireless communication network adopts Long Term Evolution LTE.

[0045] Different radio access technologies, RATs, use different types so that the UE can measure signal strength or signal quality. The pilot signal sent from the macro and low power RBS to the UE is most commonly used to measure signal strength or signal quality. According to the RAT, signal strength or signal quality can be measured in different ways. When the RAT adopts LTE, the measurement report from the UE may include RSRP.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the method further includes estimating the traffic load in the low-power RBS, weighting the path loss associated with the identified macro RBS having the estimated traffic load, and also selecting for low power based on the weighted path loss Power RBS uplink power control settings.

[0047] Statistics of the path loss from the low-power RBS to the corresponding macro RBS can be collected by the network node based on the received measurement report. In another example, the path load is weighted with the traffic in the low-power RBS to consider the load impact. An example of a traffic load measurement is air interface utilization in percentage. If the path loss from low power RBS to macro RBS is small, which means possible high interference, then if the utilization is small, such as 10% instead of 100%, the weighting value is smaller. Therefore, because the low-power RBS has a low load of, for example, 10% even if the path loss is small, the risk of interference is small. In one example, the path loss and the value of R are exemplary weighted values ​​that classify the interference situation as shown above, and may be an increase or decrease in P0.

[0048] According to yet another embodiment, the method further includes receiving information related to the transmission power of the identified macro RBS, and based on measurement reports collected for those UEs connected to the low-power RBS and the transmission power of the identified macro RBS Determine the path loss.

[0049] As described above, in order to perform the identification of the macro with the lowest path loss, the network node knows the output power of the corresponding macro RBS. The measurement report from the UE indicates the downlink received power, and in order to determine the path loss, the network node needs both the output power of each macro RBS and the power received by the UE. The identified macro RBS is the low-power RBS to which the low-power RBS may cause the most uplink interference. In this example, the network node receives information related to the transmission power of the identified macro RBS. In one example, the information is sent or signaled from the macro RBS to the network node.

[0050] According to yet another embodiment, the network node is a low power RBS.

[0051] In this embodiment, the low-power RBS of each cluster in the network node and the cluster is one and the same.

[0052] In an embodiment, collecting measurement reports from UEs located in the area includes receiving measurement reports from UEs connected to low-power RBSs, and receiving measurement reports from UEs connected to those macro RBSs with low path loss to the low-power RBS .

[0053] If the low-power RBS is the network node performing the method, the low-power RBS will collect or receive measurement reports from UEs connected to the low-power RBS. In addition, low-power RBSs, ie, network nodes, receive measurement reports from UEs connected to those macro RBSs with low path loss to the low-power RBS. This means that the macro RBSs in the area identify which low-power RBS has the lowest path loss for each macro RBS. Then, the macro RBS forwards the measurement report it receives from the UE to the corresponding low-power RBS with the lowest path loss to the corresponding low-power RBS. In this way, low-power RBSs, ie network nodes, receive measurement reports from UEs connected to low-power RBSs, and low-power RBSs receive measurement reports from UEs connected to those macro RBSs with the lowest path loss to the low-power RBS.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the network node is a radio network controller RNC or a base station controller BSC.

[0055] According to yet another embodiment, the network node is an operation, maintenance and management OAM node.

[0056] According to yet another embodiment, collecting measurement reports from UEs located in the area includes receiving measurement reports forwarded by at least one macro RBS and at least one low-power RBS.

[0057] In an example, the low-power RBS in the area receives measurement reports from the UE and possibly also from the macro RBS. The low-power RBS forwards the received measurement report to the RNC or BSC. In addition, the macro RBS receives the measurement report from the UE, and the macro RBS forwards the measurement report to the low-power RBS or to the RNC or the BSC, or both. In this way, the RNC or BSC collects measurement reports from UEs located in the area. Thereafter, the RNC or BSC creates the cluster as described above, and selects the target for the low-power RBS based on the size of the path loss associated with the identified macro RBS and the interference level in the low-power RBS caused by the UE connected to the macro RBS The uplink power control settings.

[0058] In one example, the measurement report from the UE is collected in the same manner as the measurement report from the UE is collected by the RNC or BSC described above. Moreover, in this embodiment, the low-power RBS in the area receives measurement reports from the UE and possibly also from the macro RBS. The low-power RBS forwards the received measurement report to the OAM node. In addition, the macro RBS receives the measurement report from the UE, and the macro RBS forwards the measurement report to the low-power RBS or to the OAM node or both. In this way, the OAM node collects measurement reports from UEs located in the area. Thereafter, the OAM node creates the cluster as described above, and selects the low-power RBS based on the size of the path loss associated with the identified macro RBS and the interference level in the low-power RBS caused by the UE connected to the macro RBS Uplink power control settings.

[0059] In another embodiment, the creation of a cluster of low-power RBS and macro RBS includes: identifying the macro RBS with the lowest path loss for each low-power RBS, and making each corresponding low-power RBS and those macro RBS with the lowest path loss RBS forms a cluster.

[0060] The embodiment herein also relates to a method for controlling uplink power control in an area including at least one macro RBS and at least one low-power RBS in a network node in a wireless communication network, which will now be referred to image 3 To describe, image 3 It is a flowchart of a method for controlling uplink power control in a network node in a wireless communication network according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0061] image 3 The illustrated method includes collecting 310 measurement reports from UEs located in the area. The method further includes creating 320 clusters of low-power RBS and macro RBS based on the collected measurement reports, where each cluster includes one low-power RBS and at least one macro RBS. The method also includes determining 330 the uplink signal quality for the macro RBS based on the report received from the macro RBS; and comparing 340 the uplink signal quality with the previously determined uplink signal quality. The method also includes adjusting 350 an uplink power control setting for the low power RBS based on the comparison; and instructing 360 a UE connected to the low power RBS to use the adjusted uplink power control setting.

[0062] In the above exemplary embodiment of the method, the area includes at least one macro RBS and at least one low power RBS. The low-power RBS may be any one of micro, pico, femto, or relay RBS and any mixture between different types of low-power RBS. In addition, in this area, multiple UEs are located, and each independent UE is connected to one of at least one macro RBS and at least one low power RBS. When the UE is connected to the RBS, it can provide services from the wireless or cellular communication network to the UE. There may be a UE in an area that is not connected to any RBS, which means that it is not using any service from the network.

[0063] The connected UE will receive a certain type of signaling from the RBS to which it is connected, and each UE will perform at least one measurement on the reception strength or quality of the received signaling and report to the RBS to which it is connected The measurement.

[0064] In addition to the RBS to which each independent UE is connected directly described above, the UE can also receive signaling from neighboring RBSs to which it is not connected, and perform information regarding the information received from those RBSs from which they received signaling. Reception strength or quality measurement, and also send measurement reports on those RBS.

[0065] The method in the network node includes collecting all these measurement reports from UEs present in the area where the uplink power control is to be controlled.

[0066] Once the network node has collected all these measurement reports from the UE, the method includes creating a cluster of low-power RBS and macro RBS based on the collected measurement reports. Each cluster will include one low-power RBS and at least one macro RBS. Generally, there will be approximately the same number of clusters as the number of low-power RBSs in the area where the resource distribution is to be controlled. However, there may be low-power RBSs that will not form a cluster with any macro RBS, so there may be fewer clusters than low-power RBSs.

[0067] Then, the uplink signal quality for the macro RBS is determined based on the report received from the macro RBS. This means that the RBS sends a report to the low-power RBS indicating the quality of the uplink signal determined for the macro RBS. The uplink signal quality is determined by the macro RBS, and the time interval for the macro RBS to determine the uplink signal quality may be relatively long, for example, up to one week. In one example, the uplink signal quality is the average value of the uplink signal quality in the time when the uplink signal quality is determined.

[0068] Once the network node determines the uplink signal quality based on the report received from the macro RBS, the network node compares the uplink signal quality with the previously determined uplink signal quality. Because the time interval for determining the quality of the uplink signal may be relatively long, the comparison between the quality of the two uplink signals exhibits results that are independent of relatively short fluctuations in the quality of the uplink signal.

[0069] The method also includes adjusting 350 an uplink power control setting for the low power RBS based on the comparison; and instructing 360 a UE connected to the low power RBS to use the adjusted uplink power control setting.

[0070] It may be that the uplink power control setting has changed between the previously determined uplink signal quality and the uplink signal quality. For example, if the uplink power control setting is increased between two instances, that is, the previous and the uplink signal quality measurement or evaluation, the change in the uplink power control setting may affect the macro RBS, making the connection to the low power RBS The interference caused by the UE to the macro RBS increases. Alternatively, for example, if the uplink power control setting is reduced between two instances, that is, the previous and the uplink signal quality measurement or evaluation, connecting to a low-power RBS causes less interference to the macro RBS. It may also be due to traffic load that the UE connected to the low-power RBS causes increased or less interference to the macro RBS, even if the uplink power control settings have not changed between the two instances. According to the result of the comparison, the network node may adjust the uplink power control setting for the low-power RBS, and then instruct the UE connected to the low-power RBS to use the adjusted uplink power control setting.

[0071] The method in or performed by the network node has several advantages. The interference level in the communication system can be reduced, and the total system capacity can be increased. It is also possible to reduce battery consumption for UEs connected to low-power RBS.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the method further includes determining 335 the current uplink signal quality for the low-power RBS, wherein adjusting the current uplink power control settings for the low-power RBS is also based on the current uplink signal for the low-power RBS quality.

[0073] In this example, the uplink signal quality for the macro RBS is not only a factor that affects the selection or adjustment of the current uplink power control settings for the low-power RBS. Also consider the current uplink signal quality for low power RBS. These two factors are considered when adjusting the current uplink power control settings for low-power RBS.

[0074] According to yet another embodiment, if the comparison indicates that the degraded uplink signal quality is lower than the predefined threshold for the UE connected to the macro RBS, the current uplink power control setting for the low-power RBS is adjusted downward.

[0075] In this embodiment, if the UE connected to the macro RBS experiences degraded uplink signal quality, the UE connected to the low-power RBS transmits with a relatively high output power, and therefore causes damage to the UE connected to the macro RBS. Interference. In order to reduce the interference from the UE connected to the low-power RBS to the UE connected to the macro RBS, the uplink power control settings for the low-power RBS are adjusted downward. In one example, the predetermined threshold is the interference threshold that has been measured in the macro RBS before P0 is added to the low-power RBS.

[0076] According to yet another embodiment, if the current uplink signal quality for the low-power RBS is lower than a predefined threshold, the current uplink power control setting for the low-power RBS is adjusted upward.

[0077] In this example, the current uplink signal quality for the low-power RBS is lower than a predefined threshold. This means that the UE connected to the low-power RBS is severely interfered by the UE connected to the macro RBS. The result is that it experiences difficulties in communication with low-power RBS, and may even fail to successfully transmit to low-power RBS on the uplink. If this is the case, the network node adjusts the uplink power control settings for the low-power RBS upwards to enable those UEs to achieve improved uplink signal quality.

[0078] The embodiments herein also relate to a network node in a wireless communication network adapted to control uplink power control in an area including at least one macro RBS and at least one low power RBS. The network node has the same goals, technical features, and advantages as the method in or executed by the network node. Therefore, only the network nodes will be described briefly to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0079] Figure 4 Is a block diagram of a network node adapted to control uplink power control according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 A network node is illustrated. The network node includes: a collecting unit 421 adapted to collect measurement reports from UEs located in the area; and a creating unit 422 adapted to create a low-power RBS and a macro RBS based on the collected measurement reports The clusters, where each cluster includes a low-power RBS and at least one macro RBS. The network node also includes an identification unit 423 adapted to identify the macro RBS with the lowest path loss based on the measurement reports and path loss levels collected for those UEs connected to the low power RBS. In addition, the network node includes a determination unit 424 adapted to determine the interference level in the low-power RBS caused by UEs connected to the macro RBS based on measurement reports collected for those UEs connected to the macro RBS. The network node includes: a selection unit 425 adapted to select a low-power RBS based on the size of the path loss associated with the identified macro RBS and the interference level in the low-power RBS caused by the UE connected to the macro RBS Uplink power control settings; and an instruction unit 426 adapted to instruct UEs connected to the low-power RBS to use the selected uplink power control settings.

[0080] Network nodes have several advantages. It can reduce the interference level in the communication system and increase the total system capacity. It is also possible to reduce battery consumption for UEs connected to low-power RBS.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the measurement report includes the reference signal received power RSRP, and the wireless communication network adopts Long Term Evolution LTE.

[0082] According to another embodiment, the network node further includes an estimation unit 427 adapted to estimate the traffic load in the low-power RBS and weight the path loss associated with the identified macro RBS with the estimated traffic load, wherein The selection unit 425 is adapted to select the uplink power control setting for the low power RBS based also on the weighted path loss.

[0083] According to yet another embodiment, the collecting unit 421 is adapted to receive information related to the transmission power of the identified macro RBS, wherein the determining unit is adapted to be based on measurement reports collected for UEs connected to the low-power RBS and the identified The transmit power of the macro RBS is used to determine the path loss.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the network node 400 is a low power RBS.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the collection unit 421 is adapted to receive measurement reports from UEs connected to low-power RBSs and from UEs connected to those macro RBSs with path loss to the low-power RBS, thereby from The UEs in the area collect measurement reports.

[0086] According to yet another embodiment, the network node is a radio network controller RNC or a base station controller BSC.

[0087] According to another embodiment, the network node is an operation, maintenance and management OAM node.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the collecting unit 421 is adapted to collect measurement reports from UEs located in the area by receiving measurement reports forwarded by at least one macro RBS and at least one low-power RBS.

[0089] According to yet another embodiment, the creation unit 422 is adapted to create a cluster of low-power RBSs and macro RBSs through the identification unit 423 being adapted to identify the macro RBS with the lowest path loss for each low-power RBS, wherein the creation unit 422 is The adaptation is such that each corresponding low-power RBS forms a cluster with those macro RBSs with the lowest path loss.

[0090] The embodiments herein also relate to a network node adapted to control uplink power control in an area including at least one macro RBS and at least one low power RBS in a wireless communication network. The network node has the same goals, technical features, and advantages as the methods in or performed by the network node. Therefore, only the network nodes will be described briefly to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0091] Figure 5 Is a block diagram of a network node adapted to control uplink power control according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 A network node 500 is shown. The network node 500 includes: a collecting unit 521 adapted to collect measurement reports from UEs located in the area; and a creating unit 522 adapted to create a low-power RBS and a macro RBS based on the collected measurement reports The clusters, where each cluster includes a low-power RBS and at least one macro RBS. The network node 500 further comprises a determining unit 523, adapted to determine the current uplink signal quality for the macro RBS based on the report received from the macro RBS. The network node 500 also includes a comparison unit 524 adapted to compare the current uplink signal quality with the previously determined uplink signal quality. In addition, the network node includes an adjustment unit 525 adapted to adjust the current uplink power control settings for the low-power RBS based on the comparison; and an instruction unit 526 adapted to instruct the UE connected to the low-power RBS to use the adjusted uplink Link power control settings.

[0092] Network nodes have several advantages. It can reduce the interference level in the communication system and increase the total system capacity. It can also reduce battery consumption for UEs connected to low-power RBS.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the determining unit 523 is adapted to determine the current uplink quality for the low-power RBS, wherein the adjusting unit 425 is adapted to also adjust the current uplink signal quality for the low-power RBS. The current uplink power control setting of the low power PRB.

[0094] According to yet another embodiment, the adjustment unit 525 is adapted to, if the comparison indicates that the degraded uplink signal quality is lower than the predefined threshold for the UE connected to the macro RBS, adjust the current value for the low-power RBS downward. Uplink power control settings.

[0095] According to yet another embodiment, the adjustment unit 525 is adapted to adjust the current uplink power control setting for the low-power RBS if the current uplink signal quality for the low-power RBS is lower than a predefined threshold.

[0096] Image 6 It illustrates how the throughput performance for UEs connected to macro and low power RBS changes when different uplink power target values ​​are used in pico. After four seconds, the macro UE located at the cell edge of the low-power RBS starts to cause strong interference in the low-power RBS. The macro UE causes a large slope in user performance, and the difference in downlink power is 16dB, P0 is the default -103dBm, and the maximum uplink compensation in low power RBS is P0=-87dBm.

[0097] in Image 6 In, the macro uplink power control setting is constant in all four figures, ie -103dBm. In the upper left figure, both macro and low power RBS use a relatively low uplink power setting, namely -103dBm. After 4 seconds, the macro UE starts to transmit in the uplink and severely interferes with the low-power UE. In the upper right figure, the uplink power setting is slightly increased for UEs connected to low-power RBS (ie, low-power UEs). P0=-100dBm. In this case, the uplink signal quality for low-power UEs all increase very slightly, and the uplink signal quality for macro UEs slightly decreases. This is caused by low-power UEs transmitting with slightly higher output power, which more or less causes increased interference to macro UEs.

[0098] In the lower left figure, the uplink signal quality for low-power UEs has increased compared to before, and now P0=-97dBm, and the uplink signal quality for macro UEs has slightly decreased compared to before. In the lower left figure, the low-power UE has improved the uplink signal quality without terrible interference with the macro UE. The lower right figure illustrates the situation when the uplink signal quality for low-power UEs is further increased, which results in a significant increase in the uplink signal quality for low-power UEs. However, low-power UEs have severe interference with macro UEs that experience a significant reduction in uplink signal quality.

[0099] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of an exemplary method in a network node for controlling uplink power control. s, Figure 7 The method shown in is image 3 An embodiment of the method 300 illustrated in. Figure 7 Illustrated is a method including creating a cluster 710 of one low-power RBS and at least one macro RBS. in Figure 7 In, once the cluster is created, the counter n is set to 1. Then, in the next step 720, n=1 and the uplink power control setting P0_LP for the low-power RBS is set to the default value. Figure 7 Represented as P0_default.

[0100] Thereafter, the uplink quality measurement is performed in step 730 and step 740, n is still 1, so the method proceeds to step 760. In step 760, the network node checks whether the uplink quality measurement indicates that the uplink signal quality for the low-power RBS is lower than the first predefined threshold Z. If this condition is met, it means that the low-power UE experiences significant interference from the macro UE. However, if this is not the case, the uplink power control setting P0_LP for the low-power RBS does not need to be updated as shown in step 770, and the method returns to step 730 to perform uplink quality measurement. The existing measurement report and uplink quality measurement that the UE reports to the network when it is located near the cell boundary are used to determine the UL quality. Examples of measurement reports are UL Block Error Rate BLER, UL SINR and UL Throughput. Other quality measures may alternatively or additionally be used in macro and low power RBS respectively. At the beginning, the setting of P0 is the same in macro and low power RBS. If the statement in step 740 is false, the method proceeds to step 750, where P0 is set to the minimum of the default value and the previous value P0 minus one. After that, the method returns to step 730 to perform uplink quality measurement.

[0101] However, if the uplink quality measurement indicates that the quality of the uplink signal for the low-power RBS is lower than the first predefined threshold Z, the method proceeds to step 780, and the counter n is incremented. In this example, n is now equal to 2.

[0102] Thereafter, the method proceeds to step 720 again, and checks that n is greater than 1, which is true this time when N=2. Then, the uplink power control setting P0_LP for the low-power RBS is set to the maximum value of the default value and the previous value P0+1. In other words, now n=2, the previous uplink power control setting for low power RBS is the default value. Therefore, this check in step 720 when n=2 this time means that P0_LP is set to the default value or the maximum value of the default value+1. Therefore, P0_LP increases by 1.

[0103] Then, in step 730, the uplink quality measurement is performed again. In step 740, it is checked whether n is greater than 1, which is true because n=2, so it is then checked that the uplink signal quality for the macro according to the previous measurement minus the uplink signal quality for the macro according to the latest measurement Whether it is greater than the second predefined threshold x. It is also checked whether the uplink signal quality of the macro used for the macro user at the edge of the cell according to the previous measurement minus the uplink signal quality of the macro used for the macro user at the edge of the cell according to the latest measurement is greater than the third The predefined threshold y. If both of these conditions are met, the method proceeds to step 760 to check whether the uplink quality measurement indicates that the uplink signal quality for the low-power RBS is lower than the first predefined threshold Z as described above. If one of the two conditions is not met in step 740, the uplink power control setting P0_LP for the low-power RBS is set to the minimum of the default value and the previous value P0_LP minus 1. In other words, if in step 740, one of the conditions is not met, then P0_LP is reduced.

[0104] in Figure 4 with Figure 5 In the figure, a network node including receiving units 411 and 511 and sending units 412 and 512 is also illustrated. Through these two units, the network node is adapted to communicate with other nodes and/or entities in the wireless communication network. The receiving unit 411, 511 may include more than one receiving arrangement. For example, the receiving unit may be connected to both the wire and the antenna, through which the network node can communicate with other nodes and/or entities in the wireless communication network. Similarly, the transmitting unit 412, 512 may include more than one transmitting arrangement, which in turn is connected to both the wire and the antenna, through which the network node can communicate with other nodes and/or entities in the wireless communication network. The network node also includes memories 430 and 530 for storing data. In addition, a network node including processing units 420, 520 is illustrated, which in turn includes different modules 421-427, 521-526. It should be noted that this is only an illustrative example, and the network node may include Figure 4 with Figure 5 In the same way as the units illustrated in the figure perform more, fewer or other units or modules of the functions of the network node.

[0105] It should be noted that Figure 4 with Figure 5 The various functional units in the network node are only illustrated in a logical sense. In fact, the functions can be implemented using any appropriate software and hardware devices/circuits. Therefore, this embodiment is generally not limited to the structure of the network node and functional unit shown. Therefore, the previously described exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many ways. For example, one embodiment includes a computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a processing unit for executing method steps in a network node. The instructions executable by the computing system and stored on the computer-readable medium perform the method steps of the embodiments set forth in the claims.

[0106] Figure 4 with Figure 5 The embodiments of the network nodes 400, 500 are schematically shown. Here, the network nodes 400 and 500 include processing units 420 and 520, such as DSP (digital signal processor). The processing unit 420, 520 may be a single unit or multiple units for performing different actions of the process described herein. The network nodes 400, 500 may also include an input unit for receiving signals from other entities and an output unit for providing signals to other entities. The input unit and output unit can be arranged as an integrated entity or as Figure 4 with Figure 5 In the example shown as one or more interfaces 411, 412, 511, 512.

[0107] In addition, the network nodes 400, 500 include at least one computer program product in the form of non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), flash memory, and hard disk drive. The computer program product includes a computer program, which includes code means, which when executed in the processing unit 420, 520 in the network node 400, 500, causes the network node 400, 500 to execute, for example, the aforementioned combination figure 2 with image 3 Describe the actions of the process.

[0108] The computer program can be configured as computer program code constructed with computer program modules. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the code means in the computer program of the network node 400 includes: a collecting unit for collecting measurement reports from UEs located in the area; and a creating unit for collecting measurement reports based on the collected measurement reports To create clusters of low-power RBS and macro RBS, where each cluster includes one low-power RBS and at least one macro RBS. The computer program further includes: an identification unit for identifying the macro RBS with the lowest path loss based on measurement reports and path loss levels collected for those UEs connected to the low-power RBS; and a determining unit for The measurement reports collected by those UEs are used to determine the level of interference in the low-power RBS caused by the UE connected to the macro RBS. The computer program further includes: a selection unit for selecting the uplink for the low-power RBS based on the size of the path loss associated with the identified macro RBS and the interference level in the low-power RBS caused by the UE connected to the macro RBS Link power control setting; and an instruction unit for instructing the UE connected to the low-power RBS to use the selected uplink power control setting.

[0109] The computer program can be configured as computer program code structured in a computer program mode. Therefore, in another exemplary embodiment, the code means in the computer program of the network node 500 includes: a collecting unit for collecting measurement reports from UEs located in the area; and a creating unit for collecting measurement reports based on the collected Measurement reports are used to create clusters of low-power RBS and macro RBS, where each cluster includes one low-power RBS and at least one macro RBS. The computer program further includes: a determining unit for determining the current uplink signal quality of the macro RBS based on the report received from the macro RBS; and a comparing unit for comparing the current uplink signal quality with the previously determined uplink signal quality The signal quality of the channel is compared. The computer program further includes: an adjustment unit for adjusting the uplink power control settings for the low-power RBS based on the comparison; and an instruction unit for instructing the UE connected to the low-power RBS to use the selected uplink power Control settings.

[0110] Computer program modules can basically be executed in figure 2 with image 3 The actions of the flow shown in are to simulate the network nodes 400, 500. In other words, when different computer program modules are executed in the processing units 420, 520, they can correspond to Figure 4 with Figure 5 The units 421-427, 521-526.

[0111] Although the above combination Figure 4 with Figure 5 The code device in the disclosed embodiment is implemented as a computer program module, which when executed in the processing unit, causes the network nodes 400, 500 to perform the actions described in conjunction with the above-mentioned figures, but in an alternative embodiment, at least one of the code devices It can be implemented at least partially as a hardware circuit.

[0112] The processor may be a single CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also include two or more processing units. For example, the processor may include a general-purpose microprocessor; an instruction set processor and/or related chipset and/or a special-purpose microprocessor, such as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The processor may also include on-board memory for caching purposes. The computer program can be executed by a computer program product connected to the processor. The computer program product may include a computer readable medium storing a computer program. For example, the computer program product may be flash memory, RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), or EEPROM, and in an alternative embodiment, the computer program module may be stored in the network nodes 400, 500. The forms are distributed on different computer program products.

[0113] It should be understood that the selection of the interactive unit and the explicit designation of the unit in the present disclosure are only for exemplary purposes, and the nodes suitable for performing any of the above-mentioned methods may be configured in multiple alternative ways to be able to perform the proposed The process of action.

[0114] It should also be noted that the units described in this disclosure will be considered as logical entities and not necessarily as separate physical entities.

[0115] Although the embodiments are described in several embodiments, when reading the specification and studying the accompanying drawings, their substitutions, modifications, substitutions and equivalents will become obvious. Therefore, it is expected that the following appended claims include such alternatives, modifications, permutations and equivalents falling within the scope of the embodiments and defined by the appended claims.