Method for managing radio resource allocation in LTE network for distributed base station and distributed base station

Abstract

FIELD: LTE networks.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to means for controlling the distribution of radio resources in an LTE network for a distributed base station. The technical result consists in increasing the data transfer rate for user devices and also reducing delays when downloading data with a concomitant improvement in the quality of service of user devices in the LTE network. The load on the cell is determined. The cell load when switching user equipment (UE) is recalculated. An individual activity indicator is determined based on the analysis of traffic in the downlink communication channel, as well as an individual radio signal quality indicator for each user equipment. The total load on the cell is determined based on the received individual activity indicators and individual radio signal quality indicators of the user equipment served by the cell. User equipment (UE) is redistributed between cells of a distributed base station based on the received cell load.EFFECT: increasing the data transfer rate for user devices and also reducing delays when downloading data with a concomitant improvement in the quality of service of user devices in the LTE network.10 cl, 2 dwg

Description

[0001] Technical field of the invention group

[0002] The group of inventions relates to a method for managing the distribution of radio resources in an LTE network for a distributed base station and a distributed base station and can be proposed for use in the telecommunications industry.

[0003] Level of technology of the group of inventions

[0004] LTE mobile networks provide high-speed data access to user equipment. At the core of their operation is the radio resource—a limited frequency spectrum that must be divided among all active users within the coverage area of ​​a base station. Effectively managing this resource is a key challenge for any telecom operator. This process involves making ongoing decisions about which user equipment, at what time, and how much radio resources to allocate for data transmission. Basic approaches to resource allocation do not always take into account the dynamically changing network environment and the actual needs of each user. This can lead to suboptimal use of available bandwidth, with some users experiencing delays and others not receiving the maximum possible speed.Therefore, developing radio resource management methods is crucial to improving the overall network performance.

[0005] A method for managing the distribution of radio resources in an LTE network for a distributed base station [US20240284441A1, publication date: 08 / 22 / 2024] was selected as a prototype, including the steps during which the following is carried out:

[0006] – definition of an individual radio signal quality indicator for each user equipment;

[0007] – defining the cell load as an individual scheduling priority for allocating resources within one cell for each user equipment;

[0008] – allocation of radio resources based on individual scheduling priority at L2 level and based on scheduling.

[0009] The disadvantage of the prototype is the low data transfer rate for user equipment, unsatisfactory overall data transfer rate, high delays in data transmission and, as a result, low quality of service for user equipment in the LTE network, which leads to a number of the following significant shortcomings, including:

[0010] – poor assessment and comparison of the actual load of neighboring cells, since the base station can effectively manage the priorities of user equipment only within one cell, but it remains “blind” to the occurrence of macro-level imbalance when one cell is critically overloaded, while the neighboring cell remains underutilized.

[0011] – low accuracy of load source determination, since the base station estimates the user equipment's contribution based on a static, predefined traffic type (5QI), rather than its actual activity. This makes it impossible to distinguish between a user actively consuming radio resources at a given moment and a user in idle mode, thereby preventing the determination that the main contributor to cell load is precisely a few active user equipments, especially those in poor radio conditions, and makes it impossible to take targeted measures to redistribute them.

[0012] – Limited load balancing optimization mechanisms, as the prototype is based on integrated resource occupancy indicators (PRB usage) obtained from the distributed node, and all optimization mechanisms are limited to a single cell. This inevitably leads to a reduction in data rate and an increase in latency for all user equipment in a congested area, since the base station is unable to utilize the free radio resources of neighboring, less congested cells to relieve excess load.

[0013] – The lack of an inter-cell load balancing mechanism, as the prototype focuses exclusively on managing resource allocation within a single cell. This leads to a situation where the network operates suboptimally: some cells may be constantly overloaded, degrading the quality of service for connected user equipment, while neighboring cells remain underloaded. This reduces the overall efficiency of spectrum utilization and the overall data rate in the network, which directly degrades the quality of service for end users.

[0014] Thus, the technical problem that the group of inventions is aimed at solving is the creation of an original method for managing the distribution of radio resources in a radio network, adapted for distributed network architectures and taking into account the actual activity of user equipment.

[0015] Disclosure of the essence of a group of inventions

[0016] The technical result, which the group of inventions is aimed at achieving, consists in increasing the data transfer rate for user equipment, increasing the total data transfer rate in the LTE network, as well as reducing delays in downloading data, with an accompanying improvement in the quality of service of user equipment in the LTE network.

[0017] The essence of the first invention from the group of inventions is as follows.

[0018] The method for managing the distribution of radio resources in an LTE network for a distributed base station includes the steps of:

[0019] – determining the cell load;

[0020] – recalculation of cell load when switching user equipment (UE).

[0021] Unlike the prototype, the following is carried out:

[0022] – definition of an individual activity indicator based on the analysis of traffic in the downlink channel, as well as the individual quality of the radio signal for each user equipment;

[0023] – determination of the total load on the cell based on the received individual activity indicators and individual radio signal quality indicators of the user equipment served by the cell;

[0024] – Redistribution of user equipment (UE) between cells by a distributed base station based on the received cell load.

[0025] The essence of the second invention from the group of inventions is as follows.

[0026] The distributed base station according to the method of the first invention comprises a hardware and software complex for:

[0027] – determining the load on the cell;

[0028] – definition of an individual activity indicator based on traffic analysis in the downlink channel for each user equipment;

[0029] – definition of individual radio signal quality indicator for each user equipment;

[0030] – determining the total load on a cell based on the received individual activity indicators and individual radio signal quality indicators of the user equipment served by the cell;

[0031] – Redistribution of user equipment (UE) between cells by a distributed base station based on the received cell load.

[0032] The distributed node ensures radio coverage within the cell and interaction with user equipment. It executes commands received from the central node and transmits radio monitoring data to it. The distributed node serves as a source of primary data for analysis and executes handover decisions, i.e., the process of handing over from one base station to another during a call or data transmission session without interruption. This ensures the timely receipt of information and implementation of control actions from the base station.

[0033] A distributed base station implemented in accordance with a distributed architecture such as O-RAN and including a central unit (CU), a plurality of distributed units (DUs), and a near-real-time radio resource control unit (Near-Real-Time RIC), comprises at least one processor and associated memory. At least one processor is implemented as part of the central unit of the distributed base station and ensures the execution of all computing operations necessary for data analysis and decision-making regarding the distribution of radio resources between cells. The memory associated with the processor, in which instructions are stored, is implemented in the form of non-volatile and random-access memory devices containing program code for implementing the method, as well as for storing intermediate data and computation results.Obtaining data on the current load on cells, an individual activity indicator and an individual radio signal quality indicator is carried out through interaction between the central node and distributed nodes servicing the corresponding cells, through specialized interfaces that ensure the transmission of information and measurements with low delays of about 10–100 ms.

[0034] The central node processor determines an individual activity indicator based on downlink traffic analysis for each user equipment. The base station analyzes the data flow at the PDCP protocol level. This allows it to distinguish user equipments that are creating a real load from those in idle mode. As a result, the base station focuses radio resource management only on those users whose redistribution will actually impact cell load. This ensures increased data transfer rates for user equipment, an increase in the overall data transfer rate in the LTE network, and a reduction in data download delays, with a corresponding improvement in the quality of service for user equipment in the LTE network.

[0035] The distributed node processor determines an individual radio signal quality indicator for each user equipment by averaging the received quality indicator (CQI). The filtered individual quality indicator is then transmitted to the resource management module. This allows the base station to estimate the actual radio resource consumption of each user equipment. This helps increase the data transfer rate for user equipment, increase the overall data transfer rate in the LTE network, and reduce data download delays, thereby improving the quality of service for user equipment in the LTE network.

[0036] The processor determines the total cell load based on individual activity indicators and quality indicators of user equipment served in the cell. The total cell load is determined as a function of the sum of active UEs, adjusted for the quality indicator. Using this metric allows one to estimate the current load in time intervals typical for modern traffic consumption profiles. When selecting a cell for servicing a subscriber device, using this metric increases the data transfer rate for user equipment, increases the overall data transfer rate in the LTE network, reduces data download latency, and improves the quality of service for user equipment in the LTE network.

[0037] Reassigning user equipment (UE) between cells by a distributed base station based on the received load metric is the primary control action. This targeted redistribution results in effective load balancing between cells and frees up radio resources in congested areas. This increases the data rate for UE, increases the overall data rate in the LTE network, reduces data download delays, and improves the quality of service for UE in the LTE network.

[0038] Activity indicator detection can be performed by comparing the volume of traffic arriving at the user equipment over a specified time interval with a threshold. This allows for user equipment classification, thereby improving the accuracy of active session detection and filtering out background traffic. This increases the data transfer rate for the user equipment, increases the overall data transfer rate in the LTE network, reduces download latency, and improves the quality of service for the user equipment in the LTE network.

[0039] The radio signal quality indicator can be determined by averaging the quality indicators (CQI) used during data transmission for the corresponding user equipment. This analysis is performed by obtaining data from the MAC layer protocols of the radio interface. This improves the indicator's accuracy and, consequently, the accuracy of load determination, which leads to increased data transfer rates for user equipment, an increase in the overall data transfer rate in the LTE network, and a reduction in data download delays, thereby improving the quality of service for user equipment in the LTE network.

[0040] Cell load determination can be based on a weighted sum of active user equipment, where the weight of each user equipment depends on its radio signal quality indicator. This load determination correctly accounts for the fact that users in poor radio conditions consume a disproportionate amount of radio resources. This results in more efficient load balancing by redistributing resource-intensive users, increasing the data rate for user equipment, increasing the overall data rate in the LTE network, reducing data download latency, and improving the quality of service for user equipment in the LTE network.

[0041] Additionally, they can perform inter-cell handover of user equipment based on standard signal strength triggers, as well as by comparing the load of the source and target cells. This increases the data rate for user equipment, improves the overall data rate in the LTE network, reduces data download latency, and improves the quality of service for LTE user equipment.

[0042] The activity indicator threshold can be adaptive and adjusted using a machine learning algorithm trained on traffic profiles specific to different geographic areas and / or time periods. This allows the base station to automatically adapt to changing load profiles. This adaptability ensures high balancing efficiency without manual intervention, resulting in increased data rates for user equipment, an increase in the overall data rate in the LTE network, and reduced data download latency, with a corresponding improvement in the quality of service for user equipment in the LTE network.

[0043] The group of inventions is characterized by a previously unknown set of essential features from the prior art, distinguished in that they implement:

[0044] – determination of the total load on the cell based on the received individual activity indicators and individual radio signal quality indicators of the user equipment served by the cell, which allows for the formation of a single assessment of the actual cell load, which takes into account both the number of active users and the uneven contribution of each of them to the consumption of radio resources;

[0045] – Redistribution of user equipment between cells by a distributed base station based on the received load, which allows converting analytical data on the load into specific actions for redistribution of user equipment, purposefully moving them from overloaded cells to less loaded ones.

[0046] The combination of essential features of this group of inventions allows for a representation of the actual load distribution across network cells, with the load assessed as a function of the states of specific active user equipment and their individual contribution to the load. Based on this, the base station is able to make targeted decisions regarding the redistribution of user equipment. Thus, it is possible to identify and selectively move precisely those active users whose handover will bring the greatest benefit for load balancing. This, in turn, leads to the optimization of base station radio resource utilization and a reduction in excess signaling load, since the required balance is achieved with a minimum number of control actions. This creates conditions under which radio resources are freed up in overloaded cells and reserves are utilized in underloaded ones.

[0047] This ensures the achievement of a technical result consisting of increasing the data transfer rate for user equipment, increasing the total data transfer rate in the LTE network, and reducing delays in downloading data, with a concomitant improvement in the quality of service of user equipment in the LTE network.

[0048] The group of inventions has a set of essential features previously unknown in the prior art, which indicates its compliance with the patentability criterion of “novelty”.

[0049] The group of inventions is unknown in the prior art and does not clearly follow from it. Therefore, the group of inventions meets the patentability criterion of "inventive step."

[0050] The inventions from a group of inventions are interconnected and form a single inventive concept, which indicates that the group of inventions meets the patentability criterion of “unity of invention”.

[0051] The group of inventions is explained by the following figures.

[0052] Fig. 1 - Structural diagram of a distributed base station implementing a method for managing the distribution of radio resources in an LTE network.

[0053] Fig. 2 - Algorithm of operation of the method for managing the distribution of radio resources in the LTE network for a distributed base station.

[0054] To illustrate the possibility of implementation and a more complete understanding of the essence of the group of inventions, an embodiment of it is presented below, which can be changed or supplemented in any way, while the present group of inventions is in no way limited to the presented embodiment.

[0055] The method for managing radio resource allocation in an LTE network is implemented by a distributed base station 10, the structural diagram of which is shown in Fig. 1, including a software and hardware complex. The software and hardware complex includes a central node 12 (CU) and at least one distributed node 14 (DU), which provides radio coverage in a cell. The distributed base station 10 also includes a radio resource management module 16, which performs centralized radio resource management for all cells served by the station 10. Interaction in the network occurs with user equipment 18 (UE).

[0056] Module 16 includes several functional modules for implementing the declared method:

[0057] – Activity detection module 20 is designed to generate an individual activity indicator (A) for each user equipment 18. Module 20 analyzes traffic in the uplink (UP) at the PDCP protocol level of the central node 12, which makes it insensitive to delays on the transmission line between the distributed and central nodes 14 and 12, respectively.

[0058] – module22 for assessing the quality of a radio signal is designed to receive and process individual indicators of the quality of a radio channel (CQI or RSRP) for each user equipment18.

[0059] – Load determination module 24 uses data from modules 20 and 22 to calculate the load for each cell.

[0060] – Load balancing module 26 makes decisions on redistribution of radio resources between cells based on the received load determined by module 24.

[0061] The method is implemented in the form of the following cyclic sequence of actions.

[0062] Step 100. Obtaining initial data. Module 16 obtains the initial data for determining the load:

[0063] – module20 sends a binary individual activity indicator A∈ 0.1 for each i-th user equipment18;

[0064] – module22 receives information about the quality of the radio channel: for all user equipment18 served in the current cell, the aperiodically transmitted value of the channel quality indicator (CQI) is used.

[0065] Step 102. Cell Load Detection. Load Detection Module 24 calculates the current load Q. s for each served cell s. First, for each i-th user equipment18, its component load is determined according to a formula that takes into account its activity A i and channel quality

[0066] .

[0067] Next, the final load per cell Q is determined sas the square of the sum of the component loadings of all users in a cell, normalized by the frequency coefficient γ s

[0068] ,

[0069] where is the frequency coefficient γ s is defined as the ratio of the frequency band of the cell under consideration ΔF s to the maximum operating bandwidth among all cells ΔF max

[0070] .

[0071] Step 104. Load imbalance analysis and candidate user equipment (UE) selection. Load balancing module 26 compares the defined loads Q s between neighboring cells. If a significant imbalance is detected, a balancing procedure is initiated, during which one or more user equipment18 from the most loaded cell are selected as candidates for handover.

[0072] Step 106. Handover Feasibility Assessment. For the selected i-th candidate UE, the receipt of Measurement Reports is initiated, containing reference signal levels (RSRP) for both the current cell s and candidate cells c. To assess the load change during a possible handover, module 24 determines the equivalent component load. , using RSRP. To do this, the following sequence of calculations is performed:

[0073] – Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation based on RSRP

[0074] ,

[0075] where P0 is the statistical power of noise and interference.

[0076] – Spectral Efficiency Evaluation (SPEF)

[0077] ,

[0078] – tabular definition of equivalent value based on SPEF,

[0079] – component load calculation based on equivalent

[0080] .

[0081] Step 108. Handover decision and execution. Module 26 simulates the load change on the source cell s and candidate cell c in the event of a handover. The load update is performed according to the following rules:

[0082] – for the current cell "s"

[0083] ,

[0084] – for candidate cell "c" where the user is moving

[0085] ,

[0086] where is determined using the formula from step 106, but using the RSRP of the i-th user in candidate cell “c”.

[0087] If the simulated handover results in a reduction in load imbalance, the module26 sends a handover command to the selected UE18.

[0088] In a specific implementation of the method, to improve its efficiency and adaptability, the radio resource management module 16 may include a machine learning module. This module is used to adaptively adjust the threshold value used to determine activity indicator A (Step 100). The machine learning model is trained using traffic profile data specific to different geographic areas and / or time periods. This allows for automatic adjustment of the activity indicator's sensitivity to current network conditions, making radio resource management more accurate and efficient.

[0089] Thus, the technical result is achieved, which consists in increasing the data transfer rate for user equipment, increasing the total data transfer rate in the LTE network, as well as reducing delays in downloading data, with a concomitant improvement in the quality of service of user equipment in the LTE network.

Claims

1. A method for managing the distribution of radio resources in an LTE network for a distributed base station, comprising the steps of which: cell load determination; recalculation of the load on the cell during switching of the user equipment (UE), characterized in that the following is carried out: determination of an individual activity indicator based on the analysis of traffic in the downlink communication channel, as well as the individual quality of the radio signal for each user equipment; determination of the total load on the cell based on the received individual activity indicators and individual radio signal quality indicators of the user equipment served by the cell; redistribution of user equipment (UE) between cells of a distributed base station based on the received cell load.

2. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the determination of the radio signal quality indicator is carried out on the basis of averaging the standard quality indicator CQI used in data transmission for the corresponding user equipment.

3. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the determination of the load on the cell is carried out on the basis of a weighted sum of active user equipment, where the weight of each user equipment depends on its radio signal quality indicator.

4. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the transmission of user equipment between cells is additionally carried out taking into account standard triggers based on the signal level, as well as based on a comparison of the load of the source and target cells.

5. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the activity indicator is determined by comparing the volume of traffic arriving at the user equipment over a given time interval with a threshold value.

6. A distributed base station designed to implement the method according to paragraph 1 and containing a hardware and software complex for: determining the cell load; determining an individual activity indicator based on the analysis of traffic in the downlink channel for each user equipment; determination of an individual radio signal quality indicator for each user equipment; determining the total load on the cell based on the received individual activity indicators and individual radio signal quality indicators of the user equipment served by the cell; redistribution of user equipment (UE) between cells by a distributed base station based on the received cell load.

7. A distributed base station according to paragraph 6, characterized in that it is configured to determine a radio signal quality indicator based on an analysis of the level of coding redundancy used in transmitting data for the corresponding user equipment.

8. A distributed base station according to claim 6, characterized in that it is configured to determine the load on a cell based on a weighted sum of active user equipment, where the weight of each user equipment depends on its radio signal quality indicator.

9. A distributed base station according to paragraph 6, characterized in that it is additionally configured with the possibility of transmitting user equipment between cells taking into account standard triggers based on the signal level, as well as based on a comparison of the load of the source and target cells.

10. A distributed base station according to paragraph 6, characterized in that it is configured to determine an activity indicator by comparing the volume of traffic arriving at the user equipment over a given time interval with a threshold value.

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