Configuration of a communication network suitable for a total quantity of traffic

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing a communication network, the communication network comprising a set of network access units suitable for coverage of a geographic area, the method being implemented by a computer and comprising, for at least one access unit: a step of determining (15, 16, 17) a configuration of the access unit, the configuration being suitable for a total quantity of traffic to be transmitted in the geographic area, the determination step taking into account interference caused by simultaneous transmissions from a plurality of other access units of the network, the interference being obtained by applying (1) a signal propagation model in the geographic area, wherein the signal propagation model takes into account an overall contribution of the other access units of the network to the interference, the overall contribution being determined in accordance with an average distance between the access units of the network.

Description

Description Title: Configuring a communication network, adapted to a total amount of traffic. Technical domain.

[0001] This disclosure falls within the field of telecommunications. More specifically, it concerns communication network management processes, a corresponding computer program, and a management module. Previous technique

[0002] The state of the art includes various solutions for configuring communication networks to meet performance requirements. For example, cellular network planning and optimization techniques have been developed to adjust parameters such as inter-site distance, base station transmission power, and frequency resource allocation. These approaches typically rely on optimization algorithms to improve coverage and quality of service for users.

[0003] However, these existing solutions have several limitations. In particular, they do not adequately account for the impact of interference from other access units on the network.

[0004] Furthermore, they do not allow for the simultaneous assessment of the network's capacity to handle a given amount of traffic and to guarantee a minimum throughput for a defined proportion of users.

[0005] In this context, there is a continuing need for a solution that allows for the dynamic optimization of network access unit configuration, adapted to the actual signal propagation conditions. Summary

[0006] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0007] According to one aspect, a method for managing a communication network is proposed, comprising a set of network access units adapted to cover a geographical area, said method being implemented by computer and comprising, for at least one access unit: a determination of an access unit configuration, the configuration being adapted to a total amount of traffic to be transmitted in the geographical area, the determination taking into account interference due to transmissions from a plurality of other network access units, Interference is assessed by taking into account an overall contribution from other network access units to the interference, the overall contribution being determined based on an average distance between network access units.

[0008] Determining an access unit configuration appropriate for the total amount of traffic to be transmitted within a given geographic area can optimize network resource allocation based on overall traffic needs. This process can, for example, allow adjustments to access unit density, transmission power, and other parameters to ensure efficient traffic flow while minimizing congestion. It can also optimize the communication network infrastructure by reducing the number of access units required to meet a given demand, thereby contributing to improved energy efficiency and reduced network operating costs.

[0009] According to another aspect, a method for managing a mobile communication network is proposed, comprising a set of network access units adapted to cover a geographical area, said method being implemented by computer and comprising, for at least one access unit: a determination of an access unit configuration, the configuration being adapted to a quality of service criterion in a coverage area of ​​the access unit, the quality of service criterion being defined for a total amount of traffic to be transmitted in the geographical area, the determination taking into account interference due to transmissions from a plurality of other access units in the network, Interference is assessed by taking into account an overall contribution from other network access units to the interference, the overall contribution being determined based on an average distance between network access units.

[0010] Determining an access unit configuration tailored to a defined quality of service criterion for a given volume of traffic to be transmitted within a geographic area can ensure a satisfactory user experience by guaranteeing that connected devices benefit from a minimum throughput or other performance parameter, regardless of network load variations. This process allows for dynamic adaptation of the network configuration to maintain the expected quality of service, particularly in environments with varying user density or in scenarios where traffic demand fluctuates.

[0011] The two proposed methods share several common technical advantages. They can improve interference management by taking into account the overall contribution of other network access units, thus optimizing the coexistence of transmissions. They can also facilitate network adaptation to variations in propagation conditions and evolving user needs, offering greater operational flexibility. Finally, these methods can contribute to improved energy efficiency through better allocation of access units and network resources according to traffic constraints and quality of service requirements.

[0012] In another aspect, a computer program is proposed that includes instructions for implementing all or part of one or more of the processes as defined herein when executed by a processor. In another aspect, a non-transient, computer-readable recording medium is proposed on which such a program is recorded.

[0013] According to another aspect, a mobile communication network management module is proposed, comprising a set of network access units adapted to cover a geographical area, said module being configured for the implementation of all or part of one or the other of the processes as defined herein.

[0014] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented in either of the processes as defined herein. They may be implemented independently or in combination with each other.

[0015] In one example, the access unit configuration includes at least one item from a list that includes: a distance between the access unit and at least one neighboring access unit, the transmission power of the access unit, and an antenna gain of at least one antenna of the access unit.

[0016] In one example, the process includes an estimation of a minimum expected throughput for a given proportion of terminals attached to the access unit in the determined configuration.

[0017] In one example, determining the access unit configuration includes evaluating the distance between access units required to achieve a network performance threshold.

[0018] In one example, the determination of the access unit configuration takes into account an energy efficiency criterion.

[0019] In one example, the signal propagation model takes into account at least one distance between access units of the set of access units.

[0020] In one example, the signal propagation model takes into account an individual contribution from at least one of the other access units to the interference.

[0021] In one example, the signal propagation model takes into account a contribution of thermal noise at the terminal level and / or a propagation loss between an access unit and the terminal due to interference.

[0022] In one example, the signal propagation model takes into account, for a transmission of a useful signal between a first access unit located at a first site and a receiver, a value yd int ), of a useful signal-to-interference-to-noise ratio, determined according to a relationship of the form: where K represents the influence of a level of interference collectively generated by second access units located on second sites distinct from the first site, K2 represents, when at least one additional access unit is located on the first site, an influence of a level of interference generated by the at least one additional access unit, and K3 represents an influence of thermal noise specific to the receiver and / or an influence of propagation losses specific to the transmission of the useful signal.

[0023] In one example, = KK,' + K2+ K,t .

[0024] In one example, the application of the signal propagation model includes determining a proportion, G, of terminals connected to the access unit and achieving a given minimum throughput and, optionally, comparing the determined proportion with a threshold. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which: Fig. 1

[0026] [Fig. 1] illustrates by means of a flowchart a process for managing a communication network, according to an example of implementation. Fig. 2

[0027] [Fig. 2] illustrates by means of a flowchart a process for managing a communication network, according to an example of implementation. Fig. 2

[0028] [Fig. 3] represents a processing circuit adapted to implement a method for managing a communication network, according to an example of an implementation. Description of the implementation methods

[0029] In the description that follows, identical reference numbers denote identical elements or elements having similar functions.

[0030] The proposed technology falls within the telecommunications sector, and more specifically within mobile communication networks. To ensure better understanding, certain concepts specific to this field are defined below.

[0031] A telecommunications network is an infrastructure that enables the exchange of information between several entities located in a given geographical area. It relies on a system comprising a set of equipment and capable of using a set of protocols that ensure the transmission of signals, whether voice, data, or multimedia.

[0032] A telecommunications network can be wired or wireless, and notably includes mobile networks, which use radio waves to ensure communication between terminals and the network infrastructure.

[0033] Among mobile networks, cellular systems constitute a predominant architecture. These systems are organized into cells, each served by a network access unit called a "base station." They utilize various radio access technologies, notably those based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing techniques, such as OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access).

[0034] As an example, the proposed technique can be applied to OFDMA-based cellular systems, such as: LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G (NR - New Radio), or 6G.

[0035] A radio access network (RAN) is the part of a mobile network responsible for connecting user equipment (terminals) to the core network. It comprises a set of base stations that manage communications within a given geographic area. The RAN is a component of OFDMA-based cellular systems.

[0036] In addition to cellular networks, the proposed technique can also be implemented in non-cellular communication systems in which terminals are served by network access units.

[0037] For example, In Wi-Fi networks, network access units are called access points (APs). In long-range IoT networks (LPWAN - Low Power Wide Area Network), such as LoRaWAN or Sigfox, the network access units are gateways or receiving stations, In satellite networks, the network access units are relay satellites or ground stations, and In private industrial networks, network access units are private access points or radio communication units.

[0038] Regardless of the type of network, the optimal management of network access units, taking into account interference, quality of service and energy efficiency, is a fundamental challenge, to which the proposed technique provides a solution adaptable to various communication infrastructures.

[0039] In this document, a geographic area refers to the space in which the network is deployed and where users can access mobile communication services. This area generally comprises several sites, which group together the equipment necessary to cover specific sub-regions.

[0040] A site is a location where one or more base stations are installed. A base station is a network component that transmits and receives radio signals between the network and user terminals. It is equipped with, or associated with, several components, including antennas, amplifiers, and signal processing units. The network's base stations may be owned by, or used by, a single operator or multiple operators.

[0041] An antenna is a component of base stations. An antenna transmits and receives electromagnetic waves to establish communication with terminals. The main characteristics of an antenna are its gain, which is a measure of the signal amplification in a given direction; its radiation pattern, which represents the distribution of the signal in space; and its tilt angle, which represents the antenna's spatial orientation.

[0042] Base stations can be isolated (i.e., only one base station can be installed at a given site) or co-located, i.e., a given site can group several base stations operating, for example, on different frequency bands, or in different directions.

[0043] Intersite distance represents the average distance between two adjacent sites in the network. Site density refers to the number of base station sites per unit area in a given geographic area. Intersite distance and site density are network design parameters that influence network coverage, network capacity, and interference management. A dense network, with a short intersite distance, allows for higher data rates and better quality of service, while a network with a greater intersite distance and a lower site density prioritizes wider coverage with fewer devices.

[0044] Each base station covers a specific area called its coverage area, which depends on several factors, including: the transmission power, that is, the intensity of the signal transmitted by the base station, the gain of the antenna(s), that is, the ability to direct radio energy in certain directions to maximize coverage and minimize interference, and the propagation environment: in particular the presence of obstacles, terrain and / or buildings that may influence the propagation of the signal.

[0045] The transmit power of a base station is the power at which the base station transmits the radio signal. It influences the signal range, network capacity, and the level of interference with other base stations.

[0046] A terminal, also called a "mobile terminal" or "user terminal" depending on the application context, is a device connected to the mobile network, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop with a modem, or a connected object (IoT). Each terminal communicates with the network via a base station called a server base station.

[0047] When a base station transmits data to a terminal, the radio signal is emitted with a certain transmission power. This signal is then received by the terminal with a power that depends on several parameters, including: the transmission power of the base station, the distance between the base station and the terminal, and the propagation conditions, including in particular the multipath effects related to reflections and diffractions of the signal on obstacles present in the environment.

[0048] In addition, the terminal receives not only a useful signal from the base station to which it is connected, but also interference generated by simultaneous transmissions from other base stations using the same frequency band.

[0049] Thus, the reception quality and network performance for this terminal depend in particular on: of the strength of the useful signal received, the level of interference from other base stations, and the network's ability to effectively manage the coexistence of transmissions.

[0050] Because base stations in the network typically transmit to a large number of terminals simultaneously within the same frequency band, multiple interferences are induced. Furthermore, the propagation environment (e.g., urban or rural, indoor or outdoor, etc.) impacts signal reception and a base station's capacity to handle traffic. In addition, the coverage area and quality of service offered by the serving base station also affect the traffic that can be handled.

[0051] For these reasons, the traffic that can be carried by a server base station and the quality of service offered to connected terminals cannot be determined a priori without taking these factors into account.

[0052] In the field of mobile communication network management, known techniques allow for the estimation of a base station's performance based on parameters such as transmission power, maximum theoretical throughput, and interference. These techniques also include approaches for dynamic resource allocation and transmission optimization to guarantee a minimum throughput for a certain percentage of users.

[0053] However, these techniques have several limitations.

[0054] They do not take into account the impact of the propagation environment when establishing the traffic carried by a station or a set of base stations, guaranteeing a level of performance to connected terminals, particularly in terms of throughput.

[0055] They do not consider the traffic requirements of users with a guaranteed throughput, nor the total power emitted by the entire network, to establish the performance actually achieved by the system, particularly in terms of throughput and energy efficiency.

[0056] They do not integrate the energy efficiency of the network either in the design or in the evaluation of the network's performance.

[0057] They do not take into account the actual traffic flowed by a base station as a parameter in evaluating network performance.

[0058] Such an approach does not allow a network operator to ensure, in the event of simultaneous use of the same resources by several stations, that the network performance meets both the users' requirements for throughput and the transmission of a given amount of traffic.

[0059] The proposed technique aims to overcome these limitations.

[0060] The following aspects, embodiments, and examples are described, by way of illustration only, in the context of managing a cellular network where the network access units are base stations. These aspects, embodiments, and examples apply similarly to managing any type of communication network comprising network access units distributed across separate sites.

[0061] Thus, according to one aspect, a method for managing a mobile communication network is proposed, aimed at determining one or more aspects of a configuration of at least one base station such that one or more performance criteria are satisfied, for example in terms of capacity, quality of service, energy efficiency and / or coverage, while taking into account constraints related to interference in the network.

[0062] This management process can be implemented, for example: within the framework of a network planning tool, and / or within the framework of the operational management of the network.

[0063] Configuring base stations can refer to various possible actions, including: determining an inter-site distance, for example for the purpose of determining a geographical distribution of sites, selective activation or deactivation of base stations, an adjustment of the transmission power, a modification of antenna gain, an antenna tilt adjustment, an allocation of resources, a distribution of transmissions between different base stations, the implementation of an anti-congestion mechanism, etc.

[0064] Performance criteria can be of various kinds. For example, they may involve: meeting traffic demand, i.e., transporting a given volume of data within the geographical area covered by the network's base stations, and / or to ensure a minimum throughput for a certain percentage of users connected to a base station, and / or to manage interference between base stations in order to improve the quality of the signal received by users, and / or to maintain a defined level of service quality, for example by guaranteeing latency below a given threshold or by prioritizing certain types of traffic, and / or to improve the energy efficiency of the network, in particular by adjusting the transmission power or adapting the inter-site distance, and / or to regulate network load, for example by dynamically redistributing connections between base stations based on their occupancy, and / or to ensure continuous coverage of the geographical area, in particular by adapting the configuration of base stations according to propagation conditions and user needs.

[0065] In one embodiment, configuring the base station to meet a performance criterion corresponds to determining, for the base station, a configuration suitable for a total amount of traffic to be transmitted in the geographical area. This amount of traffic can be defined, for example, as a performance threshold to be reached or exceeded.

[0066] The configuration thus determined can also take into account a quality of service criterion, such as a guaranteed bandwidth for connected users. It can therefore make it possible to anticipate whether a terminal can achieve a given bandwidth and / or whether a base station will be able to handle the required amount of traffic within its coverage area, by incorporating bandwidth requirements. This approach can be used, in particular, to forecast, quantify, and control network performance in a given geographic area, whether urban or rural.

[0067] It can also be stipulated that the configuration determination takes into account an energy efficiency criterion. In this case, the resulting configuration determines the minimum sufficient transmission power of a base station so that connected terminals within its coverage area can receive the required amount of traffic while guaranteeing a throughput at least equal to a minimum value. This optimization helps reduce the network's energy consumption and carbon footprint, while maintaining the required level of service.

[0068] Furthermore, the configuration of a base station can be established taking into account structural network parameters, such as the inter-site distance and the environmental characteristics of the area under consideration. This approach allows for adjusting the distribution of base stations and optimizing transmission power to ensure the required traffic flow across the entire network. Configurable parameters include, in particular, the transmission power of the base stations and the inter-site distance.

[0069] Furthermore, the configuration of a base station can incorporate the impact of simultaneous transmissions from other stations in the network on the traffic it is capable of handling. By taking these interactions into account, it is possible to ensure that user traffic requirements are met while maintaining a given level of service quality.

[0070] The various aspects described above can be combined as needed. For example, a configuration that takes into account a traffic threshold, a quality of service criterion, and an energy efficiency criterion allows for the simultaneous optimization of network performance, energy consumption, and interference management.

[0071] In one embodiment, configuring the base station to meet a performance criterion corresponds to determining, for the base station, a configuration adapted to a quality of service criterion in a coverage area of ​​the base station, the quality of service criterion being defined for a total amount of traffic to be transmitted in the geographical area.

[0072] In such an embodiment, the quality of service criterion can, for example, be provided as a performance threshold to be reached or exceeded, and the total amount of traffic to be transmitted associated with it can, for example, be determined or obtained as a result of applying this criterion.

[0073] The configuration thus determined can make it possible to anticipate whether a terminal connected to a server base station can achieve a given minimum throughput, by integrating traffic requirements in the geographical area covered by the network and / or quality of service.

[0074] The proposed management process can, for example: determine a minimum distance between base stations to meet traffic demand in a geographical area covered by these stations, and / or minimize the number of base stations required, or the number of sites required, to meet traffic demand in the geographical area covered by these stations, for example by installing new base stations and / or by selectively activating or deactivating already installed base stations, and consequently maximize the energy efficiency of the network and minimize its carbon impact, and / or adjust the throughput offered by a base station when that station responds to a traffic demand, for example by adjusting a transmit power, antenna gain, resource utilization rate or any other configurable parameter of that base station and / or other base stations in the network.

[0075] The proposed management method uses a signal propagation model in the geographical area covered by the network in order to estimate, or determine, for a transmission made by a given base station placed in a given configuration, the interference resulting from simultaneous transmissions from other base stations in the network.

[0076] As an example, a signal propagation model is described below, based on expressions (1), (1 bis) and (2).

[0077] This model allows us to evaluate a base station's capacity to handle traffic based on various parameters such as inter-site distance, frequency resource utilization rate, and minimum guaranteed throughput. This model illustrates one possible way to establish a relationship between network configuration and expected performance.

[0078] The traffic n (in Mbits / s) that can be carried by a base station refers to the flow of data that can be transmitted at any given time by the base station. The traffic fi can, for example, be determined using expression (1): fi = pD where p represents the resource utilization rate (e.g., frequency), and D represents the mean harmonic data transmission rate.

[0079] The average flow rate D can, for example, be determined using expression (1 bis): ( m \ 1 — e ] dtdS where m = 2 b - 1 and b = — aW —t where int denotes the inter-site distance, or average distance between two adjacent base stations, A denotes the area of ​​the base station's coverage zone, dS is an elementary surface of the coverage area, m denotes the threshold value of the signal-to-noise ratio and interference (SINR) required to achieve a given data rate, yd int ) is the SINR value for a given inter-site distance, m e ( d int) is the signal attenuation function expressing the probability that the SINR exceeds a given threshold, a is the spectral efficiency factor of the transmission channel, W is the bandwidth available for transmission, and t is a time integration parameter that takes into account random variations in the signal.

[0080] Expression (1) can for example be applied to increasing values ​​of inter-site distance, until an inter-site distance is identified that allows a given traffic demand to be met, corresponding to a desired amount of traffic over the geographical area covered by the set of base stations, depending on a given proportion of frequency resources.

[0081] Such an approach can, for example, make it possible to identify an inter-site distance of 800 meters as sufficient to allow a base station to handle 10 Mbit / s of traffic.

[0082] The level of traffic processed may not be the only performance criterion considered. For example, another performance criterion could be guaranteeing a minimum throughput for connected devices.

[0083] A minimum throughput guarantee means that a certain proportion of users within a base station's coverage area must be able to achieve a throughput at least equal to a threshold value D*. This proportion of users is an adjustable parameter: for example, 95% of users may be required to achieve at least £>*, but other thresholds can be defined, such as 90% or 99%, depending on the network's quality of service requirements.

[0084] To quantify this criterion, it is possible to define a function which represents the proportion of users for whom the signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) is sufficient to achieve the minimum throughput D*. The function H(d mt ) can, for example, be determined using expression (2): H (dint) = f A e dS where A denotes the surface area of ​​the base station's coverage zone, yd int ) is the SINR value for a given inter-site distance, T^ D*) denotes the SINR threshold required to guarantee a minimum throughput D*, and e d int) denotes the signal attenuation function as a function of SINR.

[0085] Expression (2) can be associated, for example, with the following condition: H(d int ) = 95%, which means that 95% of connected terminals must have a sufficient SINR to achieve the minimum throughput £>*.

[0086] The minimum flow rate D* can be defined by £>* = T(8*) = aV log2(l + 5*) where a is the spectral efficiency factor of the transmission channel, W is the bandwidth available for transmission, and 8* is the SINR threshold value associated with the guaranteed minimum flow rate.

[0087] The term y(d int) appearing in expressions (1 bis) and (2), representing the SINR value for a transmission between a server base station and a connected terminal for a given inter-site distance, can for example be determined using the following expression:

[0088] In this expression, each term corresponds to a physical contribution influencing SINR, these physical contributions being decoupled from each other.

[0089] K-, K' represents the influence of the level of interference collectively generated by base stations located at sites other than that of the serving base station. K, : represents the influence of site density and inter-site distance on this level of interference. K represents the influence of antenna gains and angular interference.

[0090] K2 represents the influence of the level of interference generated by base stations located on the same site as the server base station. When the server base station is isolated, meaning no other server base station is located on the same site, K2 is zero since no local interference is generated. Conversely, when several base stations are co-located on the same site, K2 corresponds to the sum of the interference contributions from these co-located stations. If only one other base station is co-located with the server base station, K2 is equal to the influence of that station. If several base stations are co-located with the server base station, K2 is the sum of the individual interferences from each of them on the transmission carried out by the server base station.

[0091] K3 represents the influence of thermal noise specific to the receiver at the terminal level and the influence of propagation losses.

[0092] The mathematical form of formally depends on the expressions used to determine , K[, K2 and K3.

[0093] In one example, f(K1K, K2, K3') = K, K' + K2+ K3.

[0094] In such an example, K r K, K2 and K3 can be determined, for example, using the following expressions: 1Z _ n 3G v p s (d int -r) 2 1 P ( J? -2)(r2 + h2)-V2

[0095] j^BWde 1 >1(0,0) " _ ZU ^ a 0 a ) 2 >1(0,0) iz _ _ N th _ 3 G0PK(r 2 +h 2 )~^ / 2A(e, <l>where p represents the resource utilization rate (e.g., frequency-based), G v is the vertical antenna gain, p s is the density of sites, d int is the inter-site distance, r is the horizontal distance between the server base station and the connected terminal. h is the height of the antenna of the server base station p is an attenuation exponent of the transmission channel as a function of the propagation distance, A 9,cp) represents the angular gain of the antennas as a function of both the horizontal angle 9 and the vertical angle 0, 0(0) represents the angular gain of the base stations co-located with the server base station as a function of the horizontal angle 9, N th is the thermal noise at the receiver level. G o is the maximum antenna gain, P represents the transmission power of the server base station, and K is a propagation constant.

[0096] B(0) can be determined using the following expression: B(0) = H1(0) ds where Hi(0) dB = -min[-H(0) ds , HAS m + v i,d B ] G v = ^ dB = - min [12 g^) 2 , HAS m ] H 9) dB is the attenuation due to the horizontal directivity of the antenna as a function of 9, HAS m is the maximum attenuation applied by the antenna, cp tilt is the vertical tilt angle of the antenna, and 0 3dB is the vertical beam width at half power.

[0097] A(9, cp) can be determined using the following expression: 21(0,0) = — min[— (H (0) dB + 7(0) ds )M m ] WHERE H(0) de = - min [12 gg-), A m ] y(0) dB = -min [12 H 9) dB is the attenuation due to the horizontal directivity of the antenna as a function of 0, (0) dB is the attenuation due to the vertical directivity of the antenna as a function of 0, HAS m is the maximum attenuation applied by the antenna, 0 3dB is the horizontal beam width at half power. cp tilt is the vertical tilt angle of the antenna, and 0 3dB is the vertical beam width at half power.

[0098] Alternatively, the propagation model can consider the physical contributions K-, K, K2, and K3 in a non-decoupled manner, that is, by integrating interactions between these different contributions rather than considering them as independent terms that add linearly. In this case, the function K2, K3 can be defined in a more complex form, for example, by taking into account multiplicative or non-linear effects between the different terms. Such an approach can better represent certain physical interactions, such as the dependence of the interference level on the signal-to-noise ratio or the saturation effects related to cumulative interference in a base station-dense environment.

[0099] [First application example]

[0100] A possible example of use 1 of the propagation model in the context of the proposed communication network management process is now detailed, in connection with figure 1.

[0101] In this application example, a first performance criterion is obtained (10) and a second performance criterion is obtained (11).

[0102] The first performance criterion concerns meeting a traffic demand within the geographic area (for example, 1 Tbit / s in a large metropolitan area). When the traffic demand is met, the first performance criterion is fulfilled. Conversely, when the traffic demand is not met, the first performance criterion is not fulfilled.

[0103] A second performance criterion concerns meeting a guaranteed throughput requirement for terminals connected to the server base station (for example, 1 Mbps for 95% of connected terminals). When the specified throughput is reached or exceeded for the specified proportion of terminals, the second performance criterion is met. Conversely, when the specified throughput is not reached for the specified proportion of terminals, the second performance criterion is not met.

[0104] In this application example, one objective is to configure at least one server base station to meet the performance criteria obtained while taking into account constraints related to interference in the network.

[0105] Several approaches are possible.

[0106] Initially, expression (1) can for example be applied 12a, for a given transmission power, to increasing values ​​of inter-site distance, until an inter-site distance is identified 13a which meets the traffic demand as specified by the first performance criterion and the corresponding proportion of resources is identified.

[0107] Alternatively, or in combination with the previous approach, expression (1) can for example be applied 12b, for a given inter-site distance, to increasing values ​​of transmission power, until 13b a transmission power is identified which, in conjunction with the inter-site distance in question, meets the traffic demand as specified by the first performance criterion and the corresponding proportion of resources is identified.

[0108] The preceding approaches illustrate optimization where only one parameter is adjusted at a time, or sequential optimization where parameters are adjusted successively. However, the use of the propagation model is not limited to these approaches. Different combined strategies can be implemented depending on the performance criteria considered. Thus, rather than adjusting each parameter independently, it is possible, for example, to explore combinations of inter-site distance and transmission power simultaneously, using optimization algorithms or by directly testing configurations adapted to network constraints.

[0109] Thus, in general, any set of network parameters, for example a set of parameters including inter-site distance, transmission power, antenna gain, resource utilization, modulation and coding scheme, and traffic type, can be defined by a set of values. Expression (1) can then be applied to several candidate sets of values ​​until a set of values ​​is identified that meets the traffic demand as specified by one or more performance criteria.

[0110] Furthermore, an interesting approach is to test decreasing transmission power values ​​to find the best energy efficiency. This makes it possible to identify the minimum power required to ensure the transmission of the requested traffic, while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

[0111] Once the intersite distance identified 13a and / or the transmission power identified 13b to satisfy the traffic demand in accordance with the first criterion, it is possible to assess whether these parameters also satisfy the throughput guarantee requirement specified by the second criterion.

[0112] Thus, in a second step, expression (2) can be applied using the inter-site distance and / or the transmission power determined in the previous step. One possible objective is to establish the minimum guaranteed throughput D* achieved by a certain proportion of users connected to the server base station. For example, it is possible to verify whether 95% of users benefit from a throughput D* of at least 1 Mbit / s.

[0113] If the throughput guarantee requirement is not met with the parameters determined previously (for example: the transmission power of the server base station and / or the inter-site distance), it is possible to make adjustments to the values ​​of these parameters.

[0114] These adjustments can be made by balancing several constraints, including energy efficiency and infrastructure optimization. A gradual reduction in transmission power allows, in particular, the identification of the minimum consumption required to ensure service. Increasing the inter-site distance allows, in particular, a reduction in the number of sites, which decreases the network's carbon footprint, but may require adjustments to transmission power to compensate for the loss of coverage.

[0115] Furthermore, in the event that the demand for throughput is such that the transmission power required to meet the requirements would exceed the maximum capacity of the server base station, expression (2) allows us to identify 16 the theoretical maximum value D; nax the minimum achievable data flow rate as this flow approaches zero, which can be provided by the expression D m * ax = T(S) = aWlog2(l + 5) where ô represents the value of the SINR in the limiting case where no traffic is carried.

[0116] In such a scenario, expression (2) also allows us to identify 17 an inter-site distance d°^ representing a balance between traffic requirements and guaranteed throughput, and which can be provided by the expression d m op t t t = D m * ax fl - py

[0117] This application example illustrates how the propagation model can be used within the proposed management process to simultaneously optimize traffic flow, quality of service, and network energy efficiency.

[0118] In this application example, it is possible to determine a priori and / or verify a posteriori: if a base station (or set of base stations) can handle a required amount of traffic with a guaranteed throughput given a maximum transmission power, and / or if, for that base station (or set of base stations), a given intersite distance and / or a given transmission power is suitable for handling such an amount of traffic with such a guaranteed throughput.

[0119] This application example is based on an approach where overall traffic demand is considered a fundamental criterion to be met, and where the throughput guarantee can be adjusted if necessary.

[0120] However, this approach is only one of many ways to leverage the propagation model within the proposed management process. More generally, it is possible to redefine the fundamental criteria to be met based on the objectives sought in network management.

[0121] For example, a given performance criterion, which is not necessarily related to overall traffic demand, can be defined as a fundamental and non-adjustable parameter, and all other network parameters can be determined accordingly.

[0122] Alternatively, several performance criteria can be defined as fundamental and non-adjustable parameters, and all other network parameters can be determined accordingly.

[0123] According to another approach, all network parameters are adjustable simultaneously, with none fixed a priori. In this case, an optimization mechanism can rely on a cost function that takes into account several objectives, such as improving energy efficiency, mitigating interference, or reducing infrastructure costs, thus making it possible to determine a configuration that balances several deployment constraints.

[0124] [Second application example]

[0125] Another possible example of use 1 of the propagation model in the context of the proposed communication network management process is now detailed, in connection with figure 2.

[0126] In this application example, a criterion of 20 is obtained, this criterion relating to a throughput for a given traffic guarantee in the geographical area and / or a quality of service for a given traffic guarantee in the geographical area.

[0127] The propagation model is used 1 to determine one or more characteristics of the mobile network, for example transmission power, antenna gain or the allocation of communication resources, in order to meet the requirement considered for the given traffic guarantee.

[0128] This application example can be implemented, for example, in the context of network monitoring and / or control, in order to assess whether, for a given network configuration (given inter-site distance, base station power, etc.), a base station configured to help guarantee a certain level of traffic in the geographical area is providing the expected performance in terms of quality of service and, in particular, throughput.

[0129] In such a configuration, a flow rate criterion can, for example, be defined by fulfilling the following condition: achieving a throughput of at least 2 Mbps for 85% of terminals connected to a given server base station, given that the guaranteed traffic value has been reached.

[0130] Alternatively, the throughput criterion can, for example, be defined by achieving a throughput of at least 1 Mbit / s for 95% of terminals connected to a given server base station for a given amount of traffic flowed over the geographical area.

[0131] Alternatively, the throughput criterion can be replaced by or combined with a quality of service criterion, for example a criterion relating to packet loss rate, latency, jitter, etc... for a proportion of terminals connected to a given server base station for a given amount of traffic flowed over the geographical area.

[0132] In this application example, use 1 of the signal propagation model includes a determination 21 of a proportion, denoted G, of terminals connected to a server base station and achieving a given minimum throughput.

[0133] G can be determined using expression (3): G(P,8, R C ) = $ A (l - e~ï)dS where P is the transmission power of the server base station, 5 is a SINR threshold value associated with a guaranteed minimum flow rate, R c is the coverage radius of the server base station, A is the surface area of ​​the geographical zone, dS is an elementary part of the surface A, and y is the SINR value for a transmission between the server base station and a connected terminal.

[0134] This value takes into account the distance between the receiver and the serving base station, the distances between the receiver and interfering base stations, as well as the respective antenna angles and gains, and does not take fast fading into account.

[0135] The value of G(P, S, R C ) such as obtained by application of expression (3) can then be compared 22 to a given threshold.

[0136] In one example, the throughput criterion includes achieving a guaranteed minimum throughput, denoted £> 15O / o , for 85% of terminals connected to the server base station. A SINR threshold value, denoted <î 15 o / o , is associated with this guaranteed minimum flow rate. In this example, GP, ô, R c ) such as determined by applying expression (3) with <5 = <5 15O / o can be compared to a threshold of 15%, which indicates that a proportion of 15% of the terminals connected to the server base station do not reach the minimum guaranteed throughput.

[0137] In another example, the flow criterion includes achieving a guaranteed minimum flow rate, denoted £>50 / O , for 95% of terminals connected to the server base station. A SINR threshold value, denoted <5 S% , is associated with this guaranteed minimum flow rate. In this example, G P.ô. R^ as determined by application of expression (3) with <5 = <î5o / o can be compared to a threshold of 5%, which indicates that a proportion of 5% of the terminals connected to the server base station do not reach the minimum guaranteed throughput.

[0138] As indicated in the propagation model description, the minimum guaranteed data rate D* can, in general, be determined by the expression D* = 7(5*) = aV log2(l + 5*) where a is the spectral efficiency factor of the transmission channel, W is the bandwidth available for transmission, and S* is the SINR threshold value associated with the guaranteed minimum flow rate.

[0139] In the examples above, the guaranteed minimum flow rate can, for example, be determined by: £> I5O / O = T(5 15 O / O ) = a og2(l + 5 1S o / o ), Or ^5% = = aMog2(l + 55O / O ) according to the flow rate criterion considered.

[0140] According to an example network configuration, the inter-site distance is 1000 meters and the base station transmission power is 40 dBm. In such a configuration, and for a given traffic guarantee (e.g., 10 Mbps per base station), using expression (3) allows us to determine the probability that a terminal will reach a minimum guaranteed throughput that satisfies the throughput criterion.

[0141] The probability thus obtained can, for example, be used to adjust the transmission power P and / or any other network parameter.

[0142] For example, if the flow rate criterion includes achieving a guaranteed minimum flow rate, denoted D s% If 95% of the terminals connected to the server base station are at 2%, then 98% of the terminals connected to the server base station reach the minimum guaranteed throughput: the required target value is exceeded, and the criterion is therefore met. Equation (3) can then be applied again, considering a lower-adjusted transmission power. If the probability thus obtained is 10%, then 90% of the terminals connected to the server base station reach the minimum guaranteed throughput: the criterion is therefore no longer met. Equation (3) can then be applied again, considering an higher-adjusted transmission power, and so on, until a transmission power is determined that reconciles compliance with the throughput criterion and an energy efficiency objective.

[0143] Considering a given network configuration, in the event that the desired minimum guaranteed throughput is such that, to meet it, the determined transmission power 23 would have to reach a value greater than the maximum power value that the base station can deliver, the use of expression (3) may allow: to determine that it is not possible to handle the requested traffic with the desired guaranteed throughput, and / or to determine 24 the maximum possible guaranteed throughput value D max considering the maximum transmission power of the base station.

[0144] In a context of network planning, where the configuration of base stations must be defined before their deployment, it may be useful to determine whether a given inter-site distance can guarantee a given throughput criterion, while respecting a predefined maximum transmission power for the base stations.

[0145] For example, it is considered that: the transmission power of the base stations is fixed at a maximum value P max , The throughput criterion requires that 95% of terminals connected to a server base station achieve a guaranteed minimum throughput D s% , And the inter-site distance of int is not fixed and must be determined accordingly.

[0146] In such a scenario, one possible approach is to apply expression (3) for different values ​​of d int while maintaining the emission power constant and equal to P max in order to identify the maximum inter-site distance that guarantees the flow rate criterion. In a first iteration, an initial value of inter-site distance d int = 1500m is tested. Applying expression (3) gives a probability of 10%, meaning that only 90% of terminals reach the minimum required throughput. The 95% criterion is therefore not met; the inter-site distance is too great. In a second iteration, the inter-site distance is reduced to d int = 1200m. Applying expression (3) gives a probability of 5%, which means that 95% of terminals reach the minimum guaranteed throughput in a configuration where d int = 1200m. The criterion is met, therefore this inter-site distance is determined to be acceptable.

[0147] In some cases, an objective may be to ensure a guaranteed minimum throughput, while allowing adjustment of the proportion of users required to meet this criterion, i.e., the threshold for comparison with G, depending on network capacity. In one example, an inter-site distance of int given and a maximum emission power P max are fixed, and a minimum throughput D* must be guaranteed for a certain percentage of users. According to one possible approach, different proportions of terminals meeting the throughput criterion are tested until an acceptable threshold is found, for example at least 90%, or at least 85%.

[0148] In some cases, an objective may be to ensure a guaranteed minimum throughput for a fixed proportion of terminals connected to a server base station, while allowing the value of this guaranteed minimum throughput to be adjusted. In one example, an inter-site distance of int given and a maximum emission power P max are fixed, and a performance criterion may be to guarantee that a given proportion of terminals connected to the server base station achieves a minimum throughput D*. According to one possible approach, different candidate values ​​of the guaranteed minimum throughput are tested by applying expression (3) until the highest possible value of the guaranteed minimum throughput D* is found that allows the server base station to meet the performance criterion.

[0149] The application example thus described illustrates how the propagation model can be used 1 within the framework of the proposed management process in order to quantify and / or control network performance relative to a quality of service requirement in a given geographical area, urban or rural.

[0150] In this application example, it is possible to determine a priori and / or verify a posteriori: if a base station (or set of base stations) can meet the throughput and / or quality of service requirements offered to connected terminals, taking into account the guarantee of transmission of a given amount of traffic within the network coverage area, and / or if, for this base station (or set of base stations), a given transmission power is suitable for providing the required throughput and / or quality of service with such a guarantee of traffic transmission, and / or yes, a given inter-site distance is suitable to allow a set of base stations with a given maximum transmission power to offer the required throughput and / or quality of service with such a guarantee of traffic transmission.

[0151] This determination and / or verification takes into account the impact of interference due to simultaneous transmissions from other base stations in the network on the traffic that can be carried.

[0152] The proposed technique can be implemented by a management module, which can be implemented by a single computer device or by a system comprising a plurality of computer devices, each fulfilling specific functions.

[0153] Figure 3 illustrates a processing circuit 30 intended for the implementation of the mobile communication network management process as described above.

[0154] This processing circuit can be used to implement one or more functions of the management module, for example this processing circuit can be used to determine the configuration of one or more network access units according to one or more performance criteria, taking into account interference in the network by using a propagation model.

[0155] This processing circuit includes: a processor 31 or processing unit, a memory 32 or data storage device, storing instructions in the form of a computer program intended to be executed by the processor, and Optionally, a communication interface 33 allowing, for example, to receive the performance criterion or criteria and / or to transmit network parameters as determined by use of the propagation model.

[0156] The processing circuit can be integrated or connected to different elements of the mobile network depending on the intended application.

[0157] In the context of a cellular network, the processing circuit can be positioned in an individual base station, in an individual site, in the radio access network as a whole, in the core of the mobile network, or in an external server dedicated to radio engineering.

[0158] For example, in an operational control scenario, the processing circuit can be integrated within the base stations: for local dynamic adjustments (e.g., modulation of transmission power according to network load), or in a centralized RAN controller: for coordinated regulation between base stations (e.g., load balancing, interference management), or even in the core network: to proactively adjust network parameters according to long-term traffic trends.

[0159] In a network planning scenario, the processing circuit can be integrated into the network core or onto an external server dedicated to radio engineering. This allows for the simulation of different configurations before network deployment, the determination of optimal site layouts and inter-site distances to meet traffic requirements, and / or the consideration of energy efficiency criteria to minimize environmental impact.< / l>

Claims

Demands

1. A method for managing a communication network comprising a set of network access units adapted to cover a geographical area, said method being implemented by computer and comprising, for at least one access unit: a determination (15, 16, 17) of a configuration of the access unit, the configuration being adapted to a total amount of traffic to be transmitted in the geographical area, the determination taking into account interference due to transmissions from a plurality of other network access units, Interference is assessed by taking into account an overall contribution from other network access units to the interference, the overall contribution being determined based on an average distance between network access units.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration of the access unit comprises at least one element from a list comprising: a distance between the access unit and at least one neighboring access unit, the transmission power of the access unit, and an antenna gain of at least one antenna of the access unit.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an estimation of a minimum expected throughput for a given proportion of terminals attached to the access unit in the determined configuration.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the access unit configuration includes an evaluation of a distance between access units enabling the achievement of a network performance threshold value.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the configuration of the access unit takes into account an energy efficiency criterion.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal propagation model takes into account at least one distance between access units of the set of access units.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal propagation model takes into account an individual contribution from at least one of the other access units to interference.

8. A computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims when this program is executed by a processor.

9. A non-transient, computer-readable recording medium (32) on which a program for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is recorded when that program is executed by a processor (31).

10. A mobile communication network management module comprising a set of network access units adapted for coverage of a geographical area, said module being configured, for at least one access unit: determine (15, 16, 17) an access unit configuration, the configuration being adapted to a quantity of traffic to be transmitted, taking into account interference due to transmissions from a plurality of other access units on the network, Interference is assessed by taking into account an overall contribution from other network access units to the interference, the overall contribution being determined based on an average distance between network access units.

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