Inter-Cell Interference Coordination via ABS Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous LTE networks, inter-cell interference between low-power base stations is not effectively addressed by existing standards, particularly when two pico cells overlap within a macro cell, leading to service disruptions and reduced user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method for coordinating resource allocation between eNBs involves sending messages with enhanced LOAD INFORMATION and RESOURCE STATUS UPDATE messages that include specific parameters for Almost Blank Subframe allocation and interference levels, allowing for targeted allocation of non-overlapping and overlapping ABS resources to mitigate interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If heterogeneous networks with low-power base stations are deployed to improve coverage, then coverage completeness is improved, but inter-cell interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinter-cell interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into different types of base stations (macro eNBs and pico eNBs) with different transmission powers and coverage areas. Macro eNBs provide wide-area coverage while pico eNBs fill coverage gaps in specific areas, allowing the system to achieve complete coverage while managing interference through hierarchical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different base stations are assigned different transmission characteristics and resource allocation strategies based on their local deployment scenarios. Pico eNBs in overlapping coverage areas use coordinated resource allocation with macro eNBs, while non-overlapping areas use standard allocation, optimizing performance for each local condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If traditional resource allocation is used in heterogeneous networks, then device complexity is low, but service quality in overlapping areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation complexityVSAvoidservice quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A coordination mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between macro eNB and pico eNB resource allocation. The macro eNB configures ABS patterns that serve as a coordinating framework, enabling pico eNBs to allocate resources in a way that avoids interference without requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination between all base stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Almost Blank Subframes are pre-configured by the macro eNB before pico eNB resource allocation is finalized. This preliminary action establishes an interference-free time window that guides subsequent resource allocation decisions, simplifying the coordination process while ensuring service quality in overlapping areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10181932B2Method to coordinate resource allocation to address inter-cell interference

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

A method to coordinate ABS resource allocation to address inter-cell interference comprises sending a first message by a first eNB to a second eNB, the first message specifying an interference level and a target cell identifier of a target eNB; receiving, by the target eNB, a second message sent by the second eNB, the second message specifying a resource allocation and a target cell identifier of the target eNB; and the target eNB operating according to the resource allocation specified in the second message.