ABS Pattern Resource Allocation for Heterogeneous Network Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous network systems, macro and pico base stations face challenges in balancing load and mitigating interference, particularly in Cell Range Expansion (CRE) regions, where UEs connected to pico cells suffer from macro cell interference due to stronger macro cell signal strength, leading to inefficient resource utilization and degraded network throughput.
Innovation Solution
A resource allocation method that involves configuring Almost Blank Subframes (ABS) by macro base stations to reduce interference to UEs in the CRE area, using an ABS pattern that dynamically adjusts the ratio of ABS to non-ABS subframes, allowing pico base stations to allocate resources effectively and mitigate macro cell interference without modifying the legacy LTE standard or eICIC specification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If UEs select the cell with the highest RSRP as their serving cell, then signal strength is maximized, but interference within the pico cell increases and total network throughput degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating treatment based on UE location and cell type. CRE UEs in the pico cell are identified and granted ABS patterns specifically to mitigate macro cell interference, while other UEs maintain conventional serving cell selection. This localized approach addresses interference issues in CRE regions without affecting overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the UE population into CRE UEs (Cell Range Expansion UEs) and non-CRE UEs, applying different resource allocation strategies to each group. CRE UEs receive ABS patterns tailored to their specific interference conditions, while non-CRE UEs follow standard procedures, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal strength and interference for different user groups.
2Productivity
If CRE technique is used to balance load between macro and pico cells, then load balancing is improved, but UEs in CRE region suffer from macro cell interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring ABS patterns for CRE UEs before they experience severe interference. The macro base station proactively applies ABS patterns to CRE UEs based on their identification, preventing interference before it degrades performance, rather than reacting after interference occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ABS patterns as an intermediary mechanism between the macro base station and CRE UEs. This intermediary structure allows the macro cell to selectively reduce transmission in specific subframes, creating interference-free time slots that enable CRE UEs to communicate with the pico cell effectively while maintaining load balancing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ABS pattern is applied to reduce macro cell interference, then interference is mitigated, but macro cell downlink transmission is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing ABS patterns only for specific subframes and only for CRE UEs, rather than applying them universally. This selective application reduces macro cell interference to the extent necessary for CRE UE protection while preserving macro cell throughput for other users and time slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures that ABS patterns are applied locally only to CRE UEs in the pico cell coverage area, while macro cell UEs continue to receive full service. This localized quality differentiation allows interference mitigation for CRE UEs without unnecessarily restricting macro cell transmission opportunities.
4Productivity
If eICIC technique is used for load balancing, then system performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the macro base station to automatically identify CRE UEs and apply ABS patterns based on pre-configured criteria, without requiring complex manual configuration or extensive signaling between base stations. The UE simply needs to be identified as a CRE UE, and the macro base station autonomously applies the appropriate ABS pattern.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for applying wireless resources in order to control inter-cell interference in a heterogeneous network system. The method for applying wireless resources provided by the present invention generates an almost blank subframe (ABS) pattern on the basis of the type of data transmitted from at least one of a first base station and a second base station, applies a non-ABS or an ABS to wireless resources of the first base station according to the generated ABS pattern, and performs data communication by using the wireless resources to which the ABS has been applied.