Access Node Transmission Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network technologies face challenges in optimizing transmission modes, such as beamforming and MU-MIMO, which simultaneously deployed reduce relative gains, necessitating a method to select the most efficient transmission mode based on sector efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for selecting transmission modes, including beamforming, MU-MIMO, and standard modes, by determining sector efficiency through predictive or actual throughput calculations, and implementing the mode with the highest throughput, triggered by qualifying wireless devices, to optimize data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If both beamforming and MU-MIMO transmission modes are simultaneously deployed, then coverage and capacity are improved, but the relative performance gains for each mode are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission mode selection where the access node continuously monitors sector efficiency metrics and switches between beamforming, MU-MIMO, and standard transmission modes based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for either coverage (beamforming) or capacity (MU-MIMO) as needed, resolving the contradiction by making the transmission mode flexible rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting which transmission mode is active based on measured sector efficiency. When beamforming efficiency exceeds MU-MIMO efficiency, the system switches to beamforming; otherwise, it uses MU-MIMO or standard mode. This parameter-based selection resolves the contradiction by adapting to changing network conditions rather than simultaneously deploying all modes
2Reliability
If multiple transmission modes are deployed to serve different wireless devices, then service quality is improved, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network into distinct transmission mode regions: beamforming mode for coverage-critical devices, MU-MIMO mode for capacity-critical devices, and standard mode for legacy devices. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized for its specific purpose without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable segments rather than managing all modes simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sector efficiency is continuously measured and used to adjust transmission mode selection. The access node monitors performance metrics and switches modes based on which approach yields better sector efficiency, creating a self-regulating system that automatically adapts to changing conditions without manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
Transmission mode selection operations include determining that a first wireless device out of a plurality of wireless devices connected to an access node qualifies for a beamforming transmission mode, determining that a pair of wireless devices out of the plurality of wireless devices qualifies for a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) transmission mode, comparing a first total throughput of the access node using the beamforming transmission mode with a second total throughput of the access node using the MU-MIMO transmission mode, and selecting the downlink transmission mode from the first total throughput and the second total throughput that has a highest total throughput.