Adaptive Antenna Sector Configuration for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sectorization in adaptive antenna systems lack dynamic adaptation to changing traffic situations and rely on static thresholds, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and increased interference, as they do not effectively utilize real-time user distribution data for optimal sector configuration decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting antenna sector configurations in adaptive antenna systems based on real-time radio network measurements, estimating performance metrics for each configuration, and dynamically updating sectorization thresholds to optimize sectorization decisions, thereby improving adherence to current traffic conditions and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sectorization is implemented to increase network capacity, then spatial reuse of resources is improved, but inter-sector interference increases and transmission power per sector decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sector configuration where the network node can adaptively adjust the number and arrangement of sectors based on real-time user distribution patterns. Instead of fixed sectorization, the system dynamically reconfigures sectors to match traffic demands, thereby maintaining high network capacity while minimizing inter-sector interference through optimal spatial alignment with user locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of sector configuration (number of sectors, their orientation, and coverage areas) based on measured user distribution. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between spatial resource reuse for capacity enhancement and interference reduction through proper sector positioning relative to user locations.
2Ease of manufacture
If static threshold-based sectorization is used, then implementation is simple, but adaptation to changing traffic situations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the network node continuously measures user distribution patterns and uses this information to dynamically adjust sector configurations. The system monitors traffic conditions, compares them against current sector setups, and reconfigures sectors in response to changing patterns, thereby achieving continuous adaptation while maintaining manageable complexity through automated closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of user distribution patterns and proactively adjusts sector configurations before traffic conditions become suboptimal. By anticipating traffic changes through continuous monitoring and pre-adjusting sector settings, the system maintains optimal performance without requiring complex real-time reaction mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If beam-formed reference signals are used to acquire load information, then sector load estimation is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-determine sector load information by having user equipment measure and report reference signal received power (RSRP) for different beam-formed reference signals. The network node uses these measurements to estimate sector loads without requiring additional dedicated signaling resources. The existing measurement and reporting mechanisms are leveraged to extract load information, thereby avoiding extra overhead while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods, arrangements and computer programs for antenna sector configuration for an adaptive antenna system, AAS. A method, performed in a network node, comprises associating (35) wireless devices served from the network node to sectors of a respective sector configuration model based on radio network measurements, wherein the association is performed for each out of a number of sector configuration models. The method further comprises estimating (S37) performance metrics for each sector configuration model based on the associating of wireless devices to sectors of the respective sector configuration model and selecting (S37) an antenna sector configuration of the AAS based on the estimated performance metrics.