Adaptive Downlink Power Regulation for Small Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE systems, small cells face challenges in adaptively regulating downlink power to minimize interference and optimize load balance, particularly in scenarios where terminal connections are concentrated or dispersed, leading to inefficient coverage and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for adaptive downlink power regulation in small cells, where terminals measure and report signal strength, allowing macro cells or small cells to adjust power parameters for the downlink channel, reference signal, and Discovery Signal (DS) to optimize coverage and reduce interference, involving power reduction or amplification based on terminal distribution and load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If downlink power is reduced to minimize interference, then interference to neighbouring small cells is reduced, but coverage area shrinks and terminals may not be served timely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating power regulation based on terminal distribution patterns. When terminals are concentrated in the cell centre, downlink power is reduced to minimize interference. When terminals are dispersed or located at cell edges, power is maintained or increased to ensure coverage. This localized adaptation of power settings to specific spatial conditions resolves the contradiction between interference reduction and coverage maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment based on real-time terminal distribution feedback. The base station continuously monitors terminal locations and adapts downlink power settings accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the system to switch between power reduction (when terminals are concentrated) and power maintenance/increase (when terminals are dispersed), resolving the static contradiction between interference minimization and coverage assurance.
2Area of stationary object
If downlink power is increased to expand coverage, then coverage area increases and terminal service is improved, but interference to neighbouring small cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making power settings dependent on local terminal distribution conditions. Power is increased or maintained only in directions or areas where terminals are present, rather than uniformly increasing power in all directions. This targeted approach expands coverage where needed while limiting interference in directions without terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment that responds to terminal distribution changes. When terminals move to cell edges or new areas are needed for coverage, power is increased dynamically. When terminals are concentrated and full coverage is not needed, power is reduced. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between coverage expansion and interference control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If small cells are turned on to serve terminals, then service capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary portion of small cell power capacity. Instead of turning on all small cells at full power, the system activates only those small cells and power levels needed to serve current terminal distributions. This partial activation maintains service capability while reducing overall power consumption compared to having all small cells continuously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous power adjustment at each small cell based on local terminal distribution. Each small cell independently monitors its own terminal connections and adjusts its power consumption accordingly, turning on or off based on local service needs rather than centralized control. This self-service approach optimizes the balance between service capability and power consumption.
4Use of energy by moving object
If small cells are turned off to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but service capability decreases and coverage holes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by keeping small cells in a partial activation state rather than fully on or fully off. Small cells can operate at reduced power levels when terminal density is low, providing minimal service while consuming less power. When terminal density increases, power is increased to meet service demands. This partial operation mode resolves the contradiction between power savings and service capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment that allows small cells to transition between off, partial power, and full power states based on real-time terminal distribution. This dynamic approach ensures service capability is available when needed while minimizing power consumption during low-traffic periods, resolving the static contradiction between power savings and service availability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A notification method and device for downlink power regulation and an acquisition method and device for downlink power regulation are described in the present disclosure. The notification method includes that: adaptive regulation is implemented by at least keeping power of a Discovery Signal (DS) unchanged or at least regulating the power of the DS, and a power parameter configured after adaptive regulation is notified to a terminal, and/or a neighbouring small cell and/or a macro cell.