Adaptive Reduced-Power Almost Blank Subframes for Interference Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inter-cell interference coordination mechanisms in heterogeneous networks, such as eICIC and FeICIC, reduce macro cell capacity while attempting to minimize interference between macro and metro cells, as they require blanking of subframes which reduces the overall utilization of the macro cell.
Innovation Solution
Implementing adaptive reduced-power almost blank subframes (ABS) based on neighbor cell profile data, where the macro access point adjusts transmission power levels during ABS subframes based on cell profile data, allowing for customized power reduction and pattern configuration to minimize interference while maintaining macro cell capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If eICIC/FeICIC mechanisms are implemented to reduce interference between macro and metro cells, then interference is reduced, but macro cell capacity deteriorates due to blanking of subframes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power parameter from complete blanking (0 power) to reduced power levels during ABS subframes. The macro access point transmits control channels and reference signals at reduced power during ABS subframes configured for metro cells, rather than completely blanking these subframes. This parameter change allows the macro cell to maintain some transmission capability during ABS subframes, thereby maintaining capacity while still providing interference reduction for metro cells.
2Reliability
If ABS subframes are configured to protect metro cell transmissions, then metro cell performance is improved, but overall spectrum efficiency deteriorates due to reduced macro cell utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating transmission power levels based on location and cell type. During ABS subframes, the macro access point transmits at reduced power specifically in regions where metro cells are located, while maintaining normal power in other regions. This localized power adjustment protects metro cell transmissions in their specific coverage areas while preserving macro cell spectrum efficiency in other areas where reduced power is not needed.
3Device complexity
If complete blanking of ABS subframes is implemented, then interference coordination is simplified, but device complexity increases due to need for sophisticated power adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment during ABS subframes based on neighbor cell profile data. The macro access point dynamically adjusts transmission power levels during ABS subframes configured for specific metro cells, using cell profile information to determine appropriate reduced power levels. This dynamic approach maintains relatively simple interference coordination mechanisms while preserving macro cell capacity through adaptive power control rather than fixed blanking patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-cell interference coordination procedure in heterogeneous networks (HetNets) is enhanced based on utilization of cell profile data associated with neighbor access points to improve HetNet spectrum efficiency, mobility performance, and/or overall network capacity. In one aspect, a macro access point can receive cell profile data associated with neighbor access points and modify a power level of reduced-power almost blank subframes (ABS) transmitted by the macro access point to manage macro cell capacity. Further, the macro access point can configure the ABS pattern and transmit the ABS pattern to the neighbor access points. Based on the ABS pattern, the neighbor access points can schedule transmissions to user equipment that are located at (or close to) their cell-edge to reduce inter-cell interference.