Antenna Array Placement for 5G mmWave Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation 5G wireless networks operating at millimeter wave frequencies face challenges with limited building penetration, requiring increased cell density and a greater number of antennas, which demands proactive performance monitoring and dynamic optimization of antenna arrays to maintain network quality and capacity.
Innovation Solution
A centralized node employing dynamic intelligent processes continuously monitors key performance indicators to optimize wireless network coverage, capacity, and throughput by adjusting the number and location of antenna arrays and setting handover thresholds dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If millimeter wave frequencies are used to increase data transfer rates and spectral efficiency, then network capacity and throughput are improved, but building penetration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network into multiple small cells with closely spaced antennas (200-300 meters apart instead of 1.5-3.2 kilometers). This segmentation allows the mmWave signals to be transmitted over shorter distances, compensating for poor building penetration by creating multiple access points throughout the coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces full dimension MIMO with antenna arrays configured in both horizontal and vertical directions, adding spatial dimensions to signal transmission. This three-dimensional beamforming capability allows signals to reach users through multiple spatial paths, overcoming building blockage by transmitting through available spatial corridors.
2Reliability
If cell density is increased to compensate for limited building penetration, then coverage reliability is improved, but system complexity and deployment cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a centralized node that performs multiple functions: monitoring key performance indicators, determining optimal antenna configurations, calculating handover thresholds, and controlling multiple cell sites. This centralized intelligence simplifies individual node design while achieving reliable coverage through coordinated multi-site operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors key performance indicators from the wireless network and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust antenna array configurations and handover thresholds. This closed-loop control allows the system to adapt to changing conditions, maintaining reliability without requiring manual intervention or overly complex fixed configurations.
3Productivity
If the number of antennas is greatly increased to satisfy utilization capacity requirements, then network capacity is improved, but deployment complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antennas into integrated antenna arrays at each cell site, with a centralized node that aggregates control functions across all sites. This merging approach achieves the capacity of many distributed antennas through coordinated operation of fewer, more capable nodes, reducing overall deployment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number and configuration of active antennas based on real-time monitoring of network conditions and user distribution. Rather than deploying all antennas statically, the system activates only the necessary number of antennas in each location and time period, reducing deployment complexity while maintaining high network capacity when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device receives one or more first key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with a cell site providing wireless service within a geographic area and determines at least one first capacity usage parameter associated with the cell site providing the wireless service. The network device determines placement of an additional antenna array within the geographic area to provide a certain coverage and capacity for the geographic area based on the one or more first KPIs and the determined at least one first capacity usage parameter.