Antenna Direction Optimization for Base Station Inter-Sector Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna configurations in base stations often result in inter-sector impact, leading to interference and reduced network capacity due to multiple users being located near sector edges, which existing methods fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that calculates a cost function based on performance indicators of subsectors to identify an optimized antenna configuration that minimizes inter-sector impact by aligning main antenna directions with high-load subsectors, thereby reducing load near sector edges and increasing network capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If antennas are directed to maximize coverage area, then coverage is improved, but inter-sector impact and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different spatial regions within coverage areas. Instead of uniform antenna orientation, the system identifies specific high-load subsectors and adjusts antenna directions to target those regions selectively. This creates non-uniform coverage distribution where resources are concentrated in areas with highest demand while reducing overlap in lower-demand areas, thereby improving coverage efficiency and reducing inter-sector interference simultaneously.
2Productivity
If antenna directions are optimized for traffic hotspots, then network capacity is improved, but complexity of optimization process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coverage area into multiple sectors and further into subsectors. This hierarchical segmentation allows the optimization process to focus on specific high-load subsectors rather than attempting to optimize entire coverage areas simultaneously. The cost function is calculated separately for each antenna-subsector pair, enabling modular and manageable optimization that reduces overall system complexity while improving network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the calculation and use of cost function values that quantify inter-sector impact. The system continuously evaluates performance indicators, calculates cost functions for different antenna configurations, and uses this feedback to iteratively improve antenna orientation. This feedback-driven approach automates the optimization process, reducing manual complexity while achieving improved network capacity through data-driven decision making.
3Measurement precision
If cost function calculation considers multiple antenna configurations, then optimization accuracy is improved, but computational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by calculating cost function values for a selected set of representative antenna configurations rather than exhaustively evaluating all possible configurations. The system identifies high-load subsectors and evaluates configurations that specifically address those areas, achieving sufficient optimization accuracy without the computational burden of complete enumeration. This selective approach balances accuracy requirements with computational time constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for optimizing directions of antennas of a base station of a communications network is provided. The method includes receiving antenna sector configuration data with sector information of each antenna and an azimuth angle of a main antenna direction of each antenna; receiving performance indicators of multiple subsectors of each antenna sector; calculating a cost function value indicating inter-sector impact between neighboring subsectors of adjacent sectors based on the performance indicators for the current antenna configuration and for at least one other possible antenna configuration; and identifying an antenna configuration yielding minimum cost function value of the calculated values as an optimized antenna configuration.