Automatic Cell Range Determination in Open RAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Open Radio Access Network (RAN) systems rely on manufacturer specifications for cell range determination, which are based on ideal conditions and do not account for real-world interference or unique location properties, leading to suboptimal network management and coverage.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically determines cell range using real-time signal information processed in a cloud environment, dynamically managing the network by adjusting electronic tilt and optimizing resource allocation based on user distribution, rather than relying on manufacturer specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manufacturer specifications are used for cell range determination, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ideal conditions not reflecting real-world interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual network performance metrics (signal strength, interference levels, user distribution) and using this information to dynamically adjust cell range parameters. The cloud-based platform collects real-world data from multiple base stations and feeds it back to optimize cell range determinations, replacing static manufacturer specifications with dynamic, data-driven adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from using fixed manufacturer specification parameters to dynamically adjusting cell range parameters based on real-world conditions. The system modifies parameters such as cell range distance, electronic tilt angles, and power levels based on actual signal measurements, interference patterns, and user distribution data collected from the network.
2Measurement precision
If real-time signal information processing is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to cloud-based dynamic management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based platform as an intermediary between base stations and network management functions. This intermediary collects signal information from multiple base stations, processes the data to determine optimal cell range parameters, and distributes the adjusted parameters back to the appropriate base stations. This intermediary approach centralizes complexity while allowing individual base stations to operate with simplified logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-based platform performs multiple functions: collecting signal data from various base stations, analyzing interference patterns, determining optimal cell range parameters, managing electronic tilt adjustments, and coordinating with multiple vendors' equipment. This multi-functional platform consolidates complexity into a single system that serves the entire network rather than requiring complex local processing at each base station.
3Ease of operation
If manufacturer specifications are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to account for location-specific conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by determining cell range parameters specific to each base station's location rather than using uniform manufacturer specifications. The cloud platform analyzes local conditions including geographic features, interference patterns, user distribution, and neighboring base station configurations to optimize parameters for each specific location, making the network adaptable to local conditions while maintaining automated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell range determination is made by determining a sector straddling an azimuth line of a first base station with a center at the coordinates of a first base station. The sector is divided into a plurality of subsectors. A nearest neighbor base station is determined in each of the plurality of subsectors. A set of coordinates is determined for the nearest neighbor base station. An average distance between the nearest neighbor base stations is determined. A bearing angle difference between the nearest neighbor base station and the first base station is determined based on the set of coordinates of the nearest neighbor base station. A gain is determined for each of the plurality of subsectors based on the bearing angle difference. A cell range is determined for the first base station based on the gain.