Autonomous Overlapping Coverage Determination in Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous cellular communications networks, there is no conventional method to autonomously verify assumptions about overlapping coverage, continuously update coverage in response to environmental changes, or create a communication structure to share and exploit coverage knowledge for network benefits.
Innovation Solution
A method for autonomously determining overlapping coverage in a cellular communications network by obtaining information from wireless devices, such as pilot reports and position data, to assess the perceived coverage of cells and determine overlapping areas, allowing for the exploitation of redundant resources by placing redundant base stations in sleep mode during low demand periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If base stations are deployed to provide ubiquitous coverage and boost capacity in heterogeneous networks, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase due to redundant base stations operating continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic base station operation by transitioning between active and sleep modes based on real-time coverage assessment. Network nodes continuously evaluate coverage overlap using wireless device measurements and autonomously adjust base station states, making the system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable coverage through dynamic adjustment while reducing energy consumption during low-demand periods when coverage overlap is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service through autonomous determination of coverage overlap by network nodes without manual intervention. The system automatically collects measurement data from wireless devices, processes coverage information, and makes deployment decisions independently. This self-managing capability allows the network to optimize its own energy efficiency while maintaining coverage reliability, eliminating the need for continuous human operation and reducing operational costs.
2Reliability
If base stations operate continuously to maintain coverage, then network reliability is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates due to redundant operations during low demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts base station operational states based on real-time assessment of coverage overlap and network demand. Network nodes continuously monitor coverage conditions and transition base stations between active and sleep modes, enabling the network to maintain reliability when needed while optimizing resource efficiency during low-demand periods. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between continuous operation and resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of base stations from a fixed continuous state to a variable state that transitions between active and sleep modes. By modifying this key parameter based on coverage overlap detection and network conditions, the system achieves both coverage reliability and resource efficiency, as base stations are activated only when necessary rather than operating continuously.
3Device complexity
If manual assessment methods are used to verify coverage overlap, then implementation complexity is reduced, but automation level and response time to environmental changes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where network nodes continuously collect coverage measurement data from wireless devices, process this information to determine coverage overlap, and autonomously adjust base station deployment accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables high-level automation and rapid response to environmental changes while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized measurement and decision-making procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through autonomous determination of coverage overlap by network nodes without manual intervention. The automated collection and processing of measurement data from wireless devices, combined with autonomous decision-making algorithms, enables the network to self-optimize its coverage and energy efficiency. This self-managing capability significantly increases automation level while keeping implementation complexity manageable through standardized procedures.
4Device complexity
If coverage assumptions are not continuously verified, then system complexity and measurement overhead are reduced, but coverage accuracy and network performance deteriorate due to outdated coverage information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coverage verification by continuously collecting measurement data from wireless devices and updating coverage assessments in real-time. This ongoing measurement process maintains high coverage accuracy by reflecting current network conditions while managing measurement overhead through efficient data collection and processing methods that adapt to changing network states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where coverage measurement results are continuously fed back to network nodes, which then adjust their operations based on this information. This continuous feedback loop maintains measurement precision by ensuring coverage information remains current, while managing overhead through intelligent sampling and processing of measurement data that focuses resources on critical assessments.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for autonomously determining overlapping coverage in a cellular communications network (10). In one embodiment, the cellular communications network (10) is a heterogeneous cellular communications network. In one embodiment, a network node (34) of a cellular communication system obtains information (e.g., pilot reports) indicative of a perceived coverage of one or more covering cells (16, 18-2) at wireless devices (20) within a measuring cell (18-1) over a measurement interval. The network node (34) determines overlapping coverage of the measuring cell (18-1) and the one or more covering cells (16, 18-2) based on the information indicative of the perceived coverage of the one or more covering cells (16, 18-2) at the wireless devices (20).