Beam Forming for UL/DL Imbalance in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heterogeneous wireless communication networks face challenges in managing uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) imbalances, leading to inefficient communication and interference issues, particularly in regions where low-power nodes (LPNs) offload traffic, causing power control problems and reduced data rates.
Innovation Solution
Implementing beam forming techniques to determine and adjust UL/DL imbalances by controlling antenna radiation patterns based on user equipment location, using either time-domain or frequency-domain beam forming to equalize signal strength and power distribution between macro and low-power nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If low-power nodes (LPNs) are deployed to offload traffic and expand network capacity, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but uplink/downlink power imbalance and interference issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing power control and beam forming specifically targeted at user equipment experiencing UL/DL imbalance. Instead of uniformly adjusting all transmissions, the system identifies specific UEs in imbalance regions and applies localized power adjustments and directional beamforming to those areas, thereby resolving the power imbalance problem while maintaining overall network capacity expansion benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes transmission parameters dynamically by adjusting uplink power control settings and beamforming directions based on detected UL/DL imbalance conditions. The system monitors power ratios and modifies transmission parameters in real-time to compensate for the power imbalance caused by LPN deployment, thus resolving the contradiction between capacity expansion and power balance.
2Reliability
If beam forming is used to equalize signal strength between macro and low-power nodes, then uplink/downlink balance is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial beam forming by applying it only to specific antenna elements or specific user equipment experiencing imbalance, rather than uniformly across all transmissions. This selective approach achieves the necessary UL/DL balance while minimizing the additional complexity compared to full-system beam forming implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where user equipment reports power ratio measurements and imbalance conditions to the network. This feedback drives the beam forming control decisions, allowing the system to achieve UL/DL balance through measured responses rather than complex predictive modeling, thereby reducing control complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a method for beam forming in a wireless communication network, comprising determining an Uplink/Downlink (UL/DL) imbalance of a user equipment wirelessly connected or connectable to a first node of the wireless communication network and determining a location of the user equipment. The method also comprises controlling beam forming based on the determined UL/DL imbalance and the determined location utilizing at least an antenna arrangement controlled by and/or associated to the first node. There are also disclosed related methods, devices and arrangements.