Multi-Level Cell Cluster Configuration for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deployments of small cell clusters in LTE/LTE-A systems only consider sub-frame interleaving interference in TDD systems and do not account for interference between macro cells and cell clusters, nor between equipment outside of macro cells and cell clusters, necessitating a solution to enhance the reliability and expandability of small cell clusters, especially in the context of 5G Ultra-Dense Networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring multi-level cells or cell clusters, where base stations exchange information with other base stations or cluster heads to form cell clusters of at least three levels, determining cluster heads and performing resource allocation and information transmission to reduce interference between different levels of cells and cell clusters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If small cells are divided into clusters to solve interleaving interference, then interference between small cells is reduced, but interference between macro cells and cell clusters is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: macro cells at the top level, and small cell clusters at lower levels. Each level independently manages interference within its domain, with macro base stations managing macro-cell interference and cluster heads managing small cell interleaving interference. This multi-level segmentation allows comprehensive interference management without requiring a single centralized controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the traditional flat cell structure. By organizing cells into multiple levels (macro cells and small cell clusters), the system adds a vertical dimension to interference management, enabling simultaneous handling of different interference types at different hierarchical levels.
2Productivity
If more small cells are densely deployed to create Ultra-Dense Networks, then network capacity increases, but reliability and expandability of small cell clusters need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
Cluster heads are introduced as intermediary entities that manage groups of small base stations. Instead of each small base station operating independently or being directly controlled by the core network, the cluster head acts as a local intermediary that coordinates resource allocation, manages interference, and handles control signaling for its member cells, thereby improving reliability in dense deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring cluster structures and selecting cluster heads before actual communication operations. This allows the network to establish stable hierarchical relationships in advance, enabling more efficient and reliable management when users connect and data transmission begins.
3Loss of time
If a flat system architecture is used, then delay is reduced and network-establishing cost is lowered, but interference management between different cell types becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The network management function is segmented between macro base stations and cluster heads. Macro base stations handle high-level resource allocation and interference coordination between different clusters, while cluster heads handle local resource allocation and interleaving interference mitigation. This segmentation enables distributed decision-making that reduces signaling delay while comprehensively managing interference.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for configuring multi-level cells or cell clusters and a communications system. The method includes: exchanging by a base station with one or more other base stations or cell cluster heads in the same level to obtain first information; receiving, by the base station, second information reported by one or more base stations or cell cluster heads in the lower level; configuring one or more cells in the lower level into a cell cluster by the base station according to the first information and the second information, and determining a cluster head of the cell cluster; and performing information transmission with the cluster head of the cell cluster. Hence, not only interference between equipment in the cell of the upper level and the cell cluster of the lower level but also interference between equipment out of the cell of the upper level and the cell cluster of the lower level are taken into account, thereby further reducing interference of the cells or cell clusters of various levels, and improving reliabilities and expandability of the cells or cell clusters.