Cell Reconfiguration via Intermediate Omni-State for Seamless Traffic Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell reconfiguration methods in wireless networks disrupt ongoing traffic and change cell neighbor relations, limiting their frequency and efficiency, especially in sector-to-omni transitions, which affects energy consumption and network performance.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic method for a network node to switch between sector and omni-cell configurations using the same antennas, introducing an intermediate state where both are active, allowing seamless transitions without radio link failures, and reducing power amplifier usage by reconfiguring the omni-cell from multiple power amplifiers to a single one.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current cell reconfiguration methods are used to switch between sector and omni-cell configurations, then cell configuration can be changed, but ongoing traffic is disrupted and cell neighbor relations change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate state where the omni-cell is activated before sector cells are deactivated. This preliminary action ensures that coverage is already established by the omni-cell before the sector cells are turned off, preventing any disruption to ongoing traffic and maintaining continuous service during the reconfiguration transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The omni-cell serves as an intermediary state between sector-cell configurations. By introducing this intermediate configuration that provides omnidirectional coverage, the patent enables seamless transitions without disrupting ongoing traffic, as the omni-cell temporarily bridges the gap during reconfiguration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cell reconfiguration is performed frequently to optimize energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but network performance and stability deteriorate due to traffic disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables frequent reconfiguration by first activating the omni-cell before deactivating sector cells. This preliminary activation ensures that coverage is already in place, allowing the network to frequently switch between energy-saving sector configurations and full-coverage omni configurations without disrupting traffic, thus optimizing energy consumption while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If multiple power amplifiers are used for omni-cell transmission, then transmission coverage and reliability improve, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of active power amplifiers based on the operational state. In omni-cell mode, multiple power amplifiers are activated to ensure comprehensive coverage and reliability. When transitioning to sector-cell mode, the system deactivates unnecessary power amplifiers, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate coverage through the sectorized configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments provide a method for performing cell reconfiguration in a network node, which is associated with at least two antennas. Each antenna is capable of transmitting a signal covering at least one sector. The method comprises switching (1212) from a first state (1210) wherein a multi-sector cell covering at least two sectors is active, to a second state (1220), wherein sector cells covering each of the at least two sectors are active in addition to the multi-sector cell. In the second state, the same antennas are utilized for the sector cells as for the multi-sector cell. The method further comprises switching (1222) from the second state to a third state (1230) wherein the multi-sector cell is deactivated and the sector cells are active.