Cell State-Based RB Allocation Policy for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Radio Access Networks (RANs) face challenges in reducing interference effects at cell boundaries in the absence of inter-cell coordination between gNBs over Xn interface, leading to poor reception conditions and low throughput for User Equipments (UEs) at cell edges.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented using a near-RT-RIC to determine an appropriate RB allocation policy based on a cell state value calculated from parameters such as cell load, radio conditions, and UE states, which involves randomizing RB allocation to minimize interference. This is achieved by subscribing to parameters from E2 Nodes and calculating the cell state to select an appropriate RB allocation policy, with higher cell state values favoring more randomized policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carrier frequencies are re-used across cells to efficiently utilize radio resources, then network capacity and resource utilization are improved, but inter-cell interference at cell boundaries increases resulting in poor reception conditions and low throughput for UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing cell-specific random shifts in resource block allocation. Each cell introduces a unique random offset to its RB allocation pattern, creating localized variations in resource usage. This ensures that while carrier frequencies are reused across cells for high capacity, the actual resource blocks assigned to UEs at cell boundaries differ randomly, thereby reducing persistent inter-cell interference while maintaining overall network productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring random shift parameters for each cell before interference occurs. The gNBs are预先 assigned specific random offset values that determine how their resource block allocations will be shifted. This proactive configuration enables interference reduction to be in effect before UEs experience poor reception conditions at cell boundaries, rather than reacting to interference after it occurs
2Reliability
If ICIC methods are used to minimize interference effects, then reception conditions for cell edge UEs are improved, but the complexity of inter-cell coordination over Xn interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each gNB to independently configure and apply random RB allocation shifts without requiring coordination with neighboring cells. Each base station autonomously selects random offset parameters and implements them locally in its resource allocation algorithm. This eliminates the need for complex inter-cell coordination protocols over Xn interfaces while still achieving interference reduction benefits, as each cell serves itself to minimize its own interference contribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional ICIC approach by instead of coordinating to align resource allocations, deliberately misaligning them through random shifts. Rather than seeking consensus on resource allocation patterns across cells, the system intentionally creates diversity in allocation patterns. This inversion transforms the coordination problem into an independent configuration task, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability
3Productivity
If randomized RB allocation is implemented to reduce interference, then throughput for cell edge UEs is improved, but the complexity of RB allocation management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing random offset parameters to the deterministic RB allocation formula. Instead of using fixed allocation patterns, the system modifies the allocation parameters dynamically through randomly selected shifts. This simple parameter modification transforms rigid allocation into flexible, interference-resistant allocation, improving throughput for cell edge UEs while adding minimal management complexity since the random parameters are easily generated and tracked
Data Source
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AI summary
A Radio Access Network Intelligent Controller determines an appropriate RB allocation policy based on a cell state using a plurality of parameters, where the plurality of RB allocation policies include at least one random RB allocation policy. The policies reduce inter-cell interference in cellular networks.