Cellular Load Estimation via Bit Rate Power Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for load estimation and management in cellular communications networks, particularly in LTE networks, fail to accurately account for quality of service and power utilization, leading to inefficient resource allocation and potential interference issues during handovers.
Innovation Solution
The method estimates load by calculating the required bit rate per unit power relative to the actual bit rate per unit power, using averaging filters to stabilize load variance and adapt filter coefficients based on observed variation, and considers sub-band specific power allocation for accurate load estimation and interference management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of UEs admitted to the network is limited to ensure good quality of service, then quality of service is improved, but network utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for load estimation from a simple count of UEs to a more comprehensive metric that incorporates quality of service requirements and power utilization. This allows the system to admit more UEs while maintaining QoS by accurately tracking the actual resource consumption and power usage, thereby resolving the contradiction between limiting UE admissions for QoS and maximizing network utilization.
2Device complexity
If load estimation is based on the number of UEs in the cell, then estimation simplicity is improved, but estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the estimation parameter from UE count to a composite metric including required bit rate per unit power and actual bit rate per unit power. This provides accurate load estimation that reflects true resource consumption without excessive complexity, as the new parameter can be derived from existing system measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors actual bit rates achieved and compares them against required bit rates. This feedback loop allows the load estimation to self-adjust and remain accurate by incorporating real-time performance data, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If averaging filters are used to stabilize load variance, then load stability is improved, but response time to actual load changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the filtering characteristics dynamic by adapting the filter coefficients based on observed load variation. When load conditions change rapidly, the filter responds faster; when load is stable, the filter provides stronger smoothing. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between stability and response time by adjusting the system's behavior to current conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular communications network 10 comprises a plurality of basestations 12, 14, 16 and 18 connected to each other through an interface and to a core network through another interface. Each basestation has a coverage area referred to as a cell k. There are provided methods for estimating the load imparted on a cell in the cellular communications network by user equipments in the cell. The methods make it possible to estimate any potential increase in the load that may impact onto a target cell due to the handover of a UE from a serving cell.