Central Network Node Scheduling for Interference Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous wireless communication networks, the existing methods for managing channel quality and resource allocation lead to inefficiencies, particularly at high loads, due to increased interference and limited capacity, as well as mobility management challenges with frequent handovers between low power nodes and macro nodes.

Innovation Solution

A method where a central network node computes Channel Quality Indicators (CQIs) based on feedback from wireless devices, allowing it to schedule transmissions to the node with the best channel quality, enabling spatial reuse of resources and reducing interference by determining the optimal node for data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple low power nodes are deployed in heterogeneous networks, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but interference increases and channel quality management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where wireless devices report Channel Quality Indicators (CQIs) for multiple network nodes (macro and low power nodes) to a central network node. The central node uses this feedback information to identify the node with the best channel quality and schedule transmissions accordingly, thereby managing interference while maintaining high network capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource allocation by introducing spatial reuse of resources. Different time-frequency resources are allocated to different nodes based on channel quality feedback, allowing the system to dynamically adjust resource distribution to minimize interference while maximizing network capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequent handovers are implemented between low power nodes and macro nodes, then mobility management is improved, but signaling overhead and network complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility managementVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central network node as an intermediary that collects CQI feedback from wireless devices for multiple nodes and makes centralized scheduling decisions. This intermediary approach enables efficient mobility management by determining the optimal node for transmission based on real-time channel quality, reducing the need for frequent handovers and lowering signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If spatial reuse of resources is implemented, then network capacity is improved, but interference management becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses CQI feedback from wireless devices to enable the central network node to identify the node with the best channel quality for each device. This feedback mechanism allows spatial reuse of resources while managing interference by ensuring that transmissions occur from the node with the strongest signal, thereby maintaining high network capacity with controlled interference levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2982174B1Central network node and method of instructing the first network node to transmit to the first wireless device
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2982174B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2982174B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2982174B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method performed by a central network node of instructing one of a first network node and a second network node to transmit to a first wireless device, wherein all operate in a combined cell deployment. The central network node receives a first Channel Quality Indicator, CQI, and a third CQI sent by the first wireless device. The first CQI has been computed by the first wireless device based on a first unique signal transmitted by the first network node. The third CQI has been computed by the first wireless device based on a second unique signal transmitted by the second network node. The central network node identifies the one of the first and the second network nodes having a better channel quality, based on the received first CQI and the third CQI. The central network node sends a first message to the identified network node, instructing it to transmit to the first wireless device.