Centralized Control Entity for Micro Base Station Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing dual-connectivity architecture in wireless networks, particularly with a large number of micro base stations, faces inefficiencies in network management and user equipment (UE) access due to lack of centralized control, leading to reduced network efficiency and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A wireless network access control method that establishes a centralized control entity to manage and allocate resources among micro base stations, allowing the UE to initiate dedicated uplink detection signals and switch between base stations based on resource availability and quality, thereby optimizing data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If dual-connectivity architecture is used with a large number of micro base stations, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but network management complexity and UE access overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of micro base stationsVSAvoidnetwork management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized control entity as an intermediary between the macro base station and multiple micro base stations. This entity manages the micro base stations collectively, handling resource allocation, configuration, and coordination without requiring the macro base station to directly manage each micro base station individually, thereby reducing network management complexity while supporting a large number of micro base stations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the control functions into distinct layers: the macro base station handles RRC connection establishment, while a dedicated centralized control entity handles micro base station management. This functional segmentation allows independent optimization of each control layer and reduces the overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If UE autonomously searches for and measures micro base stations, then access flexibility is improved, but access time and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess flexibilityVSAvoidaccess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized control entity pre-configures UE with necessary measurement parameters and micro base station information before the UE needs to access the network. This preliminary provision of access information eliminates the need for UE to autonomously search for micro base stations, significantly reducing access time while maintaining access flexibility through pre-planned resource allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the centralized control entity receives measurement reports from UE and adjusts resource allocation and configuration accordingly. This feedback loop maintains access flexibility by adapting to changing network conditions without requiring UE to perform extensive autonomous searching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If micro base stations operate independently without centralized control, then system simplicity is improved, but network efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanism simplicityVSAvoidnetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple micro base stations into a single centralized control entity. This consolidation maintains relative system simplicity by having one control point rather than multiple independent control mechanisms, while simultaneously improving network efficiency through coordinated resource allocation and centralized management of all micro base stations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3197233B1Wireless network access control method, first base station and system
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 CHINA ACAD OF TELECOMM TECH
  • EP3197233B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3197233B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3197233B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A wireless network access control method is provided. After an RRC connection is established between a first base station and a UE, a radio bearer for the UE is established in accordance with a service request from the UE. When determining that the UE meets a requirement on communication with second base stations whose types are different from the first base station, a dedicated configuration resource is allocated for the UE for enabling the UE to initiate a dedicated uplink detection signal. Dedicated second base stations are instructed to measure the dedicated uplink detection signal initiated by the UE, and one of the dedicated second base stations is allocated for the UE in accordance with measurement results. The UE is instructed to perform data transmission through the second base station allocated for the UE.