Conditional Range Expansion in Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous telecommunications systems, range expansion often results in a loss of downlink bit-rate due to the degradation of downlink signal strength when user equipment connects to low-power base stations, especially in densely planned networks and for outdoor user equipment with line-of-sight to the macro base station, particularly at lower frequency bands like 800 MHz.
Innovation Solution
Implementing conditional range expansion by assessing the uplink transmission power of user equipment to determine if applying range expansion is beneficial, and only applying it when specific criteria such as maximum uplink transmission power, bit-rate, or signal-to-noise ratio thresholds are met, thereby avoiding unnecessary degradation of downlink bit-rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If range expansion is applied to extend low-power base station coverage, then the coverage area is improved, but the downlink bit-rate deteriorates due to degradation of downlink signal strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the range expansion offset based on uplink transmission power conditions. When uplink power exceeds a threshold, range expansion is applied with a specific offset to extend coverage. When uplink power is below the threshold, range expansion is reduced or removed to preserve downlink signal strength, thus maintaining downlink bit-rate while still providing coverage extension when needed.
2Area of stationary object
If range expansion is applied unconditionally, then coverage is extended to serve more user equipment, but planning costs increase due to unnecessary network optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous, conditional range expansion that automatically adjusts based on real-time uplink transmission power measurements. The system self-configures by applying range expansion only when uplink power conditions warrant it, eliminating the need for manual network planning and optimization interventions. This reduces planning costs while maintaining adequate coverage through on-demand, condition-based expansion.
3Productivity
If range expansion is applied to improve uplink coverage, then uplink transmission capability is improved, but downlink signal strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating treatment based on local uplink power conditions. Instead of uniform range expansion across all areas, the system applies range expansion selectively only in locations where uplink transmission power exceeds a specific threshold. This localized application ensures uplink capability improvement where needed while preserving downlink signal strength in areas where it is already adequate.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed for use in a heterogeneous telecommunications system of the kind comprising a macro base station and a low-power base station, the low-power base station having a coverage which is extendible by range expansion, RE, to serve a user equipment which would otherwise have been served by the macro base station. According to the method, which is performed in either of the macro base station or the low-power base station, information about radio conditions of the user equipment at least with respect to the macro base station is obtained (310). Based on the obtained information, it is determined (320) whether a criterion for conditional range expansion is satisfied, said criterion being related to the uplink transmission power of the user equipment to the macro base station. Accordingly, range expansion is applied (330) for the user equipment only when the criterion is satisfied. A corresponding base station, telecommunications system and computer readable storage medium are also disclosed.