Controller Node Selecting Network Nodes via CQI Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous wireless networks, legacy user equipment (UEs) cannot benefit from spatial reuse schemes due to their inability to understand probing pilots, leading to inefficient resource allocation and reduced system capacity in combined cell deployments.

Innovation Solution

A method where a controller node in the network receives and processes channel quality indicator (CQI) values from UEs on secondary pilot channels transmitted by multiple network nodes, selecting the node with a CQI value higher than a threshold for serving the UE, allowing for spatial reuse and efficient resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If probing pilots are transmitted for spatial reuse schemes, then system capacity is improved, but legacy UEs cannot understand these pilots leading to resource allocation inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidcompatibility with legacy UEs
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network node transmits both probing pilots for spatial reuse and traditional pilot channels for legacy UE compatibility. The controller selectively activates probing pilots based on UE type, allowing Release 12 UEs to benefit from spatial reuse while legacy UEs continue to operate using traditional pilot-based resource allocation without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different UE types within the same network. Release 12 UEs receive probing pilots for enhanced spatial reuse capability, while legacy UEs receive only traditional pilot channels. This localized differentiation allows the network to optimize performance for advanced UEs without compromising compatibility with legacy devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If all network nodes transmit continuously, then coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecoverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic node activation where network nodes transition between active and dormant states based on real-time traffic conditions and UE location. The controller activates specific nodes only when needed for data transmission, rather than maintaining continuous transmission from all nodes. This dynamic approach maintains reliable coverage through selective activation while significantly reducing overall energy consumption in the network

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of coverage provision from the set of all network nodes and assigns it only to the specific subset of nodes currently needed. By taking out the coverage function from the entire network and concentrating it in actively selected nodes, the system maintains adequate coverage while allowing inactive nodes to conserve energy in dormant states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If multiple network nodes serve a UE simultaneously, then throughput is improved, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource allocation process into distinct phases: channel quality measurement, threshold comparison, and selective node activation. By dividing the complex multi-node resource allocation into these manageable segments, the controller can efficiently determine which nodes to activate based on CQI thresholds without being overwhelmed by the full complexity of coordinating all nodes simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3050368B1Selecting a network node in a heterogeneous network
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3050368B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3050368B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3050368B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The exemplary embodiments herein relate to a controller node (1100) and a method in a controller node (1100) for selecting a network node in an heterogeneous network comprising a plurality of network nodes. The method comprises, receiving CQI values froma UE and based on those values select a network node for serving a UE.