Directional Antenna Beam Control for Macro-Pico Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively coordinating interference between macro and smaller nodes, leading to reduced availability of transmission resources and increased interference, particularly in heterogeneous networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a first level station obtaining information for interference coordination with a second level station, using directional antenna beams to protect the smaller coverage area from interference, by controlling the use of these beams based on received information, and utilizing active antenna systems for joint elevation and azimuth beamforming to avoid pointing beams into the smaller station's area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If resource partitioning is implemented to protect pico nodes from macro interference, then interference is reduced, but transmission resource availability at macro layer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the macro cell coverage area into multiple directional antenna beams, each covering a specific spatial sector. By controlling which beams are activated and their transmission power levels, the system can provide interference protection to pico nodes in certain directions while maintaining full transmission resources in other directions, thus resolving the contradiction between interference reduction and resource availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by implementing directional beamforming where different spatial regions experience different interference characteristics. Macro nodes can transmit with full power in directions away from pico nodes while using reduced power or muted beams in directions where pico nodes are located, thereby providing localized interference protection without globally reducing transmission resources.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If directional antenna beams are controlled to avoid pointing into smaller station area, then interference is reduced, but beam utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam control where the activation and power levels of directional antenna beams are adjusted in real-time based on the presence and activity of pico nodes. The system dynamically switches between different beam configurations and power levels to adapt to changing network conditions, thereby maintaining high beam utilization efficiency while providing interference protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic beam patterns where macro nodes cyclically activate and deactivate specific directional beams according to a configured pattern. This periodic action allows pico nodes to experience interference-free periods for their transmissions while the macro node maintains the capability to use all beams at full power during other time periods, thus balancing interference reduction with beam utilization efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces macro-to-pico interference, allowing for increased range extension of the smaller cell's coverage area, improved network performance, and efficient use of resources by avoiding interference in specific time and frequency domains, thereby enhancing overall network capacity.
Implementation Method 1
controlling use of directional antenna beams by the first level station according to the information
Implementation Method 2
transmitting signals using directional antenna beams
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relate to interference coordination in wireless communications. A first level station can obtain information for interference coordination with a second level station to protect the second level station from interference in arrangement where the second level station provides a smaller coverage area than the first level station and is at least partially located in the area of the first level station. Use of directional antenna beams by the first level station and/or communications by the second level station can then be controlled accordingly.