Interference Coordination Using Distinct Almost Blank Subframes

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Solution Overview

Problem

In densely distributed heterogeneous networks, the current enhanced inter-cell interference coordination solutions cause resource overlap and throughput reduction due to interference between micro cells, leading to resource collision or reduced spectrum utilization efficiency when applying almost blank subframes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves allocating different almost blank subframes by both macro and micro base stations to coordinate interference, with one base station sending a message to others indicating allowed and forbidden subframes to avoid resource collisions, and obtaining a second almost blank subframe that is distinct from the first, thereby improving resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the current enhanced interference coordination solution is applied to micro cells, then interference between macro cell and micro cell is reduced, but resource collision and throughput reduction occur due to interference between micro cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference from macro cell to micro cellVSAvoidnetwork throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the almost blank subframe resources by introducing two different types: first ABS for protecting against macro cell interference, and second ABS for protecting against micro cell interference. This segmentation allows different micro cells to use different ABS patterns, avoiding resource collision while maintaining interference protection benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of resource differentiation by creating distinct first ABS and second ABS resources. Instead of all micro cells using the same ABS pattern, the system differentiates ABS types across dimensions of time and resource allocation, enabling simultaneous interference coordination without collision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If micro cells use the same almost blank subframes, then interference coordination is simplified, but resource collision occurs leading to throughput reduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference coordination complexityVSAvoidnetwork throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments ABS resources into first ABS and second ABS types, allowing different micro cells to be assigned different types. This segmentation prevents resource collision while maintaining manageable coordination complexity through structured resource allocation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different micro cells are assigned different ABS characteristics (first ABS or second ABS) based on their local interference conditions. This local quality differentiation allows each micro cell to optimize its interference coordination strategy while avoiding resource collision with neighboring micro cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If micro cells avoid using almost blank subframes with overlapped resources, then resource collision is eliminated, but spectrum resource utilization efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource collision avoidanceVSAvoidspectrum resource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction by introducing a new dimension of ABS type differentiation. Instead of avoiding ABS usage entirely, micro cells use different types of ABS (first or second) in different time dimensions, eliminating collision while maintaining high spectrum utilization through continued ABS employment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of ABS resources by creating distinct first ABS and second ABS with different characteristics. This parameter differentiation allows micro cells to use ABS resources effectively without collision, maintaining both reliability and spectrum utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3154298B1Interference coordination method and base station
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3154298B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3154298B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide an interference coordination method and a base station. The method includes: allocating, by a base station, a first almost blank subframe to one or more first base stations that are interfered with by the base station; sending, by the base station, a first message to one or more second base stations that interfere with the base station, where the first message includes information used to indicate the first almost blank subframe; and obtaining, by the base station, a second almost blank subframe that is allocated by the one or more second base stations to the base station, where the second almost blank subframe is different from the first almost blank subframe. Therefore, a resource collision problem in interference coordination can be eliminated, and resource utilization can be improved.