Distributed Base Station Parameter Coordination via X2+ Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular network parameter settings, particularly in frequency reuse planning, are static and cannot adapt to dynamic changes in user equipment migration, leading to increased inter-cell interference, and require a centralized coordinator for updates which may not be available.

Innovation Solution

A distributed and dynamic coordination method between base stations using an extended inter-cell interface (X2+) for exchanging parameter settings and supplementary information, allowing each base station to update its settings based on neighbor information without a central coordinator, using a three-step procedure that ensures convergence to a globally optimal solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static frequency reuse planning is used, then network deployment is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic changes in user equipment migration leading to increased inter-cell interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to dynamic changesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static frequency reuse planning into a dynamic system where base stations autonomously adjust their frequency allocation parameters in real-time based on changing network conditions, user equipment distribution, and interference levels, enabling the system to adapt to dynamic changes without centralized control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each base station independently monitors its own interference conditions and autonomously selects frequency parameters that optimize its performance while considering neighboring cells, eliminating the need for a centralized coordinator and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a centralized coordinator is used for dynamic parameter updates, then optimal network-wide solutions can be achieved, but the system requires infrastructure that may not be available and increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performance optimizationVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized coordination function into distributed segments where each base station independently performs parameter optimization based on local information and exchanges minimal signaling with neighbors, eliminating the need for a centralized coordinator while maintaining optimization capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Base stations continuously monitor interference conditions and exchange parameter information with neighboring cells, using this feedback to iteratively adjust their frequency allocation decisions and converge to optimal network-wide solutions without centralized control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent parameter updates are performed to adapt to changing conditions, then interference is reduced, but the system may experience ping-pong effects and fail to converge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse to changing conditionsVSAvoidparameter stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic parameter updates with randomized timing and orthogonal partitioning of update cycles across different base stations, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while avoiding synchronized changes that cause ping-pong effects and ensuring convergence to stable solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Different base stations perform parameter updates at different times and with different update patterns, creating asymmetric update schedules that prevent simultaneous changes across the network and eliminate ping-pong effects while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2689601B1Dynamic, distributed coordination of parameters in a cellular telecommunication network
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2689601B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2689601B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2689601B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and method for dynamic, distributed coordination of parameters between a plurality of base stations (11a-11g) in a cellular telecommunication network (10). An inter-cell X2+ communication interface (36) connecting each given base station with the given base station's neighboring base stations is extended to communicate parameter settings between the given base station and the neighboring base stations. An apparatus in each given base station receives (22) from the given base station's neighboring base stations, parameter settings being utilized by the neighboring base stations for transmitting and/or receiving in associated neighboring cells. The apparatus utilizes (22) the parameter settings received from the neighboring base stations as factors to determine local parameter settings for the given base station. The given base station then sends (23) the local parameter settings and supplemental information to the neighboring base stations so that optimal network-wide parameter settings can be selected.