Distributed MIMO Backhaul Load Reduction via Cell Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently routing data packets and control information between multiple cells in a Cooperative Multipoint (CoMP) system, particularly in scenarios where conventional core networks only support routing to a single cell, limiting distributed communication and cooperation between multiple cells and user equipment (UE).

Innovation Solution

The system configures a serving cell to communicate with the core network and an auxiliary cell to exchange data and control signaling directly with the core network, allowing for coordinated transmission and beamforming, thereby reducing backhaul load and enhancing communication efficiency by designating specific cells for control signaling and data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional core networks route all data to a single serving cell in CoMP systems, then network simplicity is maintained, but backhaul load increases and communication efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidbackhaul load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data routing function by directing different data packets to different cells based on UE location and channel conditions. Instead of routing all data to a single serving cell, the system divides the data stream and routes portions to multiple cells (serving cell and auxiliary cell), thereby distributing the backhaul load and improving communication efficiency through coordinated multipoint transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension to data routing by enabling direct data transmission from the core network to multiple cells simultaneously. This transforms the traditional single-path routing into a multi-path routing architecture, where data can flow through different network paths to different cells, reducing the burden on any single backhaul link.

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

2Productivity

If multiple cells exchange information directly with the core network, then distributed communication efficiency improves, but device complexity and control signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistributed communication efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol signaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different roles to different cells based on their function. The serving cell handles control signaling and coordination, while auxiliary cells focus on data transmission. This functional differentiation optimizes the complexity distribution, allowing cells to specialize in specific tasks rather than all cells performing all functions, thereby managing control signaling overhead efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates equipotentiality by establishing a standardized interface and protocol for all cells to communicate with the core network. All cells operate under the same data transmission framework, allowing them to exchange information with the core network using统一的 procedures, which simplifies the overall system complexity despite the distributed architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Reliability

If joint processing is implemented across multiple cells, then signal quality and system capacity improve, but coordination complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the data routing decisions and cell selection before actual data transmission. The network determines in advance which cells will participate in CoMP transmission for each UE based on channel conditions and UE location, and pre-establishes the data flow paths. This preliminary planning reduces the coordination complexity during active transmission, as the framework is already in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the serving cell as an intermediary that coordinates between the core network and auxiliary cells. The serving cell receives control signaling from the core network, processes the information, and then coordinates with auxiliary cells for joint data transmission. This intermediary role simplifies the coordination complexity by centralizing the control function in one cell while enabling distributed transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2313987B1System and method for distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2313987B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2313987B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2313987B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methodologies are described herein that facilitate distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) or cooperative multipoint (CoMP) communication in a wireless communication system. As described herein, multiple cells, such as a serving cell and an auxiliary cell, can cooperate to conduct communication with one or more associated terminals. In one example described herein, an associated core network can exchange data and/or control signaling with a single cell communicating with a given terminal, which can then tunnel respective data and/or control signaling to other cell(s). By doing so, CoMP communication can be made transparent to the core network and can be achieved without requiring changes to the network. As further described herein, a terminal can exchange Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) assignments and/or other information exclusively with the serving cell in addition to or in place of other exchanged with a serving cell and/or an auxiliary cell.