Distributed MIMO Downlink Configuration via Dynamic Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heterogeneous multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication systems face challenges in providing high data rates and reliability across a wide area network, especially in adverse channel conditions and high user density scenarios, with existing systems often relying on a single communication mode that can lead to suboptimal service for devices with varying mobility and channel conditions.

Innovation Solution

A unified coordinated MIMO network that dynamically partitions resources between coordinated multipoint (CoMP) and alternative downlink data transmission modes, using metrics like device mobility, channel matrix conditions, and network congestion to select the best operating regime for each user equipment, allowing for CoMP mode when conditions are suitable and switching to alternative modes for reliability in adverse conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single communication mode is used in heterogeneous MIMO systems, then system complexity is reduced, but service quality and data rates become suboptimal for devices with varying mobility and channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidservice quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between coordinated multipoint (CoMP) mode and alternative downlink transmission modes based on real-time channel conditions, device mobility, and network congestion metrics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize service quality for different device conditions without requiring manual configuration, resolving the contradiction between simplified operation and adaptive performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting different transmission modes (CoMP vs. alternative modes) based on measured metrics such as channel matrix conditions, device mobility, and network congestion. This parameter switching enables the system to maintain high service quality across varying conditions while keeping the underlying system architecture relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If coordinated multipoint (CoMP) mode is used, then data rates and system capacity are improved, but reliability deteriorates in adverse channel conditions and high user density scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between CoMP mode and alternative downlink transmission modes based on real-time assessment of channel conditions, device mobility, and network congestion. When adverse conditions are detected, the system switches to alternative modes that prioritize reliability over maximum data rate, thereby maintaining robust connections even when CoMP performance degrades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from measured metrics (channel matrix conditions, device mobility, network congestion) to determine the appropriate transmission mode. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system adapts to changing conditions and maintains reliable service by switching away from CoMP mode when it becomes suboptimal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system dynamically partitions resources between CoMP and alternative modes, then service quality for varying device conditions is improved, but system complexity and control overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic mode selection based on measured metrics, allowing it to adapt service delivery to varying device conditions. The scheduler at each node determines the appropriate mode (CoMP or alternative) based on real-time channel state information, device mobility, and network congestion, providing service adaptability without requiring complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each network node autonomously schedules downlink data transmissions and selects transmission modes based on local measurements and conditions. This self-service approach allows the system to achieve high adaptability without proportionally increasing centralized control complexity, as each node makes independent decisions based on its local context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10756860B2Distributed multiple-input multiple-output downlink configuration
Publication Date: 2020.08.25 GLOBALSTAR INC
  • US10756860B2 patent drawing
  • US10756860B2 patent drawing
  • US10756860B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of this disclosure relate to distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) downlink configuration. Features are described for a network controller (e.g., baseband unit) to receive one or more requests including a desired transmission mode and/or active set of serving nodes for wireless communication service(s) for user equipment. The baseband unit may determine an optimal configuration in consideration of the desired parameters along with other network information. The network controller may then transmit one or more configuration messages via the network to optimally allocate resources distributed within the network.