Dynamic Antenna Beam Management for Mixed 4G-5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting their beam profiles to optimize network performance and user experience, particularly in mixed 4G and 5G environments, where interference and signal quality issues arise, especially for user devices at the cell edge or using uplink split mode.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamically adjusting antenna profiles by modifying beams from full to tapered or vice versa based on location information, interference levels, and performance criteria, allowing network components to optimize coverage and reduce interference by adjusting the beam width and protocol availability for user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a full beam is used to expand coverage area, then the coverage area increases, but interference levels increase and signal quality deteriorates at cell edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the antenna beam profile between full beam and tapered beam configurations based on real-time conditions. When 5G nodes need coverage extension, full beam is used; when interference becomes problematic at cell edge, the system transitions to tapered beam to reduce interference while maintaining essential coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the beam profile parameter from full to tapered configuration to control the trade-off between coverage area and interference levels. This parameter adjustment allows the network to optimize performance by selecting the appropriate beam shape based on current network conditions and user device locations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a tapered beam is used to reduce interference, then interference levels decrease, but coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between tapered and full beam configurations based on network conditions. When interference reduction is the priority and coverage requirements are met, tapered beam is used; when coverage extension is needed and interference is not problematic, the system transitions to full beam to expand coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam profile parameter is adjusted between tapered and full configurations to balance coverage area and interference levels. This dynamic parameter change allows the system to adapt to varying network conditions and optimize the coverage-interference trade-off.
3Productivity
If 5G user devices use uplink split mode to access both 4G and 5G, then data rate increases, but performance of 4G-only user devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different beam configurations to different user device groups. 5G-capable devices can utilize full beam coverage with uplink split mode for high data rates, while 4G-only devices are served with tapered beam configurations that ensure dedicated resources and prevent performance degradation from 5G uplink transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the user device population into 5G-capable and 4G-only groups, applying different beam strategies to each segment. This segmentation allows 5G devices to benefit from high-speed access while 4G devices receive optimized service without being negatively impacted by 5G uplink resource usage.
4Area of stationary object
If beam width is increased to improve coverage, then signal coverage improves, but noise at base station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beam width by switching between full beam (wider) and tapered beam (narrower) configurations. When coverage extension is needed and noise levels are acceptable, wider beams are used; when noise becomes problematic, the system transitions to narrower tapered beams to reduce base station noise while maintaining essential coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam width parameter is dynamically changed between full and tapered configurations to control the trade-off between signal coverage and base station noise. This parameter adjustment allows the network to optimize coverage while managing noise levels at the base station.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for dynamically modifying an antenna profile to increase network performance. Initially, it is determined that one or more user devices communicating using at least a first wireless communication protocol and operating using uplink split mode are connected to a sector. Performance of a plurality of other user devices communicating using a second wireless communication protocol and connected to the sector are monitored. Upon determining that the performance of at least one user device of the plurality of other user devices is below a threshold, the antenna profile is dynamically adjusted to narrow a beam associated with the first wireless communication protocol such that at least one or more user devices capable of communicating using at least the first wireless communication protocol is unable to communicate using the first wireless communication protocol.