Dynamic ICIC Power Control for Cell-Edge Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in mitigating inter-cell interference, particularly at cell edges, leading to suboptimal performance and throughput, especially under varying traffic loads and data rate requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced that dynamically determines transmit power based on the spatial distribution of User Equipment (UE) among cells, using statistical information about path losses and load conditions to optimize downlink communication, thereby improving overall system performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inter-cell interference coordination is applied to mitigate interference at cell edges, then cell-edge user performance is improved, but overall system throughput deteriorates due to resource restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell-edge user performanceVSAvoidoverall system throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic ICIC where resource restrictions and power levels are adjusted in real-time based on current traffic load conditions. The network node dynamically determines whether to apply resource restrictions to cell-edge users by evaluating current system state, allowing the system to adapt between protecting cell-edge users and maximizing overall throughput depending on conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource restriction application based on traffic load conditions. When traffic load is low, resource restrictions are relaxed or removed to maximize throughput. When traffic load is high and cell-edge performance degradation is observed, resource restrictions are applied to mitigate interference. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making the system state-dependent

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If resource restrictions are applied to mitigate inter-cell interference, then interference is reduced, but system complexity increases due to coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interferenceVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables each network node to autonomously determine and apply resource restrictions based on locally observed traffic load conditions and cell-edge performance metrics. Instead of requiring complex centralized coordination or extensive inter-node signaling, each node self-adjusts its resource allocation strategy, significantly reducing coordination complexity while still mitigating interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where network nodes monitor cell-edge user performance and traffic load conditions, then use this feedback to dynamically adjust resource restrictions. The feedback loop allows the system to respond to actual interference conditions without requiring complex pre-coordination, as each node adapts based on observed system state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If static ICIC reconfiguration is used to coordinate resources between cells, then implementation complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying traffic loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation complexityVSAvoidadaptability to traffic load variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static to dynamic ICIC by continuously monitoring traffic load conditions and cell-edge performance metrics. The resource restriction strategy is dynamically adjusted based on current system state, allowing the system to adapt to varying traffic loads while maintaining relatively simple implementation through localized decision-making at each network node

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3050367B1Methods and nodes in a wireless communication network
Publication Date: 2018.01.10 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3050367B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP3050367B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3050367B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods in a first and second radio network nodes are presented. The first radio network node is configured for proving coverage for a first cell of a wireless communication system. The first radio network node is also configured for receiving, from at least one second radio network node, first statistical information related at least to one or more first path losses PL1-2 from said first radio network node to at least one second user equipment, respectively, in at least one second neighbouring cell being covered by said at least one second radio network node. The first radio network node is further configured for determining a first transmission power level P1 to be used for a down link transmission to at least one first user equipment in said first cell based on said first statistical information. The first radio network node is also configured for transmitting to said at least one first user equipment by utilization of said first transmission power level P1.