Dynamic Radio Resource Allocation for Small Cell Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying large numbers of small cells in cellular communication networks requires a well-developed infrastructure, which can be bulky and expensive, and existing radio resource allocation methods are inefficient due to fixed allocations that do not adapt to changing capacity requirements or environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic allocation of non-cellular radio resources among different types of wireless communication links, such as mmWave backhaul, fronthaul, and access links, based on real-time capacity needs and channel conditions, using a resource allocator to assign resources from a common pool to ensure optimal utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large numbers of small cells are deployed to increase network capacity, then network capacity is improved, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling small cells to perform multiple functions: they can operate as access points for user equipment and simultaneously function as relay nodes to provide backhaul connectivity to other small cells. This multi-functionality allows the network to achieve high capacity with fewer infrastructure elements, as small cells can share resources and provide both access and backhaul services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges access and backhaul functions into a unified small cell architecture. Instead of requiring separate infrastructure for backhaul and access, the system combines these functions in the same small cells, allowing them to dynamically allocate resources between access links (to UEs) and backhaul links (to other small cells), thereby reducing overall infrastructure complexity.
2Device complexity
If fixed radio resource allocation is used to simplify management, then device complexity is reduced, but network efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic radio resource allocation where small cells can adjust their resource allocation between access and backhaul links based on real-time network conditions, traffic demands, and channel states. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize performance continuously without requiring complex centralized management, as each small cell autonomously adapts its resource distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables small cells to perform self-service through autonomous resource allocation decisions. Each small cell independently monitors its own traffic requirements and channel conditions, then dynamically adjusts its radio resource allocation between access and backhaul functions without requiring constant centralized control, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving high efficiency.
3Productivity
If dynamic resource allocation is implemented to improve network efficiency, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces complexity by enabling small cells to autonomously perform resource allocation decisions based on local observations of traffic demand and channel conditions. Each small cell independently determines optimal resource distribution between access and backhaul links without requiring complex centralized coordination, achieving high efficiency through distributed self-service mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where small cells continuously monitor network conditions, traffic demands, and channel states, then use this feedback to dynamically adjust resource allocation. This closed-loop approach enables efficient adaptive resource management while keeping complexity localized to individual small cells rather than requiring complex centralized control systems.
4Reliability
If dedicated backhaul infrastructure is deployed to ensure reliable connectivity, then reliability is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses small cells as intermediary relay nodes that provide backhaul connectivity to other small cells. Instead of requiring direct wired backhaul connections from every small cell to the core network, intermediate small cells act as mediators to establish wireless backhaul paths, thereby achieving reliable connectivity while reducing infrastructure complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables small cells to serve dual purposes: as access points for user equipment and as backhaul relay nodes for other small cells. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve reliable backhaul connectivity using the same small cell infrastructure already deployed for access, eliminating the need for separate dedicated backhaul infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of dynamic allocation of radio resources. For example, a resource allocator may dynamically allocate to a plurality of nodes of a cellular network non-cellular radio resources for communication over a plurality of non-cellular wireless communication links, the resource allocator may be configured to assign the non-cellular radio resources to a plurality of resource blocks corresponding to a plurality of link types, and to dynamically allocate to a non-cellular wireless communication link resources from a resource block corresponding to a link type of the non-cellular wireless communication link.