Dynamic Resource Selection in Heterogeneous Cellular Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heterogeneous cellular networks using unlicensed frequency bands face challenges in dynamic resource allocation, leading to complex notification procedures, traffic overload, and interruptions in communication due to interference and frequent channel changes.

Innovation Solution

A system for dynamic selection of transmission resources using counters to evaluate transmission quality, allowing base stations and mobile terminals to independently select the best resource, ensuring consistent binding and minimizing interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a control channel is used to notify terminals of resource allocation changes, then resource allocation information can be communicated, but traffic overload occurs and notification procedures become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation informationVSAvoidnotification procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables autonomous resource selection where both base station and terminal independently evaluate transmission resources using counters and quality indices, selecting the same resource without requiring complex control channel notifications. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for frequent control signaling while maintaining synchronized resource usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station transmits counter states to terminals via beacon signals, and terminals provide feedback on resource availability. This feedback loop enables both parties to maintain consistent resource selection without requiring complex control channel procedures for each allocation change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequent channel changes are implemented to adapt to interference, then resource availability is optimized, but communication interruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource adaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to changing channel conditions by continuously updating counter states and recalculating quality indices for transmission resources. Both base station and terminal adjust their resource selection based on current interference levels and resource availability, maintaining optimal adaptability while ensuring communication continuity through synchronized dynamic selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If unlicensed resources are used to meet traffic demand, then spectrum utilization is improved, but interference from other systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter evaluation by using counter states to represent resource quality, where counters are incremented based on successful transmissions and decremented or adjusted based on interference detection. This parameter transformation allows the system to adaptively select resources with optimal quality metrics, maximizing spectrum utilization while avoiding high-interference channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3654720B1Method of dynamically selecting communication resources in a heterogeneous cellular network
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3654720B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3654720B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3654720B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for selecting unlicensed transmission resources to establish communication between a base station, such as a small cell base station in a heterogeneous cellular network, and a mobile terminal. The transmission resource is selected coherently by the base station and the mobile terminal based on the transmission quality indices of these resources. The quality index of a resource is determined by the base station (or mobile terminal) from the state of at least one counter of the base station (or mobile terminal) associated with that resource. The first counter of the base station associated with a selected resource is incremented if the resource is available. The first counter of the mobile terminal associated with a selected resource is incremented if it receives a beacon signal on the selected resource.