Dynamic Subcarrier Allocation for Spectrum Utilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing soft frequency reuse technologies in cellular communication systems cannot dynamically adjust subcarrier allocations based on changing cell-edge traffic volumes, leading to inefficient spectrum utilization and increased inter-cell co-channel interference.

Innovation Solution

A method and base station that dynamically adjust the allocation of primary and secondary subcarriers by detecting cell-edge traffic volume changes, releasing idle primary subcarriers as secondary subcarriers when traffic is reduced and adding idle primary subcarriers from neighboring cells when traffic increases, using sensing algorithms to identify available resources and manage subcarrier groups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If subcarriers are classified into primary and secondary subcarriers with fixed power thresholds, then inter-cell co-channel interference is avoided, but spectrum utilization rate decreases due to inability to adjust allocation dynamically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell co-channel interferenceVSAvoidspectrum utilization rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of subcarrier allocation by allowing base stations to sense idle primary subcarriers in neighboring cells and convert them to secondary subcarriers when local cell-edge traffic volume is low. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt spectrum allocation to changing traffic conditions, thereby improving spectrum utilization while maintaining interference coordination through the primary-secondary subcarrier classification mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If primary subcarrier resources are allocated to ensure cell-edge user coverage, then connection reliability is improved, but resource waste occurs when cell-edge traffic volume is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell-edge user coverageVSAvoididle primary subcarrier resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables base stations to discard (release) idle primary subcarrier resources when cell-edge traffic volume is low by converting them to secondary subcarriers. When traffic conditions change, these resources can be recovered and reallocated. This discard-and-recover mechanism allows the system to maintain adequate cell-edge coverage when needed while eliminating resource waste during low-traffic periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Device complexity

If fixed subcarrier allocation is used to simplify base station operations, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to traffic changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase station resource managementVSAvoidresponse to traffic volume changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where base stations autonomously sense idle primary subcarriers in neighboring cells and automatically perform conversion to secondary subcarriers based on local cell-edge traffic conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex inter-base station signaling and centralized resource management, simplifying operations while maintaining high adaptability to traffic changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2587855B1Method and base station for adjusting carrier resources dynamically
Publication Date: 2017.09.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2587855B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2587855B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2587855B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and base station for dynamic adjustment of a carrier resource are disclosed. Firstly, a cell-edge traffic volume of a local cell is detected; then, if the cell-edge traffic volume of the local cell is reduced, an idle primary subcarrier resource in the cell is released as a secondary subcarrier according to a degree of reduction of the cell-edge traffic volume and according to a multiple of a predetermined minimum granularity. With it, when the cell-edge traffic volume of the local cell is changed, the allocation of a primary subcarrier and a secondary subcarrier may be adjusted dynamically, which increases a utilization rate of a spectrum and ensures that carrier resources can be utilized properly and adequately.