E-PDCCH Inter-Cell Interference Coordination via X2 Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE systems face challenges in managing inter-cell interference for enhanced PDCCH (E-PDCCH) due to its different interference scenarios and higher error probability requirements compared to traditional PDSCH, which can impact the reliability of downlink control information transmission.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of new information elements such as Downlink High Interference Indication (DL HII) and E-PDCCH Interference Impact Indication in the Load Information message over the X2 interface allows for enhanced inter-cell interference coordination, where eNBs can adjust transmission power and resource allocation to minimize interference, ensuring reliable E-PDCCH transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If E-PDCCH transmission is used to enhance downlink control capacity, then control channel capacity is improved, but inter-cell interference increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel capacityVSAvoidE-PDCCH transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing new information elements (DL HII and E-PDCCH Interference Impact Indication) into the Load Information message to dynamically adjust and signal interference parameters between eNBs. This enables coordinated parameter optimization that resolves the contradiction between maintaining high control channel capacity and ensuring transmission reliability under interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the X2 interface where eNBs exchange interference indication information about E-PDCCH transmissions. This feedback loop allows receiving eNBs to adjust their scheduling and transmission parameters based on interference levels, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving control channel capacity enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If transmission power is increased to improve E-PDCCH reliability, then error probability decreases, but inter-cell interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveE-PDCCH transmission reliabilityVSAvoidinter-cell interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power parameter dynamically by enabling eNBs to signal E-PDCCH power information through the DL HII and interference impact indication elements. This allows receiving eNBs to adjust their transmission power parameters to avoid excessive interference while maintaining sufficient reliability for E-PDCCH reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by enabling cell-specific power adjustment for E-PDCCH transmissions based on local interference conditions. Each eNB can optimize its transmission power locally according to the interference impact indication received from neighboring eNBs, rather than using uniform power levels across all cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If resource allocation is optimized for E-PDCCH, then control channel performance is improved, but coordination complexity between eNBs increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveE-PDCCH transmission reliabilityVSAvoidinter-cell coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by extending the existing Load Information message structure to carry multiple types of interference coordination information (DL HII, E-PDCCH interference impact indication, power information). This multi-functional approach allows a single standardized mechanism to handle various aspects of E-PDCCH coordination, reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced coordination requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2774392B1Inter-cell interference coordination for e-pdcch
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2774392B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2774392B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2774392B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method is provided for communication in a wireless telecommunication system. The method comprises transmitting, by a first access node, an indicator to a second access node over an interface between the first access node and the second access node, wherein the indicator provides information on a transmission of a control channel by the first access node.