Extended Control Channel for Interference Reduction in Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heterogeneous cellular communication networks face challenges in providing reliable control channels due to interference issues when smaller cells overlap with larger cells using the same radio resources, leading to suboptimal cell border differences between downlink and uplink operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an extended control channel with a cell identity field allows for coordinated scheduling information distribution from a macro base station to User Equipment (UE) in overlapped cells, reducing interference and enabling robust signaling by associating UE with both micro and macro base stations for data and control channels separately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If smaller cells and larger cells use the same radio resources for control channels, then resource utilization is improved, but interference between cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control channel into two distinct types: a first control channel for downlink control information and a second control channel for uplink control information. This segmentation allows each channel type to be optimized for its specific function and transmitted from appropriate base stations (macro for downlink, micro for uplink), thereby reducing interference while maintaining resource utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different transmission characteristics to different control channels based on their specific functions. The first control channel is transmitted from the macro base station with characteristics suitable for downlink coverage, while the second control channel is transmitted from the micro base station with characteristics suitable for uplink scenarios, optimizing each channel's performance in its specific context.
2Reliability
If UE is associated with both micro and macro base stations for separate data and control channels, then control channel reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the UE to associate with both micro and macro base stations simultaneously, where the micro base station handles uplink control and the macro base station handles downlink control. This universal association mechanism allows the UE to leverage multiple base stations for different control functions, improving reliability without requiring complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the UE with the capability to associate with multiple base stations for different control channels before actual communication occurs. The UE is prepared in advance to receive downlink control from the macro base station and uplink control from the micro base station, streamlining the association process and reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and arrangement for enabling communication of data between a UE and a first base station in a cellular communication network further comprising the second base station, and the second base station is connected to the first base station via a communication interface. A scheduling request is received from the first base station. The scheduling request is based on a suggested scheduling which is determined by the first base station, and the suggested scheduling concerns the communication of data. Scheduling information is determined based on the scheduling request, and the scheduling information is transmitted to the UE. By determining a suggested scheduling in a micro base station, but transmitting scheduling information from an overlaying macro base station, local awareness of communication conditions may be applied, and interferences from neighboring micro base stations may be decreased.