Femtocell Redirection to Macrocell for Same-Frequency Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3G redirection features in femtocells cannot redirect user equipment (UE) to another cell operating at the same frequency, leading to load balancing issues and uncontrolled return of UE to the original cell, resulting in limited bandwidth and capacity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that allows UE to be redirected from a 3G femtocell to a macrocell operating at the same or different frequency, with a 'Return to Source Cell' parameter to ensure UE returns to the femtocell after completing communication with the macrocell, thereby offloading users and increasing available bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current 3G redirection features are used to redirect UE from femtocell to another cell, then load balancing can be achieved, but redirection to cells operating at the same frequency is not possible due to interference between cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of frequency operation by introducing a new parameter 'frequencyTag' that identifies the frequency of the target cell. This allows the redirection mechanism to handle same-frequency cells by using the frequencyTag to track and manage interference conditions, enabling load balancing to macrocells operating on the same frequency as the femtocell.
2Quantity of substance
If UE is redirected to macrocell to increase bandwidth availability, then capacity is improved, but uncontrolled return of UE to original cell causes repeated load on femtocell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the femtocell monitors the return of redirected UEs and can apply barring parameters to control subsequent access. The system tracks UE movement patterns and uses this feedback to adjust load balancing decisions, preventing repeated redirection cycles and stabilizing network load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing access barring parameters before UE can re-access the femtocell after redirection. This preemptive measure controls the return of redirected UEs, ensuring that load balancing decisions are maintained and preventing immediate re-connection that would undo the load distribution benefits.
3Productivity
If femtocell serves more mobile communication devices, then network coverage is improved, but bandwidth and capacity are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts overloaded UEs from the femtocell and redirects them to macrocells with available capacity. By separating the user base between femtocell and macrocell based on current load conditions, the system maintains comprehensive network coverage while respecting the bandwidth capacity limits of each cell type.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for redirecting communication requests made by user equipment (6,8) to an access point (2) in a cellular communication system is disclosed. The access point (2) has a shorter communication range than a macrocell in the system. The method comprises the steps of; sending a communication request from user equipment to the access point (2); determining whether the access point (2) has reached a maximum capacity; sending a communication rejection signal to the user equipment (6,8) if the access point (2) has reached maximum capacity; and redirecting the communication request into the macrocell in which the access point (2) is positioned wherein the macrocell and femtocell operate at the same frequency.