Femtocell Power and Frequency Dynamic Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Femtocells face challenges with interference due to shared frequency usage with macrocellular networks, particularly in dense urban areas, and require dynamic adjustments to power levels and antenna directionality to optimize performance and minimize interference.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for dynamic adjustment of power, antenna direction, and frequencies in a femtocell network, where a femtocell management entity coordinates the operation of multiple femtocells by receiving parameters such as interference levels, power levels, and antenna directionality, and communicates configuration information to adjust these parameters dynamically to optimize performance and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If femtocells use shared frequencies with macrocellular networks, then spectrum utilization is improved, but interference between femtocells and macrocells increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency selection where femtocells can switch between shared frequencies (when macrocell signal is weak) and dedicated frequencies (when macrocell signal is strong). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting frequency usage based on real-time signal conditions, maintaining spectrum utilization while minimizing interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (frequency selection, power levels, antenna directionality) based on detected macrocell signal strength. When macrocell signal is strong, femtocell power is reduced or frequency is changed; when macrocell signal is weak, femtocell power is increased or shared frequency is used, thus adapting to conditions to balance spectrum utilization and interference reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If femtocells operate at higher power levels, then coverage area is improved, but interference with other femtocells and macrocells increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts transmission power levels based on detected interference conditions and macrocell signal strength. Power is increased when coverage is insufficient and decreased when interference is detected, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and interference generation through continuous parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where femtocells monitor interference levels and macrocell signal strength, then adjust their transmission parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to maintain adequate coverage while minimizing interference by responding to real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If femtocells use fixed configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to adapt to changing network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidadaptation to network conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-configuration where femtocells automatically detect network conditions and adjust their own parameters (frequency, power, antenna directionality) without manual intervention. This self-service capability provides adaptability to changing conditions while keeping operational complexity low for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static fixed configuration to dynamic adaptive configuration, where parameters are automatically adjusted based on real-time network conditions. This dynamic approach maintains low user-facing complexity while providing high adaptability through automated parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8761752B2Method and system for dynamic adjustment of power and frequencies in a femtocell network

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

Aspects of a method and system for dynamic adjustment of power, antenna direction and frequencies in a femtocell network are provided. In this regard, a communication system may comprise a plurality of femtocells, one or more base stations, and a femtocell management entity that coordinates operation of the plurality of femtocells. One or more parameters may be communicated from one of the plurality of femtocells and/or one or more base stations to the femtocell management entity. The femtocell management entity may be enabled to utilize the one or more parameters to determine configuration information for one of the plurality of femtocells and/or for one or more remaining ones of the plurality of femtocells. One of the plurality of femtocells may be enabled to receive the determined configuration information from the femtocell management entity. One of the plurality of femtocells may be configured utilizing the received determined configuration information.