GSM Spectrum Refarming for LTE Small Cells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of LTE small cells within macro cellular networks leads to interference with existing macro cellular network signals, resulting in degraded communication, and existing solutions like separate spectrums or static spectrum refarming are inefficient due to wasted bandwidth and resource scarcity.
Innovation Solution
Allocating specific physical resource blocks (PRBs) of one wireless access technology for use by another, embedding the first technology's spectrum within the second's, and communicating messages to controllers to avoid impacting broadcast and control channels, thereby minimizing interference and optimizing spectrum usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LTE small cells are deployed within macro cellular network footprints using the same frequency spectrum, then deployment cost and complexity are reduced, but interference between LTE and macro network signals occurs resulting in degraded communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple sub-bands, allowing LTE small cells and macro cellular networks to operate simultaneously on the same spectrum without complete interference. By dividing the spectrum into distinct portions allocated to different technologies, both deployments can coexist while maintaining communication quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different frequency sub-bands to different technologies in different spatial locations. Macro networks use certain sub-bands in certain areas while LTE small cells use other sub-bands, creating localized frequency allocations that minimize interference while maximizing spectrum utilization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate spectrums are deployed for LTE small cells and macro cellular networks, then interference is eliminated, but additional dedicated spectrum is required which wastes valuable wireless communication resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spectrum resources of LTE small cells and macro cellular networks by allowing both to operate on the same frequency spectrum simultaneously. Through frequency partitioning and coordinated spectrum access, the system combines the spectrum usage of both technologies rather than requiring completely separate spectral domains, thereby eliminating resource waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional spectrum allocation system where frequency sub-bands can be dynamically assigned to either macro networks or LTE small cells based on demand. This allows the same spectrum resources to serve multiple purposes and technologies, maximizing spectrum utilization efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If static spectrum refarming is used to allocate spectrum for LTE small cells, then spectrum utilization is improved, but bandwidth waste occurs due to limitations on LTE deployment bandwidths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic spectrum refarming that adapts to actual traffic conditions and demand patterns. Instead of static allocations, the system dynamically adjusts spectrum assignments based on real-time requirements, allowing flexible bandwidth allocation that matches actual usage patterns and minimizes wasted capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spectrum allocation from fixed static bands to flexible dynamic allocations. By allowing continuous adjustment of allocated bandwidth based on demand, the system can optimize spectrum utilization and reduce bandwidth waste that occurs with rigid LTE deployment bandwidth limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the method includes allocating, using a network management entity, at least one of a plurality of physical resource blocks (PRBs) of a first wireless access technology for utilization by a second wireless access technology. A spectrum of the first wireless access technology is embedded within a spectrum of the second wireless access technology. The method further includes communicating, using the network management entity, a message to a controller of the first wireless access technology identifying the PRBs not allocated for utilization by the second wireless access technology.