Carrier Bandwidth Adjustment in High Altitude Platform Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) face bandwidth limitations and inefficiencies in managing cellular radio networks, particularly in areas with low population density or varying traffic demand, as existing technologies require fixed bandwidth allocation even for inactive cells, leading to wasted resources and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and configuration system that allow seamless bandwidth adjustment by transmitting a first carrier signal with a predetermined bandwidth and configuring a second carrier signal with a different bandwidth within the same frequency spectrum channel, enabling handover of traffic and optional shutdown of the first carrier, particularly useful for HAPs like satellites, to optimize resource use based on traffic demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed bandwidth allocation is used for all cells, then network coverage and service availability are maintained, but bandwidth resources are wasted in areas with low traffic demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth adjustment by allowing cells to switch between different bandwidth configurations based on traffic demand. Cells can be activated with appropriate bandwidth allocations, and inactive cells can have their bandwidth reduced or shut down, transforming the static bandwidth allocation into a dynamic system that adapts to changing network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of carrier signals based on cell activity and traffic demand. By adjusting the bandwidth parameter dynamically - allocating larger bandwidth to active cells with high traffic demand and reducing or eliminating bandwidth for inactive cells - the system optimizes resource utilization while maintaining service quality where needed.
2Reliability
If minimum bandwidth is allocated to all cells including inactive ones, then cell coverage area is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of cell activity states. The system periodically assesses traffic demand and cell utilization, activating or deactivating cells and adjusting their bandwidth allocations accordingly. This periodic action allows the system to maintain coverage when needed while conserving power during low-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for temporary discarding of minimum bandwidth allocation for inactive cells, shutting down carrier signals for cells with no traffic demand. When traffic demand arises again, the system can recover by reactivating these cells and reallocating bandwidth resources, thus avoiding continuous power consumption for unused cells.
3Productivity
If carrier bandwidth is reduced for inactive cells, then bandwidth resources are optimized, but coverage area may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple cells with independent bandwidth control. Each cell can be individually configured with appropriate bandwidth based on its specific traffic demand and coverage requirements. This segmentation allows the system to optimize bandwidth at the cell level rather than applying a uniform allocation across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by allowing different bandwidth allocations for different cells based on their specific conditions. Active cells with high traffic demand receive larger bandwidth allocations, while inactive or low-traffic cells receive reduced or zero bandwidth. This local differentiation optimizes overall network efficiency while maintaining adequate coverage where required.
Data Source
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Figure 2C
AI summary
A method for adjusting a bandwidth of a carrier signal providing access to a cellular radio network through a High Altitude Platform, HAP, the carrier signal being transmitted within a predetermined frequency spectrum channel, the HAP transmitting a first carrier signal of a first bandwidth in a first part of the predetermined frequency spectrum allocation, the method comprising: configuring transmission of a second carrier signal of a second bandwidth in a second part of the predetermined frequency spectrum allocation, the second bandwidth being different to the first bandwidth; and configuring handover of traffic from the first carrier signal to the second carrier signal.