Heterogeneous Cellular Network Configuration Identity Groups

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous cellular communication networks, the existing LTE technology faces challenges in managing interference and optimizing uplink and downlink configurations due to the inherent downlink/uplink imbalance and the need for individual parameter configuration, which results in excessive signaling overhead and limitations in handover procedures.

Innovation Solution

The use of multiple configuration groups with corresponding Configuration Identity (CID) parameters allows for independent configuration of uplink and downlink channels for user equipment devices, decoupling uplink and downlink transmissions and reducing signaling overhead by configuring parameters based on multiple CID values rather than a single physical layer cell identifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If individual parameter configuration is used for uplink and downlink channels, then configuration flexibility is improved, but signaling overhead increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration parameters into multiple groups (first configuration group and second configuration group), each associated with different cell identities. This allows selective configuration of parameters based on transmission direction (uplink/downlink) and cell type (macro/pico), achieving configuration flexibility while reducing signaling overhead by avoiding transmission of all parameters individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates configuration groups that can serve multiple functions: they can be applied to different cell types (macro cell and pico cell), different transmission directions (uplink and downlink), and different user equipment scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate individual parameter configurations, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If downlink and uplink are coupled with single cell identifier, then system complexity is reduced, but interference management and optimization become difficult in heterogeneous networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidinterference management capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration system by introducing separate configuration groups for different transmission directions and cell types. Each configuration group is associated with specific cell identities, allowing independent optimization of downlink and uplink parameters without increasing overall system complexity. This segmentation enables targeted interference management in heterogeneous networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different configuration parameters locally to different cell types and transmission directions. Macro cells and pico cells have different configuration groups, and uplink and downlink have separate configurations. This local quality approach allows optimized interference management for each specific scenario without requiring complex global coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple configuration groups with CID parameters are used, then interference reduction and configuration flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference levelVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments interference management by creating separate configuration groups for different cell identities and transmission directions. This allows targeted interference reduction strategies for macro-pico coexistence scenarios without requiring complex device-level processing. The segmentation simplifies the device's task to selecting from pre-defined configuration groups rather than managing individual parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining configuration groups with appropriate parameters for different scenarios (macro cell, pico cell, uplink, downlink). These pre-configured groups are then simply selected and applied, reducing the computational burden and complexity at the device level while achieving effective interference management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If single physical layer cell identifier is used for configuration, then handover procedures are simplified, but handover performance and seamless connectivity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover procedure complexityVSAvoidhandover performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the handover configuration by maintaining separate configuration groups for different cell identities. During handover, only the relevant configuration group needs to be switched, rather than reconfiguring all parameters. This segmentation simplifies handover procedures while improving performance by ensuring appropriate parameters are applied for each target cell type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration by pre-setting configuration groups for different cell types and transmission directions. During handover, the device simply switches to the pre-configured group corresponding to the target cell, enabling fast and reliable handover without complex real-time parameter negotiation, thus improving handover performance while keeping procedures simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2708068B1Independent configuration identities in a heterogeneous cellular communication network
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2708068B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2708068B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2708068B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for using multiple configuration groups having corresponding configuration identity (CID) parameters to configure a trans-mission channel and a reception channel for a user equipment device in a cellular communication network. In one embodiment, a user equipment device "in a cellular communication network obtains CID values for CID parameters for a number of configuration groups. Each of the configuration groups includes one or more transmission channel or reception channel parameters. For each of the configuration groups, the user equipment device configures the parameters in the configuration group based on the CID value obtained for the CID parameter for the configuration group. In this manner, the transmission channel and the reception channel for the user equipment device are configured based on multiple CID values rather than a single physical layer cell identifier for a cell in which the user equipment device is located.