Heterogeneous Network Multiple Connectivity for mmW Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter wave (mmW) wireless networks face challenges due to rapid channel changes, directional transmission reliance, signal susceptibility to obstacles, and intermittent connectivity, which hinder seamless communication and efficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple-connectivity operations in heterogeneous networks by configuring one microwave macro cell with multiple small cells, allowing for flexible traffic data transmission and reception among small base stations, with an UP anchor small-cell base station and UP assistance small base stations, and enabling network-centric or UE-centric configuration to adapt to changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If millimeter wave directional transmissions are used, then data rate is improved, but connectivity reliability deteriorates due to shadowing and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines millimeter wave small cells with microwave macro cells into a heterogeneous network where both technologies coexist. The mmW small cells provide high data rates when available, while the microwave macro cell provides reliable coverage and seamless fallback, resolving the contradiction between high productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between mmW and microwave bands based on channel conditions. When mmW connectivity is blocked by obstacles, the system transitions to microwave transmission, maintaining reliability while preserving the ability to achieve high data rates when conditions permit.
2Reliability
If adaptive beamforming is implemented at scale, then channel attenuation is compensated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into two distinct parts: mmW small cells that implement adaptive beamforming for high-data-rate scenarios, and a microwave macro cell that provides omnidirectional coverage and serves as a fallback. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by confining complex beamforming operations to specific network elements rather than requiring all cells to implement them.
3Reliability
If microwave band is used for coverage, then connectivity reliability is improved, but data transmission capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges microwave and millimeter wave bands in a heterogeneous network architecture. The microwave band provides reliable coverage and connectivity, while the mmW band provides high-capacity data transmission when available. This combination allows the system to achieve both reliable coverage and high data transmission capacity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates traffic between microwave and mmW bands based on channel conditions and service requirements. Microwave is used for control signaling and fallback connectivity, while mmW is activated for high-capacity data transmission when channel conditions permit, optimizing both reliability and productivity dynamically.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple small base stations are configured, then connectivity adaptability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into one microwave macro cell and multiple mmW small cells with clearly defined functional roles. The macro cell handles control signaling and provides fallback connectivity, while small cells are dedicated to high-capacity data transmission. This segmentation simplifies network management despite having multiple base stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The microwave macro cell acts as an intermediary that coordinates multiple mmW small cells. It manages control signaling, monitors channel conditions, and orchestrates the activation/deactivation of small cells based on user needs and environmental conditions, reducing the complexity burden on individual small cells.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided to perform multiple-connectivity operation in the heterogeneous network. In one novel aspect, multiple-connectivity is configured with one microwave macro cell and multiple small cells. UE establishes control plane connectivity with the microwave macro cell, where the S1-MME interface is terminated. Multiple small-cell base stations provide traffic data together to the UE and are connected with Xn interfaces. One small-cell base station in the set of the configured small base stations is an UP anchor small-cell base station, where S1-U interface is terminated. Other small base stations are UP assistance small base station. In one embodiment, the set of small base stations and the UP anchor small base stations can be changed based on the measurement report/results of the different cells as well as the cell loading status. The anchor base station can be changed either by the UE or through network configuration.