Heterogeneous Network Cell Selection via Inter-Cell Cooperation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous networks, existing cell selection methods based on signal intensity or interference management fail to maximize the coverage range of low-power nodes, leading to reduced spectral efficiency and increased complexity in interference management as the density of low-power nodes increases.

Innovation Solution

A method for selecting a heterogeneous network serving cell based on inter-cell cooperation, where a central node base station identifies alternative users across the network using criteria such as system rate maximization, degree of freedom restoration, and frequency reuse, and initiates a cell reselection flow if necessary, to jointly manage cell selection and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If cell selection is based on received signal intensity, then the coverage range of low-power nodes is limited, but the interference management complexity increases as low-power node density increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage range of low-power nodesVSAvoidinterference management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cell selection and interference management into a unified algorithm. The base station jointly determines both the serving cell and interference management strategy by evaluating system rate, coverage range, and interference levels together, rather than treating them as separate processes. This integration reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for independent interference management algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coverage range parameter specifically for low-power nodes that differs from traditional signal intensity-based selection. By changing the selection criterion from pure RSRP to a composite metric incorporating coverage range and interference considerations, the system enables low-power nodes to extend their coverage while maintaining manageable interference levels through the unified algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If low-power node density is increased to improve coverage, then system capacity increases, but interference management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidinterference management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified algorithm merges cell selection and interference management functions, allowing the system to handle increased low-power node density without proportionally increasing management complexity. The algorithm automatically adapts to the current network state, selecting appropriate serving cells and interference strategies based on real-time conditions rather than requiring complex external coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base station performs self-service by autonomously determining both cell selection and interference management decisions through the unified algorithm. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for complex inter-base station coordination and external interference management systems, allowing the network to scale with increased low-power node density while maintaining manageable operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Area of stationary object

If traditional cell selection algorithms are used, then the coverage range of low-power nodes is small, but the algorithm simplicity is maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage range of low-power nodesVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges cell selection and interference management into a single unified algorithm that simultaneously optimizes both serving cell selection and interference coordination. This integration achieves extended coverage range for low-power nodes while keeping the algorithm structure relatively simple by combining two functions into one cohesive decision-making process rather than requiring multiple separate algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for cell selection from traditional RSRP-only metrics to a composite parameter that incorporates coverage range, system rate, and interference considerations. This parameter change enables low-power nodes to achieve extended coverage while the unified algorithm maintains computational efficiency by evaluating all factors in a single integrated framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3200507B1Method and device for selecting heterogeneous network serving cell based on inter-cell cooperation
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 ZTE CORP
  • EP3200507B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(a)
  • EP3200507B1 patent drawingFigure 2(b)~2(c)
  • EP3200507B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and device for selecting a heterogeneous network serving cell based on inter-cell cooperation, which relate to the field of digital communications. The method disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention comprises: acquiring, by a central node base station in a heterogeneous network, alternative users in each cell in the heterogeneous network; and according to a pre-set alternative user selection criterion, selecting an alternative user in the entire network from the alternative users in all cells in the heterogeneous network; and if the alternative user in the entire network needs to conduct a reselection operation, initiating a cell reselection flow. Also disclosed is a device for selecting a heterogeneous network serving cell based on inter-cell cooperation corresponding to the method. In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention, cell selection and interference management are considered jointly, so that the complexity of an interference management algorithm is reduced, and the effectiveness of interference management is increased, thereby increasing the system capacity of a low-power node.