Heterogeneous Network Scheduling via Macro Base Station Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous cellular communications networks, synchronization issues and inefficiencies arise from the need for frequent updates of parameters like protected subframe patterns across multiple base stations, particularly when low-power nodes are connected via different backhaul types with varying bit rates and latency, leading to delays and reduced network performance.

Innovation Solution

A method where a macro base station acts as an anchor node to coordinate and send parameters related to heterogeneous networks to low-power nodes, ensuring simultaneous updates and reducing overhead by representing parameters with indications rather than full values, thus avoiding synchronization problems and enhancing network efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frequent updates of parameters like protected subframe patterns are sent across multiple base stations, then network synchronization is improved, but signaling overhead and network latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork synchronizationVSAvoidsignaling latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines parameter updates from multiple base stations (macro eNodeB and pico eNodeB) into a single coordinated signaling process. The macro eNodeB sends the protected subframe pattern to the pico eNodeB, which then applies it locally, eliminating the need for separate update signals between each base station and the UE.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The macro eNodeB acts as an intermediary that generates and distributes the protected subframe pattern to the pico eNodeB. This intermediary approach allows centralized coordination of synchronization parameters while reducing the signaling burden on the radio interface and backhaul connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If full parameter values are transmitted between base stations, then update accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter update accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential protected subframe pattern information from the complete parameter set and transmits it between base stations. By taking out only the critical synchronization parameters needed for coordinated operation, the signaling overhead is reduced while maintaining the accuracy required for proper network coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9974096B2Method for assisting scheduling of a user equipment in a heterogeneous network

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method in a first base station for assisting a third base station in scheduling a user equipment. The first base station obtains a first parameter associated to a first cell, or an indication of the first parameter, and identifier of the first cell. The first parameter comprises a first protected subframe pattern. The first base station obtains a second parameter associated to a second cell, or indication of the second parameter, and an identifier of the second cell. The second parameter comprises a second protected subframe pattern. The first base station assists the third base station in scheduling of the user equipment in a third cell by sending to the third base station the first parameter, or the indication of the first parameter, and the identifier of the first cell, together with the second parameter, or the indication of the second parameter, and the identifier of the second cell.