Home Base Station Downlink Power Control in Heterogeneous Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous wireless communication networks, existing power control methods for home base stations often lead to inefficient downlink transmission power management, resulting in either excessive interference or inadequate coverage due to reliance on fixed power settings based on macro cell signal strength, which does not account for varying interference conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a home base station to dynamically control downlink transmission power by acquiring information on macro cell signal strength, setting an upper limit that adjusts between minimum, maximum, and a power control value proportional to the macro cell signal strength, with specific conditions determining the power control value, and considering uplink signal strength to minimize inter-cell interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed power settings based on macro cell signal strength are used, then device complexity is reduced, but interference control effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control mechanism complexityVSAvoidinter-cell interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power control by continuously adjusting the home base station's downlink transmission power based on real-time macro cell signal strength measurements. The power control value is calculated as a dynamic function of the measured macro cell signal strength, allowing the system to adapt to varying interference conditions rather than using fixed power settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the home base station measures the macro cell downlink signal strength, calculates an appropriate power control value based on this measurement, and adjusts its transmission power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the home base station to respond to changing interference conditions and maintain optimal power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-generated harmful factors

If dynamic power adjustment based on macro cell signal strength is implemented, then interference control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interferenceVSAvoidpower control mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power control parameter dynamically by calculating the power control value as a function of the measured macro cell signal strength. Instead of using a fixed power offset, the system adjusts the transmission power parameter based on the varying signal strength conditions, allowing adaptive interference control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The home base station autonomously performs power control by independently measuring the macro cell signal strength, calculating the appropriate power control value, and adjusting its own transmission power without requiring external control signals or complex coordination with the macro base station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If power control value is proportional to macro cell signal strength, then adaptability to varying interference conditions is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to interference conditionsVSAvoidpower control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial power control by adjusting only the downlink transmission power of the home base station based on macro cell signal strength, rather than controlling all transmission parameters. This partial action approach provides sufficient adaptability to interference conditions while avoiding the complexity and precision requirements of comprehensive power control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2627133B1Method for controlling downlink transmission power and apparatus for same
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2627133B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2627133B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2627133B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method in which a home base station performs power control and an apparatus for the same, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring information on downlink signal strength of a macrocell; and determining an upper limit of downlink transmission power of the home base station by taking into consideration of the downlink signal strength of the macrocell, wherein: when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the upper limit of the downlink transmission power of the home base station is determined to be an intermediate value among a minimum transmission power value, a maximum transmission power value, and a power control value proportional to the downlink signal strength of the macrocell; and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the upper limit of the downlink transmission power of the home base station is determined to be a predetermined fixed value, the predetermined condition being a value indicating the downlink signal strength of the macrocell is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.