Inter-Cell Interference Coordination Controller Mode Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communications systems face challenges in managing inter-cell interference (ICI) due to changing operating conditions, such as varying cell loading and UE distribution, which can lead to suboptimal performance across different areas of a network.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for operating mode self-adaptation, where an inter-cell interference coordination controller dynamically switches between non-ICIC and ICIC modes based on thresholds for load, traffic patterns, error rates, and data rates at various granularities, allowing for optimal performance without manual intervention and maintaining continuous service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If FFR ICIC is used to reduce inter-cell interference, then interference management performance is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference management performanceVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between FFR ICIC and non-FFR operating modes based on real-time network conditions. The system monitors cell loading, UE distribution, and interference levels, then automatically transitions between ICIC and non-ICIC modes without manual intervention. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve optimal interference management performance only when FFR ICIC conditions are met, while avoiding unnecessary operational complexity during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If manual ICIC configuration is implemented, then interference coordination is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference coordinationVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automatic mode switching between FFR ICIC and non-FFR operations. The eNB autonomously monitors network conditions including cell loading and UE distribution, then automatically configures the appropriate ICIC mode without requiring manual operator intervention. This self-configuration mechanism maintains reliable interference coordination while eliminating the operational burden of manual ICIC setup and management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If FFR ICIC mode is continuously activated, then interference reduction is maintained, but productivity and resource utilization decrease under light loading conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference reductionVSAvoidresource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts between FFR ICIC and non-FFR modes based on real-time cell loading conditions. When cell loading is light and UE distribution is favorable, the system switches to non-FFR mode to maximize resource utilization and productivity. When cell loading increases or interference conditions worsen, the system automatically transitions to FFR ICIC mode to maintain interference reduction. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal balance between interference management and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2772083B1System and method of operating mode self-adaptation
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2772083B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2772083B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2772083B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system and method for operating mode self-adaptation are provided. A method for controller operations includes collecting performance information about a communications system, determining a performance indicator from the performance information (block 505), and automatically switching an operating mode of the communications system in response to determining that the performance indicator meets a performance threshold (block 510). The operating mode of the communications system includes the communications system operating in an inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) mode or a non-ICIC mode, and the operating mode of the communications system remains unchanged in response to determining that the performance indicator does not meet the performance threshold (block 505).