Inter-Cell Interference Coordination Test Device for Wireless Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack effective systems to test and evaluate the inter-cell interference coordination capabilities of wireless access nodes, which is crucial for mitigating inter-cell interference in overlapping radio coverage areas of wireless communications networks.
Innovation Solution
A network equipment test device that includes an e-node B emulator and UE emulator to simulate inter-cell interference scenarios, sending load information messages on the X2 interface to trigger and monitor the response of wireless access nodes, thereby testing their inter-cell interference coordination capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive monitoring of elCIC and ICIC functionality is used, then system complexity is reduced, but testing effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test server as an intermediary component that actively manages the testing process. The test server sends RRC connection requests, configures measurement parameters, and coordinates between the wireless access node under test and the interfering access node. This intermediary approach enables proactive triggering of elCIC/ICIC functionality while maintaining systematic control, resolving the contradiction between system complexity and testing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive observation with active electronic control mechanisms. Instead of merely monitoring existing elCIC/ICIC operations, the system uses automated test servers to electronically trigger specific interference scenarios, send configuration messages, and measure responses. This substitution of mechanical/passive monitoring with electronic/active testing mechanisms significantly improves testing effectiveness while keeping the added complexity manageable through automation.
2Reliability
If active triggering of elCIC and ICIC functionality is implemented, then testing effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test server is designed as a multi-functional universal platform that can trigger various interference scenarios, send different types of RRC messages, configure measurement parameters, and analyze multiple response metrics. By consolidating these diverse testing functions into a single universal system, the patent reduces the overall complexity that would arise from implementing separate specialized testing systems for each function, while still achieving comprehensive active testing of elCIC/ICIC capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If detailed monitoring of wireless access node responses is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates specific measurement parameters and response indicators that are most relevant to elCIC/ICIC functionality testing. Instead of monitoring all possible wireless communications data, the system focuses on extracting key metrics such as resource block allocation changes, power level adjustments, and interference coordination message exchanges. This extraction of essential information reduces the complexity of data processing while maintaining high measurement precision for the critical parameters that indicate elCIC/ICIC performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter described herein relates to methods, systems, and computer readable media for testing inter-cell interference coordination capabilities of wireless access nodes. One method for testing inter-cell interference mitigation capabilities of wireless access nodes includes, in a network equipment test device, emulating at least one user equipment (UE) served by a wireless access node under test. The method further includes emulating a wireless access node. The method further includes causing the emulated wireless access node to generate and send an indication of inter-cell interference to the wireless access node under test. The method further includes monitoring the response and evaluating the performance of the wireless access node under test to the indication of inter-cell interference using the network equipment test device.