Inter-cell Resource Sharing for LTE Small Cell Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE systems face challenges in efficiently managing inter-cell interference in densely deployed small cell scenarios, where existing interference coordination techniques either rely on transmitter coordination or advanced receiver capabilities, but not both, and are limited by high latency in backhaul links and lack of joint resource sharing.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of inter-cell resource sharing (ICRS) allows adjacent cells to share time-frequency resources, coordinating scheduling based on advanced receiver capabilities of UEs to mitigate interference, with a centralized or decentralized coordinator, enabling efficient interference cancellation or suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional interference coordination techniques are used in densely deployed small cell scenarios, then implementation complexity is reduced, but spectral efficiency deteriorates due to inability to effectively manage inter-cell interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines transmitter coordination (eNB scheduling information exchange) with advanced receiver capabilities (interference cancellation) into a unified ICRS framework. This merging allows both sides to work together synergistically, achieving high spectral efficiency while managing complexity through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ICRS mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables resource sharing between cells, provides interference coordination, supports both centralized and decentralized coordination modes, and works with different receiver types. This multi-functionality improves spectral efficiency across diverse scenarios without requiring separate solutions for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If transmitter coordination is used for interference management, then receiver complexity is reduced, but interference mitigation performance deteriorates due to lack of advanced receiver capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference mitigation performanceVSAvoidreceiver complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptation where the system can operate in different modes depending on receiver capabilities. UEs with advanced interference cancellation capabilities can utilize ICRS for improved performance, while legacy UEs receive traditional coordination. This dynamic approach enables high interference mitigation performance when available without forcing complexity on all receivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters based on receiver capabilities. The eNB configures ICRS parameters such as resource block sharing patterns and coordination granularity according to the detected receiver type. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve high interference mitigation performance with advanced receivers while maintaining compatibility with simpler receivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If resource sharing between adjacent cells is implemented, then spectral efficiency improves, but inter-cell interference management becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidresource coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coordinator entity that acts as an intermediary between adjacent cells. This coordinator (which can be centralized or decentralized) manages the resource sharing arrangements, handles the complex coordination logic, and exchanges scheduling information between eNBs. This intermediary approach enables resource sharing and improved spectral efficiency while containing coordination complexity in a dedicated component rather than distributing it across all network elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If backhaul link latency is high, then coordination accuracy deteriorates, but system robustness should be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem robustnessVSAvoidcoordination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary exchange of scheduling information between coordinating eNBs before actual resource allocation. This advance coordination allows the system to pre-negotiate resource sharing patterns and avoid conflicts, maintaining coordination accuracy even when backhaul latency is high during operation. The preliminary action reduces the time-critical nature of subsequent coordination exchanges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ICRS coordination operates periodically with configured intervals, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining stable resource sharing arrangements. This periodic operation provides robustness against backhaul latency by establishing reliable coordination cycles rather than requiring continuous real-time exchange, ensuring system reliability even with delayed feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2962505B1Method and system for inter-cell resource sharing
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2962505B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2962505B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2962505B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A method for communication in a wireless telecommunication network is provided. The method comprises transmitting, by a first cell, to a first UE, a first signal on a resource block configured to be shared by more than one cell; and transmitting, by a second cell, to a second UE, a second signal on the same resource block, wherein a specification of a location of the resource block is included in configuration information available to the first cell and the second cell.