Inter-Node Carrier Aggregation Using Coverage Overlap Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring inter-eNodeB carrier aggregation in cellular networks is currently manual, time-consuming, and prone to human error, requiring periodic updates due to changing network topologies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically identify suitable cells for carrier aggregation based on coverage overlap factors such as handover, distance, and azimuth correlation, enabling and disabling carrier aggregation as needed to optimize network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration of inter-eNodeB carrier aggregation is performed by network operators, then configuration accuracy can be achieved based on domain knowledge, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic configuration of inter-eNodeB carrier aggregation by having the network self-evaluate coverage overlap factors and self-determine suitable cell pairs, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining configuration accuracy through algorithmic evaluation of handover, distance, and azimuth correlation factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of operator configuration with an automated computational system that calculates coverage overlap factors and automatically determines carrier aggregation configurations, substituting human judgment with systematic algorithmic evaluation
2Reliability
If manual configuration is performed periodically to account for network topology changes, then configuration remains valid, but the repeated manual effort increases operational complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to network topology changes by continuously monitoring and re-evaluating coverage overlap factors, automatically updating carrier aggregation configurations as network conditions change, thereby maintaining configuration validity without periodic manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors network topology and performance metrics, uses this information to re-evaluate coverage overlap factors, and automatically adjusts carrier aggregation configurations to maintain optimal performance and validity
3Productivity
If the set of candidate secondary cells is expanded to include cells from other eNodeBs, then throughput is increased, but the complexity of identifying suitable cell pairs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of identifying suitable inter-eNodeB cell pairs into distinct evaluatable factors (handover factor, distance factor, azimuth correlation factor), allowing systematic analysis of each factor independently and combining results to determine overall suitability
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces coverage overlap factors as intermediary metrics that mediate between the expanded set of candidate cells and the final selection of suitable pairs, providing an objective criterion for evaluation that simplifies the identification process while enabling throughput optimization
Data Source
AI summary
A method implemented in a cellular network to automatically configure inter-node carrier aggregation between cells. The method includes identifying, for a source cell included in the cellular network, a set of one or more candidate target cells, determining one or more coverage overlap factors for the source cell and a first candidate target cell included in the set of one or more candidate target cells, determining whether carrier aggregation should be enabled between the source cell and the first candidate target cell based on the one or more coverage overlap factors, and in response to determining that carrier aggregation should be enabled between the source cell and the first candidate target cell, enabling carrier aggregation between the source cell and the first candidate target cell.