Inter-operator Radio Resource Sharing in Dense Small Cell Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In ultra-dense small cell deployments, there is a scarcity of resources and substantial inter-cell interference due to co-channel small cell deployments, which challenges the efficient use of frequency reuse and traffic distribution in heterogeneous networks.

Innovation Solution

The formation of primary and secondary resource reuse groups among small cells, where cells with overlapping coverage areas share resources in a decentralized manner, optimizing resource usage and reducing interference, with signaling between nodes and networks to facilitate resource sharing without coordination when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If small cells are deployed densely to increase capacity and coverage, then network coverage and traffic offloading capability are improved, but resource scarcity and inter-cell interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinter-cell interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resource spectrum is segmented into primary resources and secondary resources. Primary resources are allocated to cells in primary resource groups with non-overlapping coverage, while secondary resources are allocated to cells in secondary resource groups with overlapping coverage. This segmentation allows differentiated resource management that reduces inter-cell interference while maintaining dense deployment benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different resource allocation strategies are applied to different cells based on their local coverage characteristics. Cells with non-overlapping coverage receive primary resources, while cells with overlapping coverage receive secondary resources. This local differentiation optimizes resource utilization while minimizing interference in specific geographic areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If co-channel small cell deployments are used to increase capacity, then network capacity is improved, but resource scarcity and interference worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidinter-cell interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments cells into different resource groups based on their coverage overlap characteristics. Primary resource groups use dedicated primary resources, while secondary resource groups share secondary resources. This segmentation enables co-channel deployment while managing interference through structured resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the resource allocation parameters dynamically by assigning different resource types (primary vs. secondary) based on coverage overlap. This parameter change allows the network to adapt resource distribution to reduce interference while maintaining high capacity utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If primary resources are shared among cells with overlapping coverage, then resource utilization is improved, but interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidinter-cell interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Resources are segmented into primary and secondary categories, with secondary resources specifically allocated for sharing among cells with overlapping coverage. This segmentation enables controlled resource sharing that improves utilization while managing interference through the secondary resource framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic resource allocation where cells can transition between using primary and secondary resources based on their coverage overlap with other cells. This dynamic approach optimizes resource utilization while adapting to changing interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2999255B1Inter-operator radio resource sharing in dense deployments of small cell networks
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2999255B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2999255B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2999255B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided resource sharing. In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method, which may include receiving information including location information for at least one cell of a primary resource group, and further including a primary resource being used by the at least one cell; and determining at least one secondary resource group based on the received information. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.