Joint Scheduling for Inter-Cell Interference in Heterogeneous Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In co-channel heterogeneous networks, inter-cell interference between macro and pico cells poses challenges for coverage and effective offload capability, particularly at cell borders and range extension areas, where existing enhanced inter-cell interference coordination techniques like Almost Blank Subframes (ABS) are not efficiently tailored for individual UEs and are difficult to dynamically adjust.
Innovation Solution
A method of joint scheduling between macro and pico cells, where the macro cell base station pre-schedules resource blocks for transmissions based on UE measurements, splits data streams, and coordinates with the pico cell base station to avoid interference by allocating specific resource blocks for dual connectivity transmissions, ensuring synchronized and coordinated data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If Almost Blank Subframes (ABS) are used for inter-cell interference coordination, then inter-cell interference is reduced, but the technique is not efficiently tailored for individual UEs and is difficult to dynamically adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from a common ABS configuration that affects all UEs uniformly to a UE-specific ABS configuration where each UE has personalized interference coordination. The macro cell scheduler determines individual ABS patterns based on each UE's location, channel conditions, and interference experiences, allowing border UEs to receive tailored interference mitigation while central UEs maintain normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling dynamic adjustment of ABS configurations in response to changing network conditions. The macro cell scheduler continuously monitors UE measurements and can modify ABS patterns in real-time based on current interference levels, UE mobility, and traffic conditions, making the system adaptable rather than static.
2Area of stationary object
If ABS is configured dynamically in conjunction with cell range extension (CRE), then coverage is extended, but the complexity of configuration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the macro cell scheduler pre-determine ABS configurations before actual data transmission occurs. The scheduler proactively identifies which UEs will be affected by CRE and configures appropriate ABS patterns in advance, rather than reacting to interference problems after they occur. This proactive approach simplifies the overall configuration process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If common ABS is dynamically adjusted, then interference coordination is improved, but it is difficult to adjust for every individual UE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the UE population into different groups based on their operational requirements. Border UEs experiencing strong interference are segmented from central UEs and receive customized ABS configurations, while central UEs continue with standard operation. This segmentation allows targeted interference mitigation without over-complicating the system for all UEs uniformly.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of scheduling communications for a user equipment (UE) in a co-channel heterogeneous network having a macro cell base station and a small cell base station. The method includes obtaining, by the macro cell base station, pre-scheduling information for transmissions to the UE based on measurements from the UE, the obtaining including, allocating resource blocks for the transmissions, the transmissions to the UE being from at least one of the macro cell base station and the small cell base station, and transmitting, by the macro cell base station, the pre-scheduling information to the small cell base station, the pre-scheduling information indicating first resource blocks for first transmissions from the macro cell base station and second resource blocks for second transmissions from the small cell base stations.