Linear Cellular Node with Directional Antennas for Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional one-dimensional cellular networks face limitations in data capacity and interference issues due to the use of omnidirectional antennas and traditional frequency reuse schemes, which restrict the amount of data that can be communicated and affect user terminal experience.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a node with two directional antennas, each covering one side of the node, allowing for independent communication in the same channel resource while broadcasting a single cell-ID, and employing different power levels for channel resources to reduce interference and increase capacity, effectively doubling the data throughput without requiring changes to user terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If omnidirectional antennas are used for communication in both directions, then coverage area is improved, but interference from neighbouring nodes increases and data capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The node is divided into two separate directional antennas, each responsible for one direction (left and right). This segmentation allows each antenna to focus its coverage in a specific direction, reducing interference from neighboring nodes while maintaining comprehensive coverage through coordinated operation of both antennas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single omnidirectional antenna covering 360 degrees in all directions to two directional antennas each covering 180 degrees in opposite directions. This dimensional change in antenna orientation enables selective coverage and reduces interference by limiting the angular spread of each transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If frequency reuse schemes are employed to increase network capacity, then data throughput is improved, but signal-to-interference ratio deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidsignal-to-interference ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different power levels are assigned to different channel resources (CR1-CR6) depending on the direction and distance of user terminals. This local quality differentiation allows frequency reuse to occur in directions where interference is minimal, while maintaining higher power levels only where needed, thus improving throughput without sacrificing signal-to-interference ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes power levels for different channel resources based on user terminal position and direction. By adjusting the power parameter selectively for each channel resource and direction, the system can reuse frequencies more aggressively in certain directions while maintaining signal quality, thereby increasing overall data throughput without degrading the signal-to-interference ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If different power levels are used for different channel resources, then interference is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The node uses identical hardware components (two directional antennas, transceiver, controller) that can operate in multiple modes. The same hardware infrastructure supports both directional communication and dynamic power level adjustment for different channel resources, achieving interference reduction without proportionally increasing device complexity through multi-functional use of existing components.

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

4Productivity

If two directional antennas are deployed for independent communication, then data capacity is doubled, but manufacturing and deployment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing and deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs two directional antennas with asymmetric orientation (one facing left, one facing right) to achieve symmetric bidirectional communication capability. This asymmetric configuration allows each antenna to be optimized for its specific direction while collectively providing full coverage, simplifying manufacturing compared to attempting to create a single omnidirectional antenna with equivalent performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3236591B1Cellular network with a linear cell topology, node and method therefor
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 KAPSCH CARRIERCOM AG
  • EP3236591B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3236591B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3236591B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a node (11) for a cellular network (1) with a linear cell topology, wherein the node (11) is configured to communicate data (3) in at least a first and a second channel resource (CRi) of a communication channel (CH) and to employ different power levels (P1, P2) for different channel resources (CRi), wherein the node (11) comprises a first and a second directional antenna (12, 13), each directed in a different direction, and wherein the node (11) is further configured to independently communicate different data (3) over the first and the second antenna (12, 13) in the same channel resource (CRi). The invention further relates to a cellular network (1) comprising a plurality of nodes (11) and a method for communicating between a user terminal (4) and a node (11).