Load Status Information Transmission in Self Organizing Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication systems with plug-and-play local area node B deployments, there is a lack of spectral load balancing and severe intercell and co-channel interference due to the absence of a direct X2 interface, which complicates network configuration and affects existing network operations.

Innovation Solution

A base station apparatus that determines and transmits spectrum load characteristics to neighboring apparatuses via the communication physical or control layer, using a pre-determined user equipment identifier, enabling neighboring nodes to perform spectral balancing and configuration based on received load information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If plug-and-play local area node B deployments are implemented, then ease of operation and deployment speed are improved, but spectral load balancing capability deteriorates due to absence of direct X2 interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidspectral load balancing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where load status information is transmitted via existing communication interfaces (Uu interface, Xn interface, or core network) instead of requiring a direct X2 interface. This mediator approach enables plug-and-play node Bs to share load information with neighboring nodes through available communication paths, resolving the contradiction between easy deployment and load balancing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables existing communication interfaces to serve multiple functions: their primary function for data transmission and an additional function for load status information exchange. By making the Uu, Xn, or core network interfaces multi-functional, the system achieves spectral load balancing without requiring dedicated X2 interfaces, thus maintaining deployment simplicity while adding balancing capability.

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

2Productivity

If spectrum load characteristics are transmitted via physical or control layer, then spectral load balancing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional transmission mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral load balancing efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reuses existing physical layer and control layer structures for their original purposes while adding load status information transmission capability. The same transmission mechanisms handle both traditional communication tasks and load information exchange, avoiding the need for separate dedicated transmission hardware or protocols, thus improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines load status information transmission with existing communication protocols and physical layer structures. Instead of creating separate transmission mechanisms, the load information is merged into existing message formats and transmission channels, achieving efficient load balancing while minimizing additional complexity by leveraging already-deployed infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of time

If pre-determined user equipment identifier is used to specify load characteristic messages, then information processing efficiency is improved, but loss of information may occur due to identifier collision or misinterpretation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation processing timeVSAvoidmessage interpretation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns specific, pre-determined user equipment identifier values to represent different types of load status information messages. Each identifier is locally optimized for its specific message type, enabling rapid message classification and processing. The identifiers are designed within a controlled range that minimizes collision probability while maintaining fast processing through direct mapping between identifier and message type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2292039B1Transmitting node b load status information in a self organising network
Publication Date: 2015.04.08 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP2292039B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2292039B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2292039B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The application relates to wireless transmission of load status information for load balancing among Home Node Bs (HNB) or Local Area Node Bs (LNB) for which an X2 interface is not available. In particular, an LNB may pretend to be a user equipment with a specific predefined user equipment ID value. A neighbouring LNB which receives a data packet with this user equipment ID value knows that the data packet contains load information monitored, by a neighbouring LNB.