LTE Downlink Power Optimization via eICIC Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC) technologies fail to effectively utilize downlink transmission power in LTE networks, leading to decreased user experience in urban and hot spot areas due to high interference and signal loss.

Innovation Solution

A method and network side network element that adjust user level and cell level parameters (P_A and P_B) to determine optimal downlink transmission power, cycling through values until it reaches the maximum allowed by the radio-frequency capability, ensuring improved power distribution without exceeding RF limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional ICIC technology is used to reduce inter-cell interference, then interference is reduced, but downlink transmission power cannot be utilized effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interferenceVSAvoiddownlink transmission power utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts downlink transmission power parameters (pA,ABS and pB,ABS) based on radio frame structure and user equipment conditions. The base station determines maximum downlink transmission power for each almost blank subframe and adjusts parameters like pA (ratio of data to pilot power in non-prefixed subframes) and pB (ratio in prefixed subframes) to optimize power utilization while maintaining interference coordination benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key transmission parameters including pA,ABS (user level parameter), pB,ABS (cell level parameter), and maximum downlink transmission power settings. By adjusting these parameters within defined ranges and cycling through combinations, the system finds optimal values that maximize downlink power utilization while preserving the interference reduction effects of ICIC technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If eICIC technology is deployed to solve inter-cell interference, then interference coordination is improved, but user experience decreases due to ineffective power utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interferenceVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the base station determines whether calculated maximum downlink transmission power exceeds radio frequency maximum power limits. When exceeded, the system cycles through parameter combinations (decreasing pA,ABS and pB,ABS values) until finding values that satisfy both interference coordination requirements and RF power constraints, thereby improving user experience while maintaining eICIC benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary determination of maximum downlink transmission power before actual data transmission in almost blank subframes. By pre-calculating optimal parameter values (pA,ABS, pB,ABS) and validating them against RF constraints, the system ensures reliable power utilization without exceeding hardware limits, thus improving user experience from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If maximum downlink transmission power is assigned without considering RF constraints, then power utilization is maximized, but radio-frequency limitations are exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownlink transmission powerVSAvoidradio-frequency capability compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts transmission parameters based on RF capability constraints. The base station determines maximum downlink transmission power for each almost blank subframe and compares it against radio-frequency maximum power limits. When the calculated power exceeds RF constraints, the system dynamically decreases pA,ABS and pB,ABS values and recalculates, ensuring continuous compliance with hardware limitations while maximizing permissible power utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the determined maximum downlink transmission power is validated against RF maximum power constraints. If the power exceeds RF limits, the system feeds back to adjust pA,ABS and pB,ABS parameters downward and re-determines power values. This iterative feedback process continues until both power maximization and RF compliance are achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3096567B1Method and network side network element for improving downlink transmit power and storage medium
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 ZTE CORP
  • EP3096567B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for improving downlink transmission power. The method includes: when a network side network element determines that a downlink subframe in a radio frame is an almost blank subframe, assigning a maximum value among numerical values corresponding to a user level parameter to the user level parameter, and assigning a maximum value among numerical values corresponding to a cell level parameter to the cell level parameter; and determining downlink transmission power according to the user level parameter value and the cell level parameter value. The embodiment of the present invention further discloses a network side network element for improving downlink transmission power and a storage medium.