Micro-Cell Frequency Band Allocation for Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing radio resource allocation methods in telecommunications networks, particularly in high-density deployments, face challenges with interference between macro-cells and micro-cells due to limited spectrum availability, leading to performance degradation, and existing solutions like CSMA/CA are not adaptable to multiple frequency carriers.

Innovation Solution

A method where micro-cell base stations select frequency bands using two timing scale levels: a first level for selecting a frequency carrier based on signal quality measurements across the entire spectrum, and a second level for selecting frequency blocks within the carrier, prioritizing macro-cell traffic and using randomized processes to minimize interference, with communication between base stations for feedback and dynamic adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If micro-cells are deployed in dense areas to cope with increasing telecommunication traffic demand, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but harmful interferences between macro-cells and micro-cells increase leading to performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidinterference level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency band selection where micro-cell base stations periodically select frequency bands based on current signal quality measurements and interference conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing traffic demands and interference patterns, optimizing network capacity while minimizing harmful interferences between macro-cells and micro-cells

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of frequency band allocation by selecting different frequency bands at different time periods based on measured signal quality and interference levels. This parameter change enables the network to adapt to varying conditions, improving productivity while controlling interference through periodic reconfiguration of operating frequencies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If centralized frequency planning is used to allocate frequency bands, then interference management is simplified, but computational feasibility is lost in high-density deployments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency planning complexityVSAvoidcomputational feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each micro-cell base station autonomously performs frequency band selection based on local signal quality measurements and interference conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized frequency planning computations, making the system computationally feasible for high-density deployments while maintaining effective interference management through distributed decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency planning function is segmented and distributed to individual base stations rather than being centralized. Each base station independently selects its frequency bands based on local conditions, dividing the complex centralized planning task into simpler distributed decisions that are computationally feasible while maintaining overall network coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If CSMA/CA protocol is used for frequency band selection, then collision avoidance is achieved, but adaptability to multiple frequency carriers is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidmulti-carrier adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal frequency selection mechanism that works across multiple frequency carriers and cell types (macro-cells and micro-cells). The selection process based on signal quality measurements and interference conditions is carrier-agnostic, providing multi-functionality that adapts to different frequency bands and network configurations while maintaining reliable collision avoidance through periodic selection and coordination

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

Data Source

PatentEP2312880B1Method for allocating radio resources in a wireless cellular network
Publication Date: 2012.05.23 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2312880B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2312880B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2312880B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention refers to a method for allocating radio resources in a wireless cellular network comprising micro-cells wherein the base stations of the micro-cells select periodically the frequency bands in which they operate, said selection comprising at least two timing scale levels: - a first timing scale level wherein, based on signal quality measurements achieved in the whole operating spectrum by at least one user equipment, a frequency carrier comprising a plurality of frequency blocks is selected for a period T1, - a second timing scale level wherein, based on signal quality measurements achieved in the previously selected frequency carrier by at least one user equipment, at least one frequency block within said selected frequency carrier is selected for a period T2 shorter than T1.