Multi-Carrier Downlink Interference Coordination in LTE-A

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Long-Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) systems lack a downlink Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC) solution for Carrier Aggregation technology, which hinders efficient data transmission and resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

An evolved NodeB (eNB) method that obtains information about multiple carriers, predicts system performance indices for different ICIC parameter combinations, and sends optimal ICIC parameters to neighboring cells to enable effective downlink interference coordination, utilizing a multi-carrier information obtaining unit, system performance predicting unit, and ICIC parameter sending unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Carrier Aggregation technology is introduced to improve data transmission rate, then data transmission rate is improved, but downlink ICIC solution is missing which hinders efficient resource utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoiddownlink ICIC solution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the downlink ICIC parameter configuration into separate components for each carrier in the carrier aggregation setup. Each carrier is assigned independent ICIC parameters (such as RNTP thresholds) that can be independently optimized, allowing the system to manage interference effectively across multiple carriers while maintaining high data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic ICIC parameter configuration where the eNB can adaptively adjust parameters based on real-time channel conditions and interference levels. The system dynamically determines appropriate RNTP thresholds for each carrier, enabling optimal resource utilization under varying network conditions while maintaining improved data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple carriers are used to transmit downlink data, then data transmission rate is improved, but system complexity increases due to lack of ICIC configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidICIC configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal ICIC configuration framework that can be applied across multiple carriers in carrier aggregation. The eNB uses a unified approach to determine and communicate ICIC parameters to neighboring cells, simplifying the configuration process while maintaining effective interference coordination across all carriers in the aggregation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from traditional single-carrier ICIC parameters to multi-carrier specific parameters. By introducing carrier-specific RNTP thresholds and configuration parameters, the system can independently optimize each carrier's interference characteristics, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity through proper parameter management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If downlink ICIC parameters are optimized for each carrier, then system performance is improved, but parameter configuration and prediction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidparameter configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the eNB pre-determine and pre-configure ICIC parameters for each carrier before actual data transmission begins. The system performs preliminary channel measurements and interference assessments to establish appropriate RNTP thresholds in advance, reducing real-time configuration complexity while maintaining optimized system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the eNB receives channel quality information and interference levels from neighboring cells, then uses this feedback to adjust ICIC parameters for each carrier. This iterative optimization process improves system performance while managing configuration complexity through automated feedback-driven parameter adjustment rather than manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2421295B1Downlink inter-cell interference coordination method and base station
Publication Date: 2015.06.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2421295B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2421295B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2421295B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a downlink Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC) method and relate to the wireless communication field. The method includes: obtaining information about multiple carriers in a current cell; obtaining, according to the information about the multiple carriers, a downlink ICIC parameter corresponding to each carrier of the multiple carriers; and sending the downlink ICIC parameter corresponding to each carrier to a neighboring cell of the current cell so as to enable the neighboring cell to perform, according to the downlink ICIC parameter, downlink interference coordination with the first cell. The embodiments of the present invention are applicable to downlink ICIC in a multi-carrier system.