Network Manager Cell Interference Investigation via Spectrum Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for investigating cell interference in wireless communication systems are inconvenient and costly, often requiring service-affecting operations and additional software deployments, which complicate and increase the cost of identifying and addressing interference sources.

Innovation Solution

A network manager system that sends collection tasks to base stations to gather interference parameters, determines cell interference by analyzing spectrum graphics against preset threshold values, and locates interference sources within the cell's bandwidth, without requiring additional hardware or software deployments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If frequency spectrograph is used to analyze interference signals, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference source identification accuracyVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base station automatically performs interference detection and analysis by collecting interference parameters from multiple cells and generating spectrum graphics autonomously, eliminating the need for manual frequency spectrograph operations while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual frequency spectrograph analysis with automated digital signal processing algorithms that collect interference parameters, calculate spectrum graphics, and identify interference sources through computational methods, substituting mechanical/manual operations with electronic automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If base stations are deployed in remote places, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase station deployment flexibilityVSAvoiddata collection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network manager serves multiple base stations simultaneously through a unified interference detection system, enabling remote base stations to perform interference analysis locally while the network manager coordinates data collection across the entire network, reducing overall detection time

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures interference detection parameters and thresholds in the network manager before field deployment, allowing base stations in remote locations to immediately begin interference monitoring without requiring on-site configuration, thus eliminating deployment delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If threshold values are increased to accurately determine interference, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts interference detection thresholds based on signal characteristics and network conditions, using multiple parameters (interference parameters, spectrum graphics, threshold values) that are automatically optimized by the network manager to maintain high detection accuracy without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where the network manager continuously monitors interference detection results, adjusts threshold values based on observed patterns, and refines detection parameters over time, automatically optimizing precision while maintaining system simplicity through adaptive learning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If additional software is deployed to investigate interference, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference analysis accuracyVSAvoidsoftware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network manager integrates multiple functions (data collection, spectrum analysis, interference detection, and source identification) into a single unified software platform, eliminating the need for separate specialized software while maintaining comprehensive interference analysis capabilities

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines interference detection, spectrum graphics generation, and source identification functions into the existing network manager system, merging multiple analytical tools into one integrated platform that reduces software complexity while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3091779B1Cell interference investigation method and system, and network manager
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 ZTE CORP
  • EP3091779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3091779B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3091779B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method and system for investigating cell interference, and a network manager used in a field of communications. The method discloses: a network manager sending a collection task to a base station and receiving interference parameters of a cell collected, according to the collection task, by the base station, and determining whether the cell is subjected to interference according to the interference parameters. Comparing with the related art, the present disclosure allows for using a network manager to investigate cell interference, avoids service-affecting operations such as closing a cell, cutting power of a base station, or the like in order to investigate the existence of interference, and does not require additional hardware cost and deploy other soft systems. Further, the cost is reduced, and the complexity of investigating interference is decreased.