Network Node Control Channel Interference Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks lack mechanisms to effectively mitigate interference in the control region, which can lead to unfair distribution of resources and capacity at cell edges, particularly between neighboring base stations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and network node that determine and inform base stations to transmit control channels with reduced transmission power in specific subframes, allowing for interference mitigation and flexible scheduling to adapt to varying radio conditions and traffic needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control channels are transmitted with nominal transmission power in all subframes, then the control channel coverage and reliability are maintained, but interference to neighboring base stations increases and resource distribution becomes unfair at cell edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting control channels with reduced power in specific periodic subframes (e.g., every 4th or 5th subframe) while maintaining nominal power in other subframes. This periodic power reduction creates interference mitigation opportunities for neighboring base stations during specific time intervals, resolving the contradiction between maintaining control channel reliability and reducing interference to neighbors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control channel transmission power variable rather than static. The transmission power dynamically switches between nominal power and reduced power based on the subframe type (normal subframe vs. protected subframe). This dynamic power adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying interference conditions while maintaining overall control channel reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If control channels are transmitted with reduced transmission power in specific subframes, then interference to neighboring base stations is mitigated, but control channel coverage and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different transmission power levels for different temporal locations (subframes). Normal subframes use nominal power to ensure coverage, while protected subframes use reduced power to mitigate interference. This localized power adjustment in specific time domains resolves the contradiction by ensuring that reduced power is applied only where and when needed, rather than universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that control channels are transmitted in both normal and protected subframes, just at different power levels. The useful action of control channel transmission continues uninterrupted, with the understanding that some subframes will have reduced coverage (protected subframes) while others maintain full coverage (normal subframes), collectively ensuring overall system reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed subframe pattern is used for control channel transmission, then scheduling simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying radio conditions and traffic needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the subframe pattern configurable and adaptable rather than completely fixed. While a base pattern provides scheduling simplicity, the pattern can be dynamically adjusted based on radio conditions, traffic load, and interference scenarios. This allows the system to maintain ease of operation through a defined pattern structure while gaining adaptability through configurable modifications to that pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the subframe pattern parameters (such as periodicity, offset, and duration) to be modified based on changing radio conditions and traffic requirements. This enables the system to transition from a fixed pattern to a dynamically adjustable pattern, resolving the contradiction between scheduling simplicity and adaptability by allowing parameter flexibility within a structured framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A network node and a method performed by a network node for protecting control channels of a neighboring RBS, the network node and the RBS being operable in an OFDM based radio communication network are provided. An RBS and a method performed by an RBS for transmitting control channels to UEs currently being associated with the RBS in an OFDM based radio communication network are also provided. The method in the network node comprises determining at least one subframe out of a predetermined number of subframes in which control channels are to be transmitted with reduced transmission power in relation to a nominal transmission power; and informing the RBS which subframe(s) out of the predetermined number of subframes in which control channels are to be transmitted with reduced transmission power.