Network Node Transmission Power Adaptation for IoT Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in balancing the maximum communication distance range and other requirements such as traffic load, capacity, and latency, particularly when serving devices with different needs, like IoT devices and traditional users, within unlicensed frequency bands, where regulatory constraints like medium utilization and duty cycle limit transmission power and bandwidth.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically adapting transmission power and bandwidth based on the ratio of IoT devices to traditional devices, allowing higher power for IoT devices when needed for extended coverage and reducing power when serving high-data-rate or low-latency traffic, thereby optimizing system capacity and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If transmission power is increased to extend maximum communication distance range for IoT devices, then coverage is improved, but system capacity and data rate for other devices deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum communication distance rangeVSAvoidsystem capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic adaptation of transmission power based on the ratio of IoT devices to traditional devices in the cell. The network node continuously monitors device composition and adjusts power levels accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic power control to resolve the contradiction between coverage extension and system capacity maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission power parameter based on the device ratio condition. When IoT devices requiring extended coverage constitute a significant portion of the cell, the network node increases transmission power; otherwise, it maintains lower power levels. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making power a variable rather than a fixed value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If transmission power is increased to serve IoT devices with extended coverage requirements, then coverage enhancement is achieved, but latency increases due to power management overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum communication distance rangeVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary assessment of the device ratio condition before adjusting transmission power. By evaluating the proportion of IoT devices in advance and proactively adapting power levels, the system avoids reactive power changes that would introduce additional latency, thus resolving the time loss contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If transmission power is dynamically adjusted based on device ratio, then system adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to monitoring and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidnetwork node complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network node autonomously monitors the device composition and self-adjusts transmission power without requiring external control or complex coordination with user equipment. This self-service approach enhances adaptability while limiting complexity growth by keeping the intelligence centralized in the network node rather than distributed across all devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If transmission power is reduced to maintain system capacity, then productivity is improved, but maximum communication distance range deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidmaximum communication distance range
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements conditional parameter changes where transmission power is reduced only when traditional devices dominate the cell composition. When IoT devices requiring extended coverage are present, power is increased accordingly. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by making power reduction conditional rather than absolute.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3577955B1Maximum communication distance range adaptation
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3577955B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP3577955B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3577955B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method for a network node of a wireless communication network is disclosed. The network node is adapted to communicate with wireless communication devices of a first type associated with a first maximum communication distance range and with wireless communication devices of a second type associated with a second maximum communication distance range, the first maximum communication distance range being greater than second maximum communication distance range. The method comprises acquiring values of a first number and a second number, the numbers representing amounts of wireless communication devices associated with upcoming communication with the network node of the first and second types, respectively. The method further comprises determining, based on a first condition associated with a ratio between the first number and the second number, a transmission power level for the upcoming communication, wherein a first determined transmission power level based on a first ratio is higher than a second determined transmission power level based on a second ratio if the first ratio is higher than the second ratio. The method further comprises causing application of the determined transmission power level to the upcoming communication. Corresponding arrangement, network node and computer program product are also disclosed.