Network Server Interference Coordination via Almost Blank Subframes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely deployed wireless networks, small cells experience interference from neighboring macrocells and other small cells, leading to poor Signal-to-Noise ratios for user equipment, particularly at the boundary of cell coverage areas, necessitating effective interference coordination methods.
Innovation Solution
A network server coordinates interference by receiving and integrating almost blank subframe patterns from macrocells and transmitting determined small cell almost blank subframe patterns to small cells within their coverage, ensuring synchronized data transmission avoidance and minimizing inter-cell interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cells are densely deployed to extend service coverage and increase network capacity, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but inter-cell interference increases leading to poor Signal-to-Noise ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by configuring almost blank subframes (ABS) where macrocells periodically refrain from transmitting data in specific time slots. This creates regular interference-free periods that allow small cells to transmit data without macrocell interference, thereby maintaining network capacity while reducing inter-cell interference at boundary areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary that coordinates ABS patterns between macrocells and small cells. The server receives ABS configuration information from macrocells, determines appropriate small cell ABS patterns, and transmits them to small cells. This intermediary coordination mechanism enables systematic interference management across the heterogeneous network.
2Reliability
If almost blank subframe patterns are configured for small cells to avoid macrocell interference, then Signal-to-Noise ratio is improved, but coordination complexity between macrocells and small cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network server acts as an intermediary that simplifies coordination complexity by centralizing the ABS pattern determination process. Instead of requiring direct complex interactions between multiple macrocells and small cells, the server receives ABS information from macrocells, automatically determines suitable small cell ABS patterns, and distributes them to small cells, thereby reducing overall system coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling small cells to automatically configure their ABS patterns based on information received from the network server. Small cells do not need to manually coordinate with macrocells or perform complex interference measurements; they simply apply the server-determined ABS patterns, which automatically adapt to the network conditions and interference scenarios.
3Productivity
If small cells transmit data continuously to maximize network capacity, then network capacity is improved, but interference to user equipment at cell boundaries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring small cells to transmit data continuously except during almost blank subframes. During these periodic ABS periods, small cells refrain from data transmission to avoid interfering with macrocell users at boundary areas. This periodic suspension of transmission maintains overall network capacity while protecting boundary user equipment from excessive interference.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for interference coordination, a network server, and a communication system are provided. The method includes the following steps. A first macrocell almost blank subframe (ABS) pattern is received from a first macrocell. A second macrocell ABS pattern is received from a second macrocell. A first small cell ABS pattern for a first small cell is determined according to the first macrocell ABS pattern and the second macrocell ABS pattern. The first small cell ABS pattern is transmitted to the first small cell. The first small cell is within a coverage of the first macrocell.