Interference Mitigation for Non-Member UEs in Closed Access Small Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, non-member UE devices near closed access small cells experience interference, leading to poor user experience due to restricted access and reduced network efficiency, as existing solutions like Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC) limit bandwidth and are not applicable to all scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method where a base station determines interference levels and instructs UE devices to measure neighboring base stations on different channels, facilitating a handover to a base station operating on a different channel or band, thereby mitigating interference without requiring ICIC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed access small cells restrict access to member UE devices only, then network security and quality of service for members is improved, but interference to non-member UE devices in the vicinity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interfering signal component from the small cell and redirects non-member UE devices to alternative base stations operating on different channels, thereby removing the harmful interference effect while preserving the closed access security model
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary handover mechanism that mediates between the closed access small cell and non-member UE devices, using alternative base stations as intermediaries to provide service to non-member devices without allowing them to directly access the small cell
2Object-affected harmful factors
If Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC) is used to mitigate interference, then interference levels are reduced, but bandwidth is limited and synchronized coordination is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum by utilizing different channels and bands for different UE devices, allowing small cells to operate on one channel while non-member devices are served by alternative base stations on different channels, eliminating the need for complex synchronized coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by switching non-member UE devices to alternative base stations operating on different channels or bands, thereby mitigating interference without requiring ICIC coordination mechanisms
3Productivity
If non-member UE devices are served on the same channel as closed access small cells, then network resource utilization is improved, but user experience deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves non-member UE device communications to a different dimension (different channel or band) when interference is detected, allowing the small cell to maintain high resource utilization on its primary channel while non-member devices are served on alternative channels by other base stations
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a processor configured to determine that a user equipment (UE) device, attached to a base station, is within a coverage area of a small cell operating on a first channel, and that the UE device is not a member of the small cell and is experiencing interference on the first channel. The processor may be further configured to send an instruction to the UE device to provide a measurement report for base stations operating on another band or channel different from the first channel; receive a measurement report from the UE device identifying one or more neighboring base stations operating on the other band or channel; and perform a handover of the UE device to a neighboring base station, wherein the UE device is to communicate with the neighboring base station using the other band or channel.