OaM Node Protected Subframe Pattern Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for inter-cell interference reduction in heterogeneous wireless networks, such as Almost Blank Subframes (ABS) and Reduced Power Subframes (RPSFs, lack configuration control and feedback mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies in interference management, particularly in scenarios where multiple cells are involved.

Innovation Solution

An Operations and Maintenance (OaM) node configures protected subframe patterns for base stations to reduce interference by determining the usage fraction or percentage of protected subframes and converting this information into specific patterns for ABS and RPSF configurations, using feedback information to optimize interference reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If protected subframes (ABS/RPSF) are used to reduce inter-cell interference, then interference reduction is achieved, but configuration control and feedback mechanisms are lacking leading to inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interferenceVSAvoidconfiguration control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the OaM node receives feedback information from base stations about interference conditions and usage effectiveness, then adjusts the fraction of protected subframes accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables dynamic optimization of interference reduction while maintaining efficient configuration control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the configuration parameter from fixed protected subframe patterns to a dynamic fraction/percentage that can be adjusted by the OaM node based on network conditions. This parameter change allows flexible control of protected subframe usage to optimize interference reduction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple cells use protected subframes independently, then each cell can reduce its own interference, but consistency and effectiveness across cells deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference reduction efficiencyVSAvoidprotected subframe pattern consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the configuration control of protected subframes from individual cell level to network level by introducing a centralized OaM node. This OaM node coordinates protected subframe patterns across multiple cells, ensuring consistency and effectiveness while maintaining overall interference reduction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The OaM node serves multiple functions: it configures protected subframes for interference reduction, receives feedback from multiple base stations, and adjusts configurations across the entire network. This universal control mechanism ensures consistent protected subframe usage across all cells while optimizing overall network performance.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the fraction of protected subframes is increased, then interference reduction improves, but downlink and uplink throughput may deteriorate due to reduced resource availability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interferenceVSAvoiddownlink and uplink throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the protected subframe configuration dynamic by allowing the OaM node to adjust the fraction of protected subframes based on real-time feedback information about interference conditions and throughput performance. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between interference reduction and resource availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor both interference levels and throughput performance, enabling the OaM node to adjust the protected subframe fraction to achieve optimal balance. When throughput degrades, the system can reduce protected subframe usage; when interference is high, it can increase protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2826289B1Methods and apparatus for inter-cell interference coordination with protected subframes
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2826289B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2826289B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2826289B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A cellular radio communications network includes base stations that provide radio communication service to user equipments (UEs) in respective cell service areas. A node receives or determines a usage fraction or percentage of protected subframes and converts the fraction or percentage of protected subframes into one or more protected subframe patterns for an aggressor base station to not transmit on or to transmit at reduced power, in one example, an operations and maintenance (OaM) node configures one or more interfered base stations to use the one or more protected subframe patterns, in another example, the node is a base station.