Over-the-air Overload Indicator for Interference Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE systems face challenges in managing inter-cell interference due to the lack of X2 connections between base stations, high latency in overload indicator signaling, and vendor-specific interference control mechanisms, which hinder effective power management and control in wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for the direct transmission of over-the-air overload indicators to user equipment in neighboring cells, enabling them to adjust their transmit power based on received interference conditions, thereby facilitating power control without relying on X2 connections and standardizing interference control across different vendors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overload indicators are sent over the backhaul X2 interface between base stations, then interference coordination can be achieved, but the latency is too high and X2 connections may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces user equipment as an intermediary to relay overload indicator information. Instead of direct base station-to-base station communication requiring X2 connections, the serving base station communicates with user equipment, which then provides interference information to neighboring base stations through alternative paths, eliminating the latency and connectivity constraints of the X2 interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the communication dimension from the backhaul network plane (X2 interface between base stations) to the air interface plane (base station to user equipment). This dimensional change allows interference coordination information to be transmitted over the wireless channel, bypassing backhaul connectivity constraints and reducing latency
2Reliability
If X2 connections are established between all neighboring base stations, then overload indicator exchange is possible, but the device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the overload indicator transmission function from the backhaul X2 interface and relocates it to the air interface. This separation allows base stations to exchange interference coordination information without requiring physical X2 connections, simplifying the backhaul infrastructure while maintaining the essential function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables user equipment to serve multiple functions: normal data communication, receiving overload indicators from serving base station, and providing interference information to neighboring base stations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated X2 connections while achieving the same coordination goal
3Reliability
If backhaul-based overload indicator signaling is used, then interference information can be exchanged, but the eNodeB must be aware of the interference environment and specific UE contributing to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables user equipment to self-report interference information to neighboring base stations based on measurements it performs. The UE autonomously identifies its own interference contribution and communicates this information without requiring the serving eNodeB to have complete awareness of the interference environment or to perform complex analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatus and computer program products are provided to facilitate power control in wireless communication systems. A cell that is experiencing excessive interference conditions may generate an over-the-air overload indicator indicative of interference conditions at the cell. The over-the-air overload indicator is received by one or more user equipment in a neighboring cell. In response, the user equipment determines adjustments to its transmit power that reduce and/or eliminate the interference. This determination may be carried out by the user equipment, by the serving base station, or through cooperation between the user equipment and the serving base station. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, it is to be understood that it should not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.