Predicting Resource Block Allocations to Reduce Inter-Cell Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current real-time Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC) schemes in LTE networks are hindered by significant delays in the X2 interface, making scheduling decisions sent to neighboring cells outdated before they can be effectively used, leading to inefficient resource allocation and increased inter-cell interference.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a Radio Resource Management (RRM) node predicts resource block allocations for subsequent scheduling intervals and sends this information to neighboring cells, allowing them to adjust their scheduling to avoid predicted resource blocks, thereby reducing inter-cell interference even with slow inter-cell interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time ICIC schemes use current scheduling decisions sent via X2 interface, then inter-cell interference can be coordinated, but the scheduling decisions become outdated due to 50ms delay in the X2 interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having each eNodeB predict its future resource block allocations for the next 5-10 TTIs and send these predictions to neighboring eNodeBs via the X2 interface before the actual scheduling occurs. This allows neighboring cells to adjust their scheduling in advance based on predicted allocations, eliminating the latency problem where scheduling decisions become outdated before being used for interference coordination.
2Reliability
If scheduling decisions are sent frequently to achieve timely coordination, then interference coordination improves, but the X2 interface load and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
By sending predictions in advance, the system reduces the frequency and urgency of signaling exchanges. Each prediction covers multiple future TTIs (5-10), so fewer signaling messages are needed compared to sending real-time scheduling decisions every TTI. This reduces X2 interface load while maintaining effective interference coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified copy of scheduling information - specifically, predicted resource block allocations - rather than transmitting complete scheduling decisions. This copied information is sufficient for interference coordination purposes and reduces the amount of data that needs to be exchanged over the X2 interface.
3Loss of time
If predictive scheduling is implemented, then scheduling decisions remain valid longer despite X2 interface delays, but the complexity of the scheduling algorithm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prediction mechanism extends the validity period of scheduling information by sending allocations 5-10 TTIs in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the scheduling decisions remain valid and useful for the entire prediction window, overcoming the 50ms X2 interface delay without requiring continuous real-time updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of scheduling information by introducing prediction horizons of 5-10 TTIs. This parameter change transforms the scheduling from reactive (responding to current conditions) to proactive (planning for future conditions), extending the useful life of scheduling decisions while managing complexity through standardized prediction intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods and nodes for scheduling resource blocks in a wireless communications network. The invention further relates to computer programs performing the methods according to the invention, and computer program products comprising computer readable medium having the computer programs embodied therein. In a first aspect of the invention, a method of a Radio Resource Management (RRM) node (11) in a first cell (12) is provided for facilitating scheduling of resource blocks for at least one mobile terminal (UE4, UE5, UE6) in a neighboring second cell (15) of a wireless communications network (10). The method comprises predicting allocation of one or more resource blocks in a subsequent scheduling time interval to at least one mobile terminal (UE1, UE2, UE3) in the first cell, and sending information pertaining to the predicted allocation to an RRM node (14) of the neighboring second cell.