Selective RAN Node Interface Configuration for Interference Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current approaches for resource coordination among neighboring RAN nodes are costly and complex, as they require establishing a full cell-to-cell relation and network interface for all features, leading to unnecessary operational investments and spectrum efficiency degradation due to co-channel interference between LTE and NR cells.

Innovation Solution

Configuring a neighbor relation and establishing a network interface between RAN nodes to run only specific features or services, such as resource coordination or PRACH resource coordination, allowing for selective use of interface capabilities to minimize interference and optimize resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a full cell-to-cell relation and network interface are established for all features, then all coordination features are available, but operational costs and complexity increase unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination feature availabilityVSAvoidinterface configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coordination features into distinct categories (e.g., PRACH coordination, resource coordination) and allows selective establishment of neighbor relations for specific features rather than requiring full-featured interfaces. This enables network nodes to configure only the necessary coordination capabilities based on actual deployment needs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by allowing network nodes to establish neighbor relations and interfaces for only the specific coordination features that are actually needed, rather than establishing complete coordination capabilities. This partial deployment approach reduces operational costs and complexity while still providing sufficient functionality for the intended use case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a full network interface is established between neighboring RAN nodes, then all coordination capabilities are enabled, but spectrum efficiency degrades due to co-channel interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination capabilityVSAvoidspectrum efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling different coordination capabilities at different locations or between different node pairs based on their specific deployment scenarios. Network nodes can selectively enable PRACH coordination or resource coordination only when and where needed, rather than uniformly enabling all coordination features across the entire network, thereby optimizing spectrum efficiency locally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration where neighbor relations and coordination capabilities can be established, modified, or removed based on real-time network conditions and requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt coordination capabilities to actual deployment needs, preventing unnecessary co-channel interference and maintaining spectrum efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If all coordination features are deployed, then comprehensive resource management is achieved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource coordination effectivenessVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments coordination features into manageable modules that can be independently deployed and configured. Network operators can select and deploy only the specific coordination features (e.g., PRACH coordination, resource coordination) that are necessary for their deployment scenario, avoiding the cost of implementing comprehensive coordination capabilities across the entire network while still achieving reliable resource management where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250008335A1Methods for resource coordination among the neighbouring ran nodes over network interfaces
Publication Date: 2025.01.02 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US20250008335A1 patent drawing
  • US20250008335A1 patent drawing
  • US20250008335A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems are described for coordinating resources among neighbouring network nodes and cells in a telecommunications network. Neighbouring cells or nodes may experience conflicts, such as co-channel interference. To enable coordination among nodes or cells it has been required to establish a full-fledge cell to cell relation with a network interface. This can be cost and resource intensive, even if most features over the interface remain unused. Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling resource coordination without incurring a full-fledged relation between cells, allowing for more efficient use of resources.