Radio Base Station Performance Level Re-configuration Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular communication networks face performance degradation and increased energy consumption due to re-configuration penalties when radio base stations switch between different performance levels, leading to temporary reductions in service quality for wireless devices and increased inter-cell interference.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to trigger performance level re-configuration of radio base stations prior to handover, using a network node to determine the need for re-configuration based on the likelihood of handover and transmitting a re-configuration alert message to the target RBS, allowing the performance level to be increased before the handover, thus minimizing the re-configuration penalty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an RBS switches between different performance level configurations to reduce energy consumption and inter-cell interference, then energy consumption and interference are reduced, but the performance of the RBS is temporarily degraded during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by triggering the performance level re-configuration in the target RBS before the handover actually occurs. The network node determines the need for re-configuration based on handover likelihood and sends a re-configuration alert message to the target RBS in advance, allowing the target RBS to prepare the new performance configuration before the wireless device connects, thus avoiding performance degradation during the transition.
2Loss of energy
If an RBS enters dormant mode to reduce energy consumption and inter-cell interference, then energy consumption and interference are reduced, but the RBS becomes invisible for wireless devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the RBS to dynamically adjust its performance level between different configurations (e.g., single-sector and multi-sector modes) rather than entering a static dormant state. This allows the RBS to remain visible and operational while adapting its resource allocation and antenna configuration to balance energy consumption with device visibility and connectivity.
3Productivity
If an RBS re-configures from single-sector to multi-sector mode, then service capacity is improved, but handover signaling overhead and radio link failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the target RBS with the multi-sector performance level before handover is needed. The network node triggers the re-configuration alert message to the target RBS in advance, allowing the target RBS to complete its internal re-configuration (antenna activation, resource allocation) before the wireless device actually hands over, thus reducing real-time signaling complexity and handover disruption.
4Reliability
If multiple RBSs are active simultaneously during transition, then service continuity is maintained, but inter-cell interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the target RBS complete its performance level re-configuration before the handover occurs. The network node coordinates the timing of the re-configuration alert message transmission and handover execution, ensuring that the target RBS is already in its new performance configuration (single-sector or multi-sector) before the wireless device connects, thus avoiding simultaneous operation of multiple configurations that would generate interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed in a network node for triggering a performance level re-configuration in a target radio base station, RBS, prior to handover of a wireless device to the target RBS. The method comprises determining if a need for performance level re-configuration of the target RBS exists, and if need for performance level re-configuration of the target RBS exists, transmitting, to the target RBS, a re-configuration alert message, thereby enabling a performance level re-configuration in the target RBS prior to handover of the wireless device to the target RBS.