Base Station RF Group Segmentation for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for one cell to cover multiple areas face issues such as decreased system capacity due to noise interference, costly and difficult cell splitting, interference between users, and reduced downlink capacity, particularly in scenarios involving repeaters and BBU-RRU configurations.
Innovation Solution
A Base Station equipped with a Baseband Unit (BBU) connected through multiple data channels to multiple Radio Frequency (RF) groups, allowing for intelligent allocation and transmission of uplink and downlink signals, thereby reducing interference and optimizing capacity, and enabling cell splitting without re-cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a repeater is used to extend coverage to multiple areas, then the coverage area is increased, but the noise floor of the Base Station rises and system capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coverage area into multiple cells, each served by a separate RF module. Instead of using one repeater for the entire coverage area, the system segments the area into Cell 1 and Cell 2, with RF module 1 and RF module 2 respectively. This segmentation isolates the noise sources, preventing the noise floor from rising across the entire system and maintaining overall system capacity while still achieving extended coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF modules are added to split cells, then cell splitting is achieved, but additional hardware and re-cabling are required increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the Base Station with multiple RF modules that share common infrastructure components including the Baseband Unit, power supply, and backhaul connection. This universal design allows the system to support cell splitting functionality without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each cell. The RF modules can be independently configured to serve different areas, providing cell splitting capability while minimizing additional hardware and cabling requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If a digital combiner and divider unit is used to connect RRU to BBU, then one cell can cover multiple areas, but interference exists between users in different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user groups by assigning users in different areas to different RF modules. Users in Area 1 are served by RF module 1, while users in Area 2 are served by RF module 2. This segmentation creates isolated transmission paths through separate data channels, preventing signal interference between users in different areas while maintaining multi-area coverage capability.
4Area of stationary object
If downlink signals are transmitted to all RF groups simultaneously, then all areas are covered, but power is wasted in areas where no UE is active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic downlink signal transmission where the Baseband Unit selectively activates RF groups based on real-time user activity detection. When a UE in a particular area becomes active, the corresponding RF group is activated to transmit downlink signals. When no UE is active in an area, the corresponding RF group remains inactive, avoiding power waste. This dynamic adjustment maintains comprehensive coverage capability while optimizing power consumption based on actual traffic conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, method and network device for covering a plurality of areas by one cell is disclosed. The system comprises: a plurality of radio frequency groups and at least one base band unit. One radio frequency group corresponds to one area of the cell, one radio frequency group corresponds to one date channel, and one base band unit is connected to a plurality of radio frequency groups through a plurality of date channels. The embodiment of the invention reduces the signal interference among each area of the same cell, increases the system capacity, and benefits cell splitting, i.e. benefits increasing the capacity and upgrading during network enhancement.