Shared Antenna Frequency Scoring for Cellular Network Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing heterogeneous cellular networks with multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and frequencies is challenging due to the need for continuous optimization of capacity and coverage, as existing Self Organizing Network (SON) technologies struggle to efficiently adjust antenna parameters across different frequencies and bands.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that continuously collect and process performance-related data and network topology data to calculate frequency-dependent scores for each cell, enabling provisioning of shared antennas based on these scores, allowing adjustments such as remote azimuth steering, electrical tilt, and beam-width adjustments only when specific criteria are met, ensuring optimal performance across all frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If Self Organizing Network (SON) technology is used to optimize network performance, then capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) are reduced, but the ability to efficiently adjust antenna parameters across different frequencies and bands is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna parameter optimization process by introducing frequency-dependent performance scores for each cell operating on different frequencies. Instead of treating all cells uniformly, the system calculates separate scores for each frequency band, enabling targeted optimization of antenna parameters (azimuth, tilt, beam-width) specific to each frequency's performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts antenna parameters based on real-time performance scoring. The computerized system continuously monitors performance metrics, recalculates frequency-dependent scores, and adapts antenna configurations accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the network to respond to changing conditions and optimize performance across multiple frequencies adaptively.
2Productivity
If multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and frequencies are deployed in a heterogeneous network, then network capacity and coverage are enhanced, but the complexity of managing and optimizing antenna parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal performance scoring mechanism that works across multiple RATs and frequency bands. The computerized system uses a standardized set of performance metrics and scoring criteria that can evaluate and optimize antenna parameters for different technologies (LTE, 5G, etc.) and frequencies uniformly, simplifying the management of heterogeneous networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where performance metrics from multiple RATs and frequencies are continuously collected, processed into frequency-dependent scores, and used to adjust antenna parameters. This feedback-driven approach automates the optimization process, reducing the manual complexity of managing heterogeneous antenna configurations across multiple technologies.
3Reliability
If antenna parameters are adjusted to optimize performance, then network coverage and capacity improve, but the risk of affecting other frequencies operating on the same shared antenna increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by calculating frequency-dependent performance scores for each cell individually. When adjusting antenna parameters, the system considers the specific performance requirements of each frequency band and makes targeted adjustments that optimize each frequency's coverage and capacity while minimizing negative impacts on other frequencies sharing the same antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The system carefully controls parameter changes by using performance thresholds and adjustment criteria. Antenna parameters (azimuth, tilt, beam-width) are modified only when frequency-dependent scores indicate performance degradation, and adjustments are made incrementally to achieve optimization while monitoring the impact on co-frequency and adjacent-frequency cells to prevent harmful interference.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a method and system of controlling traffic in a cellular network comprising at least one site characterized by a plurality of cells sharing a common antenna and operating in different frequencies. The method comprises processing performance-related data and network topology-related to obtain, for each cell of the plurality of cells, a performance score, thus giving rise to a set of frequency-dependent scores associated with the shared antenna; and enabling provisioning of the shared antenna in accordance with the set of frequency-dependent scores associated with the shared antenna. When no leading frequency is configured for the shared antenna, the provisioning is enabled merely when each score in the set of frequency-dependent scores meets respective adjustment criteria; and when a frequency among the different frequencies is configured as a leading frequency, the provisioning is enabled merely when a score corresponding to the leading frequency meets an adjustment criterion for the leading frequency.