Small Base Station Mode Control for Macro Cell Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small cell technology interferes with macro cell performance due to continuous transmission of communication signals on the same frequency band, deteriorating macro cell performance.
Innovation Solution
A network controller and small base station system that determines the operational mode of the small base station based on its coverage relative to the macro cell, booting up in idle mode within macro cell coverage and active mode outside, thereby reducing interference by controlling signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the small cell uses the same frequency band as the macro cell to provide communication services, then the small cell can deliver wired or wireless services at inexpensive costs, but it continuously transmits RF signals that cause interference with the macro cell, deteriorating macro cell performance
Solution Approach 1:
The small base station dynamically switches between idle mode and active mode based on coverage overlap detection. When the small cell is detected to be within macro cell coverage, it transitions to idle mode to minimize interference. When outside coverage, it activates to active mode to provide services. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by adapting the transmission behavior to the spatial relationship with the macro cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (transmission mode) of the small base station based on its location relative to the macro cell. The network controller adjusts the transmission power and mode parameters - setting idle mode (low power/no transmission) when inside macro coverage and active mode (normal transmission) when outside, thereby controlling the interference level while maintaining service capability.
2Reliability
If the small base station transmits communication signals continuously to provide services, then service availability is improved, but interference with the macro cell increases, deteriorating macro cell performance
Solution Approach 1:
The small base station employs dynamic mode switching between idle and active states based on real-time coverage detection. This ensures service availability is maintained when needed (active mode outside macro coverage) while minimizing interference when operating within macro cell boundaries (idle mode), thus resolving the reliability-interference contradiction through adaptive behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the small base station reports its operational status and coverage information to the network controller, which then determines the appropriate mode. The network controller monitors the small cell's location relative to macro cell coverage and provides feedback commands to switch between idle and active modes, ensuring service reliability while preventing interference through closed-loop control.
3Reliability
If the small base station operates in active mode to provide communication services, then service quality is improved, but interference with the macro cell increases, requiring mode control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller adjusts the operational parameters of the small base station by switching between idle and active modes based on coverage overlap. This parameter change (transmission state) directly controls the interference level while maintaining service quality when appropriate, resolving the contradiction between service quality and interference through parameter adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The small base station transitions dynamically between idle and active modes based on its spatial relationship with the macro cell. This dynamic adjustment ensures high service quality through active mode operation when outside macro coverage while preventing interference through idle mode when inside coverage, thus resolving the quality-interference trade-off.
Data Source
AI summary
A small base station may report to a network controller about whether a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted from a macro base station is sensed. The network controller may control an operational mode of the small base station depending on whether the RF signal is sensed. Accordingly, the small base station may not transmit the RF signal at all times, and thus, it is possible to reduce an interference between a small cell and a macro cell or interference between the small cell and another small cell.