Small Cell Self-Configuration via BC ID Parameter Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-operator deployments of cloud radio access networks, especially where remote units house multiple radio modules or units, it is not viable to include Radio Environment Monitoring (REM) functionality, making it challenging to configure unique operational parameters for small cells to avoid interference with neighboring cells.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically configures initial operational parameters for small cells using a unique Baseband Controller (BC) ID, allowing self-configuration of parameters like Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) and Root Sequence Index (RSI) without REM, ensuring non-overlapping transmission opportunities to prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Radio Environment Monitoring (REM) functionality is included to configure unique operational parameters for small cells, then parameter uniqueness and interference avoidance are improved, but device complexity and resource requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter uniquenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The small cell performs self-configuration by autonomously selecting operational parameters from a provisioned list based on its own identity (BC ID) and sector ID, without requiring REM functionality to detect neighboring cells. The system services itself by deriving parameters from pre-configured information and deterministic algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A comprehensive list of operational parameters is pre-provisioned in the small cell before deployment. The small cell selects its actual operational parameters from this pre-prepared list based on deterministic rules involving its BC ID and sector ID, eliminating the need for post-deployment environment monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If REM functionality is disabled in remote units with multiple radio modules, then ease of operation and deployment flexibility are improved, but the ability to configure unique operational parameters worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidparameter uniqueness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The small cell autonomously configures its operational parameters using deterministic selection from a provisioned list based on its BC ID and sector ID, eliminating the need for REM functionality and enabling deployment in remote units with multiple radio modules where REM is not viable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-provisions a comprehensive list of operational parameters including multiple PCIs and RSI values before deployment. This preliminary preparation enables the small cell to self-configure uniquely without requiring post-deployment environment monitoring or complex runtime decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11696152B2Automatic configuration of operational parameters in small cells without using radio environment monitoring

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

A small cell for automatic configuration of an operational parameter includes at least one processor configured to determine a provisioned list of operational parameters. The at least one processor is also configured to sort the provisioned list into a sorted list. The at least one processor is also configured to select the operational parameter from the sorted list based on a BC ID for the small cell, a sector ID for a sector implemented by the small cell, or some combination.