Small Cell Access Point Deriving Neighbour Lists from Macro Broadcasts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network Operators face challenges in ensuring small cells' Frequency/Scrambling codes are not accidentally removed from neighbour cell lists due to list errors or length constraints, leading to ineffective small cell deployment and potential invisibility to User Equipment (UEs).
Innovation Solution
A method for small cell base stations to derive a cell candidate list from neighbour cell lists using information from macro cell broadcast transmissions, identifying parameters that distinguish small cell neighbours, and automatically selecting optimal operating parameters without pre-configured lists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-configured neighbour cell lists are used for small cells, then deployment is simplified, but the lists may accidentally remove small cell Frequency/Scrambling codes due to errors or length constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The small cell automatically derives its own neighbour cell list by listening to broadcast transmissions from macro cells and extracting Frequency/Scrambling code information independently, eliminating dependency on pre-configured lists and manual setup
Solution Approach 2:
The small cell uses feedback from broadcast transmissions containing neighbour cell information to dynamically construct and update its own neighbour cell list, ensuring accuracy through real-time information gathering from the network
2Reliability
If manual configuration of Frequency/Scrambling codes is performed, then accuracy is improved, but deployment time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The small cell autonomously extracts and configures Frequency/Scrambling codes by processing broadcast transmissions, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy through automated information extraction from network broadcasts
Solution Approach 2:
The small cell performs preliminary listening and extraction of Frequency/Scrambling code information from broadcast transmissions before finalizing its operating parameters, enabling rapid deployment without manual configuration steps
3Measurement precision
If GPS fixes are required for small cell deployment, then location accuracy is improved, but deployment complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The small cell automatically determines its operating parameters by processing broadcast transmissions from macro cells, eliminating the need for GPS fixes and manual location configuration while maintaining accurate Frequency/Scrambling code selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based location determination system with a communication-based information extraction system that uses broadcast transmissions to derive location-relevant parameters for neighbour cell list construction
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a small cell access point to use neighbour cell broadcast information to derive a cell candidate list is described. The method comprises, at the small cell access point: performing a network listen, NWL, scan and identifying a broadcast transmission from a plurality of macro cell base station, BTSs; detecting at least one parameter from each broadcast transmission, wherein the at least one parameter acts as a signature for small cell neighbours to distinguish small cell neighbours from macro cell neighbours; and using the at least one parameter to derive a cell candidate list of candidate operating parameters.