Small Cell Pilot Power Tuning for Heterogeneous Network Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complexity in mobile wireless networks due to increased data traffic and diverse data types poses a challenge for load balancing in heterogeneous networks, where existing architectures struggle to effectively manage traffic distribution between macro and small cells, especially in scenarios where cells are not parented to a common RNC.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes Radio Access Network Application Part (RANAP) messages to self-optimize small cell parameters, such as pilot power, to attract user equipment and balance load by adjusting the attractiveness of small cells relative to macro cells, leveraging standardized messages for dynamic load control and traffic offloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing network architectures are used to manage traffic distribution, then network structure is maintained, but load balancing effectiveness deteriorates in heterogeneous networks with cells not parented to a common RNC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism using standardized RANAP messages to enable communication and coordination between macro cells and small cells that are not parented to a common RNC. This intermediary messaging framework allows load information exchange and coordinated load balancing without requiring complex direct architectural integration, thereby improving load balancing effectiveness while avoiding excessive network architecture complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by using standardized RANAP messages that serve multiple functions: they carry load information, enable handover coordination, and support load balancing decisions across heterogeneous network elements. This multi-functional approach allows a single messaging framework to address various network management needs, improving overall system efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If small cell parameters are dynamically adjusted to attract user equipment, then traffic offloading improves, but network control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling small cells to autonomously adjust their parameters (such as pilot power) based on load information received through standardized RANAP messages. The small cells perform self-optimization of their attraction characteristics to facilitate traffic offloading without requiring complex centralized control for each adjustment, thereby improving traffic offloading efficiency while limiting the increase in network control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where load information is continuously exchanged between macro cells and small cells via RANAP messages. This feedback loop allows the network to dynamically respond to changing traffic conditions, with small cell parameters being adjusted based on received load information, thereby achieving effective traffic offloading through adaptive control rather than static complex configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a radio related message including derived information for a particular cell in a heterogeneous network; and changing one or more self-optimizing network parameters of a small cell in the heterogeneous network to attract user equipment, where the change can be based on the derived information. In more specific embodiments, the derived information is provided in a relocation command message. In addition, the derived information can include cell load information for a macro cell. Certain methodologies may include receiving small cell derived information for a plurality of small cells in the heterogeneous network; and increasing a plurality of self-optimizing network parameters of the plurality of small cells in the heterogeneous network to attract a plurality of instances of user equipment, the increase can be based, at least, on information within Radio Access Network Application Part (RANAP) messages.