Small Cell Power Control for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of 5G network infrastructure sharing, the ultra-dense deployment of small cells leads to interference, frequent UE switching, and energy inefficiency, negatively impacting user experience and network capacity.
Innovation Solution
A power control method for small cells that adjusts transmission power based on RSRQ values, neighboring cell RSRP, and serving cell load, distinguishing between indoor and outdoor UEs to optimize power settings and reduce pilot pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ultra-dense deployment of small cells is implemented, then network system capacity is increased, but interference and frequent UE switching occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power control where small cells adjust their transmission power levels based on real-time network conditions, UE location, and interference levels. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high capacity while reducing harmful interference and switching frequency through adaptive power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission power parameter of small cells based on multiple factors including neighboring cell RSRP values, serving cell load, and UE channel quality. By adjusting this critical parameter dynamically, the system resolves the contradiction between capacity and interference.
2Reliability
If small cells are deployed with high transmission power, then coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial power transmission by having small cells operate at reduced power levels when conditions permit, rather than continuously at full power. This partial action maintains adequate coverage for indoor users while significantly reducing energy consumption, especially when outdoor users are present and neighboring cells have sufficient coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission power parameter is dynamically changed based on network conditions, allowing small cells to switch between high and low power modes. This resolves the contradiction by using high power only when necessary for coverage and low power when energy saving is prioritized.
3Loss of energy
If small cells operate with low transmission power, then energy saving is achieved, but pilot pollution and user experience degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network continuously monitors RSRQ values, UE channel quality, and interference levels. Based on this feedback, small cells dynamically adjust their power levels to maintain user experience while saving energy, preventing pilot pollution when low power operation becomes problematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between low power operation (for energy saving) and high power operation (for maintaining user experience), based on real-time conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the system to achieve energy saving without permanently sacrificing user experience or causing excessive pilot pollution.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent power adjustment is performed, then adaptability to changing conditions is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic power adjustment rather than continuous adjustment. Power levels are modified at specific intervals or when triggering conditions are met, providing adaptability to changing network conditions while limiting the complexity of continuous control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for power control includes: setting a transmission power for a small cell; determining periodically, when the small cell is operated with a low transmission power, whether a Reference Signal Receiving Quality RSRQ value corresponding to a User Equipment UE with worst channel quality in a serving cell is less than a preset RSRQ threshold; and augmenting the transmission power by a step value when the RSRQ value is less than the preset RSRQ threshold.