Small Cell Radio Power Control via User Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interference between small cell and macro cell networks degrades network performance and user experience due to the inability to effectively manage power levels of small cell radio access points, especially when they are not in use, leading to unnecessary interference with macro networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determine user equipment presence within small cell networks to adjust transmit power dynamically, reducing power when no users are present and increasing it when users enter the coverage area, using timers and UE location updates to automate interference control and optimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small cell radio access points operate continuously at full power, then network coverage and service availability are maintained, but interference with macro cell networks increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by continuously monitoring UE presence in small cell coverage areas and adapting transmit power levels accordingly. When UEs are detected, small cells operate at full power to provide service; when no UEs are present, power is reduced or transmission is suspended, thereby maintaining reliability when needed while reducing interference and energy consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through UE location updates and presence detection to inform power control decisions. The network monitors UE positions and feeds this information back to small cell base stations, which adjust their transmit power based on the presence or absence of active users, creating a closed-loop control system that balances coverage availability with interference reduction
2Object-generated harmful factors
If small cell radio access points reduce transmit power when no users are present, then interference with macro cell networks is reduced and energy is conserved, but network coverage and service responsiveness may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by maintaining configuration information and readiness state in small cells even when transmit power is reduced. When UE presence is detected, the system can quickly restore full power operation without extensive reconfiguration delays, as the necessary parameters and capabilities are pre-established during the low-power idle state
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between power states based on real-time UE presence detection. The rapid switching capability ensures that when users enter the coverage area, the small cell can quickly return to full power operation, minimizing service disruption while maintaining the ability to reduce interference and conserve energy during idle periods
3Loss of energy
If small cell radio access points continuously monitor user presence to adjust power dynamically, then interference is optimized and energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional network components to perform presence detection and power control. The same network infrastructure that provides location tracking for mobility management and handover decisions is also utilized for interference coordination, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring systems and reducing overall complexity despite the enhanced functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through autonomous power adjustment at small cell base stations. Each small cell independently monitors its own coverage area for UE presence and autonomously adjusts its transmit power without requiring complex centralized coordination, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving optimized energy consumption and interference management
Data Source
AI summary
An example method is provided in one example embodiment and may include determining a presence of user equipment (UE) in relation to small cell radio(s) of a small cell network based on information obtained through the small cell network and one or more parallel networks; and adjusting transmit power for the small cell radio(s) based on the presence of UE in relation to the small cell radio(s). Another example method can include determining that a UE in cell paging channel mode has changed its selected macro cell radio; determining that the UE is allowed service on a small cell radio located in a vicinity of a macro cell coverage area of a selected macro cell radio; and adjusting a transmit power of the small cell radio based on a presence of the UE in a surrounding macro cell coverage area of the small cell radio.