Small Node Beacon Activation in Heterogeneous Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for managing activation and deactivation of small nodes in heterogeneous cellular networks are inefficient due to excessive processing times, reliance on traffic load detection, and inability to handle dynamic conditions and subscriber profiles, leading to interference and power consumption issues.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication network system where small nodes broadcast a beacon signal at the edges of the transmission bandwidth, allowing user equipment to detect and respond, enabling quick identification and scheduling of node activation by the macro node based on service and subscriber profiles, using OFDMA access schemes like LTE/LTE-Advanced, WiMAX, or WiFi technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If small nodes are deployed in high density without full planning in heterogeneous cellular networks, then network capacity and coverage are enhanced, but interference management and power consumption issues are sharpened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation and deactivation of small nodes based on real-time traffic load conditions. The system continuously monitors traffic demand and adjusts the operational state of small nodes accordingly, transitioning from static deployment to dynamic management. This resolves the interference issue by activating nodes only when needed while maintaining high node density for capacity enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of small nodes from always-on to conditionally-active based on traffic load thresholds. By monitoring traffic load parameters and switching nodes between active and deactivated states, the system reduces interference while maintaining network capacity. This parameter change approach allows flexible adaptation to varying network conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If small nodes are activated to provide additional capacity, then network capacity is enhanced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of traffic load and periodic activation/deactivation cycles for small nodes. Instead of continuous operation, nodes are activated in periodic cycles based on traffic demand patterns. This periodic action reduces power consumption by keeping nodes in low-power state during low traffic periods while maintaining network capacity through timely activation during high traffic periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables small nodes to autonomously determine their activation state based on local traffic load conditions and macro node coordination. Nodes can self-manage their power state by monitoring local demand and receiving coordination signals, reducing the need for continuous macro node control and enabling efficient power-capacity trade-offs.
3Ease of operation
If traffic load detection is used to manage node activation, then node management is simplified, but processing times become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of activation thresholds and criteria for small nodes before traffic load conditions change. The system pre-sets the conditions under which nodes should be activated or deactivated, so that when traffic conditions meet these pre-defined criteria, activation decisions can be made immediately without extensive processing. This preliminary action reduces processing time while maintaining simplified management through pre-configured rules.
4Use of energy by moving object
If small nodes are deactivated to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but ability to handle dynamic conditions and high data traffic is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the macro node monitors traffic load conditions and provides feedback signals to small nodes about their activation state. The system uses real-time feedback on traffic demand, interference levels, and network conditions to dynamically adjust node activation. This feedback loop ensures that nodes are activated promptly when dynamic conditions require additional capacity while maintaining power efficiency during low-demand periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless communication network (100) is proposed. The wireless communication network comprises a first transceiver station (105) for transmitting first signals over a first area coverage and over a first transmission bandwidth, and a second transceiver station (115i) selectively activatable/de-activatable. In the solution according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the second transceiver station is operable to broadcast, when de-activated, a beacon signal (Bsi) identifying the second transceiver station, the beacon signal having a beacon frequency (fi) at the edges of the first transmission bandwidth. The beacon signal (Bsi) is detectable by a user equipment (110) for inferring the presence of the second transceiver station. The first transceiver station is configured to receive a response signal from a user equipment based on the detected beacon signal, and to schedule the activation of the second transceiver station based on the received response signal.