TDD Network Resource Management via Overlapping Base Station Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resource management in TDD cellular communication networks faces challenges with 'pseudo congestion' due to asymmetric UL/DL resource allocation, leading to inflexibility in matching user equipment (UE) demands, despite available resources not being fully utilized.
Innovation Solution
Introducing overlapping areas where UEs can connect to multiple base stations, allowing flexible utilization of UL and DL resources from different base stations, creating 'super-cells' with dynamic power adjustments and separate UL/DL patterns to match specific traffic demands, and implementing Self-Organized Networks (SON) for efficient resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric UL/DL resource allocation is implemented in TDD networks, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but pseudo congestion occurs leading to reduced resource utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell coverage area into multiple overlapping sub-areas, each served by different base stations. This allows User Equipment (UE) to be served by different base stations for uplink and downlink transmissions, effectively decoupling the UL and DL resource allocation at the cell level. By dividing the coverage area, the system can allocate resources asymmetrically in different sub-areas to match local traffic demands, thereby maintaining high resource utilization efficiency while preserving allocation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different UL/DL resource allocation configurations to different geographical sub-areas within the cell coverage. Each sub-area can have customized resource allocation patterns tailored to its specific traffic characteristics. This local quality approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently according to local demand, preventing pseudo congestion in areas with asymmetric traffic patterns while maintaining overall system flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate UL and DL CAC policies are applied, then handling of asymmetric UL/DL traffic is improved, but complexity of resource management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Call Admission Control (CAC) functions into a unified mechanism that simultaneously evaluates both UL and DL resource availability. Instead of maintaining completely separate CAC policies, the invention integrates them into a coordinated admission control process that considers the asymmetric requirements of TDD traffic while operating as a single resource management entity. This reduces the complexity of managing separate policies while still providing specialized handling for asymmetric traffic patterns.
3Productivity
If cell breathing is applied for load balancing, then traffic distribution is improved, but inability to resolve pseudo congestion in TDD remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the traditional cell breathing concept by introducing a new dimension of resource allocation - the ability to allocate different UL and DL resources from different base stations to the same UE. Instead of only adjusting cell coverage boundaries in the geographical dimension, the invention adds the resource allocation dimension, allowing UEs to access resources from multiple base stations with different UL/DL configurations. This resolves pseudo congestion by providing additional resource paths that traditional single-cell breathing cannot offer.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for resource management in a cellular communication network, wherein said network includes at least one base station per cell for a plurality of cells that operates in TDD (Time Division Duplex) transmission mode, each base station having a respective coverage area is characterized in that said base stations are operated such that spatial zones exist - overlap areas - in which the coverage areas of at least two of said base stations overlap, wherein UEs within an overlap area utilize UL and/or DL resources from those of the respective base stations that best match their particular traffic demands in the UL and/or in the DL. Furthermore, a corresponding resource management system for use in a cellular communication network is disclosed.