Wireless Base Station Coverage Estimation Using UE Timing Advance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accurately estimating wireless base station coverage in wireless networks, such as CBRS, result in inefficiencies in resource allocation and increased electromagnetic interference, due to variations in path-loss models and lack of precise coverage estimation.
Innovation Solution
The use of user equipment device timing advance and power headroom information to estimate wireless base station coverage, allowing for more accurate allocation of frequency bandwidth and power transmission levels, thereby optimizing resource utilization and minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-determined path-loss models are used to calculate base station coverage, then resource allocation can be performed, but coverage estimation accuracy deteriorates with 7-10 dB variation between different models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from user equipment devices by collecting timing advance information and power headroom information to continuously refine and update coverage estimates. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to actual network conditions rather than relying solely on predetermined models, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for coverage estimation from static path-loss model parameters to dynamic parameters including timing advance values and power headroom values from multiple user equipment devices. By aggregating and analyzing these varying parameters, the system achieves more accurate coverage estimates that adapt to real-time network conditions.
2Measurement precision
If coverage estimation accuracy is improved using multiple parameters, then resource allocation precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the resource allocation management device perform multiple functions: collecting timing advance information, collecting power headroom information, estimating coverage, and allocating resources. By consolidating these functions into a single universal device, the patent improves coverage estimation accuracy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the same device handles all tasks in an integrated manner.
3Productivity
If resource allocation is optimized based on accurate coverage estimates, then spectrum utilization efficiency improves, but electromagnetic interference management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating resources and managing power levels based on locally-specific coverage estimates for each base station. Instead of uniform resource allocation, the system tailors resource distribution to the actual coverage characteristics of each location, which improves spectrum utilization efficiency while allowing for targeted interference management in specific areas rather than across the entire network.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for estimating a wireless base station's coverage area using user equipment (UE) timing advance and/or power headroom information and allocating resources based on the estimate. In an exemplary method embodiment a resource allocation management device: (i) receives, from a wireless base station, user equipment (UE) information including at least one of timing advance or power headroom information for one or more UEs in communication with the wireless base station; (ii) estimates, based on the received UE information, a wireless base station coverage area; and (iii) makes a first resource allocation to the wireless base station based on the estimated wireless base station coverage area, the first resource allocation including an allocation of at least one of a frequency bandwidth allocation or transmission power allocation to the wireless base station.