Uplink Capacity Optimization via Base Station Bias Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in optimizing uplink communication links due to conflicting strategies between downlink-centric and uplink-centric algorithms, leading to inefficient use of network capacity and interference issues, especially in heterogeneous networks with small cell deployments.
Innovation Solution
A method to control user equipment associations with base stations by adjusting operational parameters such as pilot transmission power and bias to optimize uplink communications, minimizing the spectral radius of a network information matrix, which maximizes network capacity and energy efficiency while ensuring achievable signal-to-interference-and-noise ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cell base stations are deployed to enhance network capacity, then network effectiveness and capacity are improved, but interference issues and undesirable operational consequences occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of base station association by introducing a bias value that modifies the received pilot signal strength measurement. This parameter change allows user equipment to be steered towards or away from small cell base stations, thereby controlling interference levels while maintaining network capacity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network control node adjusts the bias value based on network conditions, user equipment measurements, and interference levels. This closed-loop control enables dynamic optimization of the association between user equipment and base stations to balance capacity and interference.
2Ease of operation
If downlink-centric load balancing algorithms are used to distribute users evenly, then user distribution between base stations is optimized, but uplink communication performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional downlink-centric approach by using uplink communication characteristics (received signal strength, interference levels) as the primary basis for base station association decisions. This inversion allows the system to optimize uplink performance while maintaining reasonable user distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different bias values to be applied to different base stations based on their specific characteristics and local network conditions. This enables tailored optimization for each base station's uplink performance rather than applying a uniform load balancing strategy.
3Reliability
If user equipment associates with nearest base station to maximize signal strength, then individual link quality is improved, but network capacity utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bias value as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the user equipment's preference for strong signal (nearest base station) and the network's need for efficient capacity utilization. This intermediary allows the system to steer associations away from purely distance-based decisions towards more capacity-efficient configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling behaviour of user equipment located within a wireless communication network comprising a plurality of base stations, a computer program product and network control node operable to perform that method. The wireless communication network comprises a plurality of base stations and each user equipment is operable to form an association with one of the plurality of base stations such that a transmission made by the user equipment is received by the associated base station. The method comprises: determining, based on a performance parameter of a transmission made by each user equipment having a first base station association, an indication of network capacity utilisation; comparing the indication of network capacity utilisation with a further indication of network capacity utilisation based on an alternative user equipment and base station association; and adjusting an operational parameter of at least one of the plurality of base stations to control user equipment to make that base station association determined by the comparison of the indication of network capacity utilisation with the further indication of network capacity utilisation to offer a lower utilisation of network capacity. Methods and apparatus operable to perform methods in accordance with techniques described herein are based upon recognition that a network may be modelled and that coverage of a network may be optimized in relation to a model of uplink data throughput performance.