Uplink Power Control in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems employing centralized control schemes lack an efficient method for uplink power control, leading to performance degradation due to interference between heterogeneous cells and non-uniform terminal distribution, resulting in suboptimal transmission rates and power inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a collaborative uplink power control method in a wireless communication system where cells share information through a centralized controller to predict and manage interference, using a weight-based equation to adjust transmission power and optimize channel conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary interference and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If N small cells are included in one macro cell to increase transmission capacity, then transmission band is increased by N times, but interference between heterogeneous cells causes performance degradation and smaller transmission gain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission capacityVSAvoidinterference between heterogeneous cells
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the eNodeB receives interference measurements from the UE and uses this information to adjust uplink power control parameters. The eNodeB determines a power control adjustment state based on measured interference levels and communicates this back to the UE, which then adjusts its transmission power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system dynamically balances transmission capacity with interference management in heterogeneous networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power control parameters dynamically based on interference conditions. Specifically, it adjusts the pathloss compensation factor (q) and power control adjustment state (ACK/NACK) according to measured interference levels between macro and small cells. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize transmission power in response to changing network conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high transmission capacity and reducing inter-cell interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If centralized control scheme is employed to coordinate cells, then mutual influences between cells can be minimized, but complexity of control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary role where the eNodeB acts as a coordinator between the UE and the network infrastructure. Rather than requiring direct complex coordination between all network elements, the eNodeB receives interference measurements from the UE and translates this information into power control adjustments. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall control architecture while maintaining the benefits of centralized coordination for minimizing mutual influences between cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If uplink power is increased to improve transmission rate, then signal quality is improved, but interference to other cells increases and power consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rateVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power control where the UE adjusts its uplink transmission power based on real-time interference measurements and eNodeB instructions. Rather than using fixed high power levels, the system dynamically adapts power settings to achieve the minimum necessary transmission rate while minimizing interference and power consumption. The power control adjustment state (ACK/NACK) provides dynamic feedback to optimize this balance continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2676495B1Method and apparatus for uplink power control in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2676495B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2676495B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2676495B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for uplink power control in a wireless communication system are provided. More specially, a method is provided in which a first base station in a wireless communication system periodically measures interference for a cell of a second base station neighboring the first base station, determines an average of the periodically measured interference, broadcasts the determined average of the periodically measured interference to mobile terminals located in a cell of the first base station, determines a weight for the determined average of the periodically measured interference, based on one of resource allocation information for the cell of the second base station and whether a specific message for interference regulation is received from the second base station, and transmits the determined weight to the mobile terminals.