Control Device, Network Node and Methods Thereof

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This patent presents an advanced control device and algorithm for wireless communication systems, particularly for managing massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) networks in multi-cell environments. The invention improves how network nodes (such as base stations) calculate and allocate transmit power and design precoders to handle interference, ensuring fair and efficient distribution of data rates among all user devices. The device uses pilot signals from user devices to estimate the current wireless channel and iteratively computes optimal uplink and downlink power allocations and precoding matrices, taking into account inter-cell interference, channel estimation errors, and pilot contamination. This approach enables more balanced and robust communication across all users, especially those at cell edges.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Cellular base stations in dense urban areas using massive MIMO for 5G/6G networks to manage interference and provide uniform service.
• Wireless communication systems in environments with multiple, closely located cells (e.g., stadiums, airports, business parks).
• Enterprises or service providers seeking to maximize both the total data rate and the minimum guaranteed user rate for all connected devices.
• Upgrading network infrastructure to improve edge-user performance, ensuring no users have poor connectivity in challenging radio environments.
• Implementation in both centralized and distributed network architectures where coordination among multiple nodes is desirable.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly increases the minimum data rate available to users, improving service for those at the cell edge.
• Balances user throughput, preventing scenarios where some users have very low data rates while others have high rates.
• Reduces both intra-cell and inter-cell interference, leading to enhanced overall network performance and capacity.
• Flexible: supports both centralized and distributed network implementations, enabling scalable deployments.
• Takes into account practical challenges like channel estimation errors and pilot contamination for more robust, real-world applicability.
• Improves fairness in network resource allocation, allowing all users to enjoy similar performance.
• Uses efficient iterative algorithms to jointly optimize power allocation and precoding, reducing computational complexity compared to prior solutions.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a control device and a network node comprising such a control device (100). The control device (100) comprises a processor (102) configured to: a) obtain at least one pilot signal (410n) associated with a user device (400); b) compute an uplink channel estimation (GUL) based on the at least one pilot signal (410n); c) compute an uplink detector (UUL) based on the complex conjugate of the uplink channel estimation (GUL) and a current uplink transmit power allocation (P ULcurrent ), d) derive uplink Signal-to-lnterference and Noise Ratios, SINRs, based on the complex conjugate of the channel estimation (GUL), e) compute a new uplink transmit power allocation (P ULnew ) by taking the ratio of the current uplink transmit power allocation (P ULcurrent ) to the uplink SINRs; compute a downlink precoder (UDL) based on the uplink detector (UUL). Furthermore, the invention also relates to corresponding methods, a wireless communication system, a computer program, and a computer program product.