Patent ID: 12230889

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of select embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. The Detailed Description is not intended to define what is regarded as the invention, which is the purpose of the claims. The claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

Throughout the description of the present invention, several acronyms and shorthand notations are used to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to the associated system and services. These acronyms and shorthand notations are solely intended for the purpose of providing an easy methodology of communicating the ideas expressed herein and are in no way meant to limit the scope of the present invention. The following is a list of these acronyms:AWS Advanced Wireless ServicesBRS Broadband Radio ServiceBTS Base Transceiver StationCDMA Code Division Multiple AccessEBS Educational Broadband ServiceseNodeB Evolved Node BEVDO Evolution-Data OptimizedgNodeB Next Generation Node BGPS Global Positioning SystemGSM Global System for Mobile CommunicationsHRPD High Rate Packet DataeHRPD Enhanced High Rate Packet DataLTE Long Term EvolutionLTE-A Long Term Evolution AdvancedPCS Broadband Personal Communications ServiceRNC Radio Network ControllerSyncE Synchronous EthernetTDM Time-Division MultiplexingVOIP Voice Over Internet ProtocolWAN Wide Area NetworkWCS Wireless Communications ServiceWiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description. A definition of such terms can be found in, for example, Newton's Telecom Dictionary by H. Newton, 31st Edition (2018). These definitions are intended to provide a clearer understanding of the ideas disclosed herein but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The definitions and terms should be interpreted broadly and liberally to the extent allowed by the meaning of the words offered in the above-cited reference.

Embodiments of the technology may be embodied as, among other things, a method, system, or computer-program product. Accordingly, the embodiments may take the form of a hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. In one embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a computer-program product that includes computer-useable instructions embodied on one or more computer-readable media.

Computer-readable media includes volatile and/or nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media, and contemplate media readable by a database, a switch, and various other network devices. Network switches, routers, and related components are conventional in nature, as are means of communicating with the same. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media comprise computer storage media and/or communications media. Computer storage media, or machine-readable media, include media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVDs), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disc storage, and/or other magnetic storage devices. These memory components can store data momentarily, temporarily, or permanently. Computer storage media does not encompass a transitory signal, in embodiments of the present invention.

Communications media typically store computer-useable instructions, including data structures and program modules, in a modulated data signal. The term “modulated data signal” refers to a propagated signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed to encode information in the signal. Communications media include any information-delivery media. By way of example but not limitation, communications media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, infrared, radio, microwave, spread-spectrum, and other wireless media technologies. Combinations of the above are included within the scope of computer-readable media.

At a high level, systems, methods, and computer-readable media of the present invention identify user devices that are negatively impacted by the overlap of a first base station's main lobe and a second base station's back lobe. The overlapping signals from the two base stations may cause a user device within the coverage are of the first base station's main lobe to experience degraded performance. This degraded performance of a user device is detected by the first base station and communicated to the second base station using a logical interface. Aspects herein employ this performance information to dynamically combat noise and interference at a first base station. By disabling antenna elements within the second base station's antenna, the back lobe gain is reduced, as well as the overlap between the two lobes. The reduction of overlap between the back lobe of the second base station and the main lobe of the first base station is thus reduced such that the performance experienced by the user device is improved.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided. The method comprises determining that a wireless user device is connected to a first base station antenna array's main lobe. The method further comprises determining that the user device is experiencing a degradation in performance and that there is an overlap between the first base station antenna array's main lobe and a second antenna array's back lobe. In embodiments, a communication is sent from the first base station to a second base station. This communication contains, among other things, instructions for the second base station to dynamically reduce the back lobe gain associated with the antenna array for the second base station.

In a second aspect of the present invention, computer-readable media is provided, the computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method. In accordance with the media, it is determined that a wireless user device is connected to a first base station antenna array's main lobe. The method further comprises determining that the user device is experiencing a degradation in performance and that there is an overlap between the first base station antenna array's main lobe and a second antenna array's back lobe. In embodiments, the method sends a communication from the first base station to a second base station. This communication contains, among other things, instructions for the second base station to dynamically reduce the back lobe gain associated with the antenna array for the second base station.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a system is provided. The system comprises determining that a wireless user device is connected to a first base station antenna array's main lobe. The method further comprises determining that the user device is experiencing a degradation in performance and that there is an overlap between the first base station antenna array's main lobe and a second antenna array's back lobe. In embodiments, the method sends a communication from the first base station to a second base station. This communication contains, among other things, information regarding the interference experienced due to the overlapping lobes. Instructions are then given such that the second base station dynamically reduces the back lobe gain associated with the antenna array for the second base station.

Turning now toFIG.1, an example of a network environment100suitable for use in implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The network environment100is but one example of a suitable network environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the disclosure. Neither should the network environment100be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated.

The network environment100includes a network102that provides service to current User Equipment (UE)104and106and one or more legacy UE108and110. The network102may be accessible through a base station112that is connected to a backhaul server (not shown). The base station112and/or a computing device (e.g., whether local or remote) associated with the base station112may manage or otherwise control the operations of components of a cell site, including an antenna array116. The base station112and/or the computing device associated with the base station112may include one or more processors and computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions or computer instruction modules embodied thereon for execution by one or more processors.

The antenna array116may radiate in a particular direction and, thus, may correspond to a particular sector of a cell site. The antenna array116may have a plurality of antenna elements, in embodiments. In one embodiment, the antenna array116is configured to have a plurality of elements that in number, arrangement, and/or density, are configured for mMIMO. In one such embodiment, the base station112may include a radio and/or a controller, such as a Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Unit for controlling a mMIMO configured antenna array, such as the antenna array116having a plurality of antenna elements. The base station112may use the controller to monitor one or more of throughput, signal quality metrics (e.g., SINR), a quantity of unique users/subscribers, a quantity of unique UE(s), and/or remote location filings that occur at the base station, all of which may be monitored dynamically and/or as stored in a data store. The antenna array may also be configured to operate under a lower order number of antenna elements than the antenna array as configured to operate under a mMIMO configuration. Such a lower order configuration may be a legacy system such as an eight branch transmit and eight branch receive (8T8R) antenna structure.

The base station112may use a radio that is connected to the antenna array116by a physical RF path, where the radio is used to cause the antenna array116to transmit radio-frequency signals using the plurality of antenna elements. The plurality of antenna elements in the antenna array116may include portions of antenna elements (not shown). In embodiments, the plurality of antenna elements of the antenna array116may be partitioned such that a first portion of antenna elements may be associated with, dedicated to, correspond to, and/or be configured to operate using a first access technology, and a second portion of antenna elements may be associated with, dedicated to, correspond to, and/or be configured to operate using a second access technology. In one embodiment, the plurality of antenna elements may be partitioned into unequal groups or, alternatively, “split” into equal halves, wherein each group or half operates to provide a coverage area for a distinct access technology when the antenna array116operates in a dual technology mode.

In some embodiments, the antenna array116is partitioned such that the first portion of antenna elements is associated with the first access technology and the second portion of antenna elements is associated with the second access technology. When the antenna array116is operating in a dual technology mode, each portion of the plurality of antenna elements may operate using only one distinct protocol and/or access technology relative to the other portions in the antenna array, in some embodiments. In one example, a first portion of antenna elements may operate using 5G wireless access technology and the second portion of antenna elements may operate using 4G wireless access technology. Additionally, it will be understood that the terms “first” and “second” are used herein for the purposes of clarity in distinguishing portions of antenna elements from one another, but the terms are not used herein to limit the sequence, relevance, number of portions, technological functions, and/or operations of each portion unless specifically and explicitly stated as such.

As such, the base station112may provide current UE104and106and legacy UE108and110with access to the network102, in embodiments. In some embodiments, the first portion of antenna elements may communicate with current UE104and106using 5G technology, and the second portion of the antenna elements may communicate with legacy UE108and110using 4G technology. When operating in the dual technology mode, the antenna array116may concurrently connect to and communicate with the current UE104and106and legacy UE108and110using, respectively, at least two distinct access technologies.

Accordingly, in one example, when the antenna array116is operating in the dual technology mode, the base station112concurrently acts an eNodeB (or “eNB”) and gNodeB (or “gNB”). As such, the base station112may provide service to one or more access technologies to both current and legacy UE. In addition to communicating with the current UE104and106and the legacy UE108and110, the base station112may also communicate with one or more neighboring base stations. In some embodiments, the base station112may communicate with neighboring base station120using the first access technology and may communicate with another neighboring base station122using the second access technology. For example, because the base station112may operate concurrently as an eNodeB and a gNodeB using the antenna array116that is partitioned and operating in a dual technology mode, the base station112may communicate with other base station. For example, base station112communication may include legacy base stations that cannot use current access technologies (e.g., 5G) or current base stations that lack backward compatibility with prior access technologies (e.g., 4G). In embodiments, the base station112may bi-directionally exchange information with neighboring base stations120and122through an X2 interface or X2 link Information regarding signal quality, RF conditions, one or more RLFs, and SINR levels at each of the neighboring base stations120and122, and/or as reported from UE to the neighboring base stations120and122may be communicated to the base station112via the X2 link Additionally or alternatively, information regarding signal quality, RLFs, and SINR levels at each of the neighboring base stations120and122may be communicated to the base station112over the backhaul.

As mentioned, the base station112may include a radio and/or a controller, such as an MMU, that enables the base station112to adjust or modify the operations and transmissions of the plurality of antenna elements in the antenna array116. In embodiments, the operations, configurations, and/or settings of each antenna element may be individually controlled and adjusted by the base station112using the controller. In some embodiments, the operations, configurations, and/or settings of the first portion of antenna elements may be controlled and adjusted as a group by the base station112using a controller, such as an MMU, independent of the second portion of antenna elements. In a similar fashion, the operations, configurations, and/or settings of the second portion of antenna elements may be controlled and adjusted as a group by the base station112using the controller, independent of the first portion of antenna elements. Accordingly, the base station112may use a controller to independently adjust different groups or portions of antenna elements within one antenna array.

In embodiments, the operations, configurations, and/or settings of each individual antenna element may be adjusted and customized. For example, the base station112instructs a portion of antenna elements to transmit one or more synchronization signals using a periodicity. In another example, the portion of antenna elements may transmit a plurality of synchronization signals using the periodicity, as instructed by the base station112. The synchronization signals may be specific to and/or configured for the first access technology, in embodiments.

Accordingly, the base station112may use a controller to independently adjust different individual antenna elements, any number of groupings and/or subset(s) of each portion of antenna elements, and/or portions of antenna elements within one antenna array. In embodiments, the base station112may use a controller to measure and monitor one or more of throughput, signal quality metrics (e.g., SINR), a quantity of unique users/subscribers, a quantity of unique UE, and/or RLFs.

Turning now toFIG.2, network environment200is an exemplary network environment in which implementations of the present disclosure may be employed. Network environment200is one example of a suitable network environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the present disclosure. Neither should the network environment be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated.

Network environment200includes UE202(network environment200may contain more UEs), network208, database210, dynamic antenna element disablement engine212, and cell site214. In the network environment200, UE202may take on a variety of forms, such as a PC, a user device, a smart phone, a smart watch, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a mobile device, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a PDA, a server, a CD player, an MP3 player, GPS device, a video player, a handheld communications device, a workstation, a router, an access point, and any combination of these delineated devices, or any other device that communicates via wireless communications with a cell site214in order to interact with network208, which may be a public or a private network.

In some aspects, the UE202corresponds to a user device or a computing device. For example, the user device may include a display(s), a power source(s) (e.g., a battery), a data store(s), a speaker(s), memory, a buffer(s), a radio(s), and the like. In some implementations, the UE202comprises a wireless or mobile device with which a wireless telecommunication network(s) may be utilized for communication (e.g., voice and/or data communication). In this regard, the user device may be any mobile computing device that communicates by way of a wireless network, for example, a 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, CDMA, or any other type of network.

In some cases, the UE202in network environment200may optionally utilize network208to communicate with other computing devices (e.g., a mobile device(s), a server(s), a personal computer(s), etc.) through cell site214. The network208may be a telecommunications network(s), or a portion thereof. A telecommunications network might include an array of devices or components (e.g., one or more base stations), some of which are not shown. Those devices or components may form network environments similar to what is shown inFIG.2and may also perform methods in accordance with the present disclosure. Components such as terminals, links, and nodes (as well as other components) may provide connectivity in various implementations. Network208may include multiple networks, as well as being a network of networks, but is shown in more simple form so as to not obscure other aspects of the present disclosure.

Network208may be part of a telecommunication network that connects subscribers to their service provider. In aspects, the service provider may be a telecommunications service provider, an internet service provider, or any other similar service provider that provides at least one of voice telecommunications and/or data services to UE202and any other UEs. For example, network208may be associated with a telecommunications provider that provides services (e.g., LTE) to the UE202. Additionally or alternatively, network208may provide voice, SMS, and/or data services to user devices or corresponding users that are registered or subscribed to utilize the services provided by a telecommunications provider. Network208may comprise any communication network providing voice, SMS, and/or data service(s), using any one or more communication protocols, such as a 1× circuit voice, a 3G network (e.g., CDMA, CDMA2000, WCDMA, GSM, UMTS), a 4G network (WiMAX, LTE, HSDPA), or a 5G network. The network208may also be, in whole or in part, or have characteristics of, a self-optimizing network.

In some implementations, cell site214is configured to communicate with the UE202that is located within the geographical area defined by a transmission range and/or receiving range of the radio antennas of cell site214. The geographical area may be referred to as the “coverage area” of the cell site or simply the “cell,” as used interchangeably hereinafter. Cell site214may include one or more base stations, base transmitter stations, radios, antennas, antenna arrays, power amplifiers, transmitters/receivers, digital signal processors, control electronics, GPS equipment, and the like. In particular, cell site214may be configured to wirelessly communicate with devices within a defined and limited geographical area. For the purposes of the present disclosure, it may be assumed that it is undesirable and unintended by the network208that the cell site214provide wireless connectivity to the UE202when the UE202is geographically situated outside of the cell associated with the cell site214.

In an exemplary aspect, the cell site214comprises a base station that serves at least one sector of the cell associated with the cell site214and at least one transmit antenna for propagating a signal from the base station to one or more of the UE202. In other aspects, the cell site214may comprise multiple base stations and/or multiple transmit antennas for each of the one or more base stations, any one or more of which may serve at least a portion of the cell. In some aspects, the cell site214may comprise one or more macro cells (providing wireless coverage for users within a large geographic area) or it may be a small cell (providing wireless coverage for users within a small geographic area). For example, macro cells may correspond to a coverage area having a radius of approximately 1-15 miles or more as measured at ground level and extending outward from an antenna at the cell site. In another example, a small cell may correspond to a coverage area having a radius of approximately less than three miles as measured at ground level and extending outward from an antenna at the cell site.

As shown, cell site214is in communication with the dynamic antenna element disablement engine212, which comprises a receiver216, a detector218, a determiner220, and a antenna element controller222. The dynamic antenna element disablement engine212may connect UE202and other UEs to frequency bands within range of the UE202or other UEs for access to network208. The dynamic antenna element disablement engine may also delay or prevent UE202connection to a frequency band for access to network208. The dynamic antenna element disablement engine212may communicate with the database210for storing and retrieving data.

For example, the receiver216may retrieve data from the UE202, the network208, the database210, and the cell site214. In some embodiments, the receiver216may receive requests from UEs for access to a particular frequency band. Further, data the receiver216may access includes, but is not limited to, location information of the UE202and channel quality information. Location information may comprise GPS or other satellite location services, terrestrial triangulation, an access point location, or any other means of obtaining coarse or fine location information. The location information may indicate geographic location(s) of one or more of a user device, an antenna, a cell tower, a cell site, and/or a coverage area of a cell site, for example. Channel quality information may indicate the quality of communications between one or more user devices and a particular cell site. For example, channel quality information may quantify how communications are traveling over a particular communication channel quality, thus indicating when communications performance is negatively impacted or impaired. As such, channel quality information may indicate a realized uplink and/or downlink transmission data rate of a cell site and/or each of one or more user devices communicating with the cell site, observed SINR and/or signal strength at the user device(s), or throughput of the connection between the cell site and the user device(s). Location and channel quality information may take into account the UE's capability, such as the number of antennas of the user device and the type of receiver used by the user device for detection. The receiver216may also be configured to receive information from cell sites other than cell site214or other processors and/or servers.

Each sector corresponds to a radiation pattern of a corresponding antenna at the cell site. The shape, size, and dimension(s) of the service coverage area of the cell site are, generally, determined by an antenna's specific radiation pattern, as well as a direction, electrical tilt, mechanical tilt, installation height above the ground or surrounding geographic area, technical operating specifications, materials, obstructions (i.e., buildings, mountains, or other elevations), and power supplied to each of the first, second, and third antennas of the cell site, for example. The first, second, and third antennas wirelessly receive and transmit RF transmissions to and from, for example, user equipment, other antennas, other cell sites, base stations, and/or satellites, in order to facilitate communications between such devices, though not shown inFIG.2for clarity. In an embodiment, the first, second, and third antennas of the cell site capture two-way communications between the network and UE devices202that are within a geographic area corresponding to the service coverage area of the cell site.

Turning to detector218, the detector218may detect UEs within a range, frequency bands, sector power ratios (SPRs) of frequency bands, SINRs, and loading factors (e.g., loading volume) corresponding to frequency bands, etc. Loading factors may change depending upon the day and time of day (e.g., world events such as natural disasters, terror attacks, pandemics, or religious holidays may prompt surges of UE traffic to or from specific locations), and may be stored in the database210. Loading factors may include cell site214heat signature information, cell site214component performance information, channel quality information, or processor load measurements. Factors affecting the heat signature information of the cell site214include component model, component type, manufacturer, age of a component, wear and tear due to environmental factors, etc. Further, loading factors may also include an amount of current, backhaul traffic, or an anticipated current or backhaul traffic. Additionally, factors affecting loading volume may include a quantity of users connected to a frequency band or antenna properties at a time of receiving communication parameters from UEs connected to the frequency band. Other factors affecting loading volume may also include a capacity of the frequency band and data received from the quantity of users connected to the frequency band. The data received from the quantity of users may comprise a rate at which UEs are connected to and disconnected from the frequency band.

Detector218may also detect wireless communication protocols and wireless telecommunications networks associated with particular frequency bands. For example, the detector218may detect that a first wireless communication protocol of a first frequency band is a 5G wireless communication protocol and a second wireless communication protocol of a second frequency band is a 4G wireless communication protocol. Additionally, the detector218may detect a third wireless communication protocol of a third frequency band that comprises both a 5G and a 4G wireless communication protocol such that the network has an ability to maintain dual connectivity or a particular UE is able to connect to either 5G and 4G wireless communication protocols simultaneously.

Turning to determiner220, the determiner220may determine that a UE is in a portion of a main lobe portion of a base station's beam, which is overlapped by a back lobe portion of a second base station's beam. For clarity, the power radiated in the opposite direction represents a back lobe of an antenna array. Determiner220may also determine, in response to a determination that the UE is present in a location experiencing back lobe overlap, that the particular UE has a reduction in performance due to interference from the overlapping lobes. This determination may be based on an evaluation of the signal quality, RF conditions, one or more RLFs, SINR levels, throughput, or any other channel conditions measured for that particular UE. Determiner220may determine, in response to overlapping lobes and reduced performance, that the UEs performance is reduced below a threshold value.

Lastly, antenna element controller222, in response to the determination that the UE is in an area with an overlapping back lobe from a second base station and that performance is reduced below a threshold, may dynamically modify the number of elements utilized by the antenna array for the second base station. By modifying the number of elements within the second base station's antenna array, the gain from the second base station's back lobe may be reduced. Reducing the second base station's back lobe gain may thus reduce its overlap with the main lobe of the first base station's antenna array. Thus, the interference by the back lobe onto the main lobe of the first base station would be reduced.

Turning now toFIG.3, exemplary multiple communication protocol environment300comprises base station302, which may include a first antenna array; one or more antennas; a main lobe area304of a communication protocol, one or more side lobe areas306of a communication protocol, and a back lobe area308of a communication protocol. The location, shape and size of each of the three lobes is determined at least in part by the shape and size of the antenna array. In aspects, the one or more antennas may be dipole antennas, having a length, for example, of ¼, ½, 1, or 1½ wavelength. In aspects, the first antenna array may be an active antenna array, FD-MIMO, massive MIMO, 3G, 4G, 5G, and/or 802.11. While we refer to dipole antennas herein, in other aspects, the one or more antennas may be monopole, loop, parabolic, traveling-wave, aperture, yagi-uda, conical spiral, helical, conical, radomes, horn, and/or apertures, or any combination thereof. It is noted that adjusting one or more individual power supplies to the one or more antennas of the first antenna array may be applicable to an antenna array comprising any type of antenna targeting any portion of the RF spectrum (though any lower than VHF may be size prohibitive). In one aspect, the one or more antennas may be configured to communicate in the UHF and/or SHF spectrum, for example, in the range of 1.3 GHz-30 GHz.

By way of a non-limiting example, the first antenna array may comprise 64 antenna elements arranged in an 8×8 structure. In other aspects, the first antenna array may comprise antenna elements arranged in an 8×4, 4×8, or 4×4 configuration. Each antenna element of the first antenna array comprises a dedicated power supply having a certain phase and amplitude to a respective antenna element. In an aspect, the power supply comprises a power amplifier. In an aspect not depicted in the figures, the base station may further comprise a processor. The processor may be one or more of processors, servers, computer processing components, or the like. In some aspects, the processor may be communicatively coupled to each node and/or to each antenna of each node.

In certain aspects, the first antenna array may communicate or is capable of communicating with devices, using a 5G wireless communication protocol. While in this example 5G is mentioned as a wireless communication protocol, it should be understood that any wireless communication protocol standard may be utilized, for example, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, 802.11, or any other operator-elected wireless communication protocol standard. In the aspect, the first antenna array can include 64 antenna elements, each with a distinct direction which may be known, and where each antenna element is capable of communicating with one or more devices, e.g., using one or more specific beams, each identifiable as a beam index, as referred to herein, in aspects. In the same or alternative aspects, a device may communicate with more than one antenna element of the first antenna array. In aspects, using the methods and systems disclosed herein with a high-density antenna array, such as the first antenna array, and using a 5G wireless communication protocol as an example, can facilitate the strategic assignment of beam indices and/or allotment of beam indices tailored for a specific purpose or environment.

In some embodiments, the detector218, in communication with the base station302, may detect when a UE enters an area covered by one or more antenna elements of an antenna array, e.g., the first antenna array of the base station302ofFIG.3. In some embodiments, UEs may detect and/or measure one or more signals, e.g., synchronizations signals, from the antenna array when entering an area covered by the one or more antenna elements of the antenna array. As one example, UE310may have connection with the antenna array utilizing a first wireless communication protocol in the main lobe area304. Additionally, the antenna array may detect that the UE310is communicating via a communication protocol using the main lobe304of the first base station302.

By way of example, as depicted byFIG.3, detector218may detect that the base station302has a main lobe304, one or more side lobes306, and a back lobe area308. Detector218may also detect that one or more UEs may be communicating via a communication protocol using the main lobe304area of the first base station.

Turning now toFIG.4, exemplary multiple communication protocol environment400comprises a first base station402and a second base station414. The first base station may include a first antenna array; one or more antennas; a main lobe area404of a communication protocol, one or more side lobe areas406of a communication protocol, and a back lobe area408of a communication protocol. The second base station414may include a first antenna array; one or more antennas; a main lobe area416of a communication protocol, one or more side lobe areas418of a communication protocol, and a back lobe area420of a communication protocol. The location, shape and size of each of the three lobes is determined at least in part by the shape and size of the antenna array. In aspects, the one or more antennas may be dipole antennas, having a length, for example, of ¼, ½, 1, or 1½ wavelength. In aspects, the first antenna array may be an active antenna array, FD-MIMO, massive MIMO, 3G, 4G, 5G, and/or 802.11. While we refer to dipole antennas herein, in other aspects, the one or more antennas may be monopole, loop, parabolic, traveling-wave, aperture, yagi-uda, conical spiral, helical, conical, radomes, horn, and/or apertures, or any combination thereof. It is noted that adjusting one or more individual power supplies to the one or more antennas of the first antenna array may be applicable to an antenna array comprising any type of antenna targeting any portion of the RF spectrum (though any lower than VHF may be size prohibitive). In one aspect, the one or more antennas may be configured to communicate in the UHF and/or SHF spectrum, for example, in the range of 1.3 GHz-30 GHz.

By way of a non-limiting example, the first antenna array may comprise 64 antenna elements arranged in an 8×8 structure. In other aspects, the first antenna array may comprise antenna elements arranged in an 8×4, 4×8, or 4×4 configuration. Each antenna element of the first antenna array comprises a dedicated power supply having a certain phase and amplitude to a respective antenna element. In an aspect, the power supply comprises a power amplifier. In an aspect not depicted in the figures, the base station may further comprise a processor. The processor may be one or more of processors, servers, computer processing components, or the like. In some aspects, the processor may be communicatively coupled to each node and/or to each antenna of each node.

In certain aspects, the first antenna array may communicate or is capable of communicating with devices, using a 5G wireless communication protocol. While in this example 5G is mentioned as a wireless communication protocol, it should be understood that any wireless communication protocol standard may be utilized, for example, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, 802.11, or any other operator-elected wireless communication protocol standard. In the aspect, the first antenna array can include 64 antenna elements, each with a distinct direction which may be known, and where each antenna element is capable of communicating with one or more devices, e.g., using one or more specific beams, each identifiable as a beam index, as referred to herein, in aspects. In the same or alternative aspects, a device may communicate with more than one antenna element of the first antenna array. In aspects, using the methods and systems disclosed herein with a high-density antenna array, such as the first antenna array, and using a 5G wireless communication protocol as an example, can facilitate the strategic assignment of beam indices and/or allotment of beam indices tailored for a specific purpose or environment.

In some embodiments, the detector218, in communication with the first base station402, and may detect when a UE enters an area covered by one or more antenna elements of an antenna array, e.g., the first antenna array of the first base station402or the second base station414ofFIG.4. In some embodiments, UEs may detect and/or measure one or more signals, e.g., synchronizations signals, from the antenna array when entering an area covered by the one or more antenna elements of the antenna array. As one example, UE412may have connection with the antenna array utilizing a first wireless communication protocol in the main lobe area404. Additionally, the antenna array may detect that the UE412is communicating via a communication protocol using the main lobe404of the first base station402.

In some embodiments, the detector218, in communication with the second base station414, and may detect when a UE enters an area covered by one or more antenna elements of an antenna array, e.g., the main lobe area416of the second base station414or the second base station414ofFIG.4. In some embodiments, UEs may detect and/or measure one or more signals, e.g., synchronizations signals, from the antenna array when entering an area covered by the one or more antenna elements of the antenna array. As one example, UE412may have connection with the antenna array utilizing a first wireless communication protocol in the main lobe area416. Additionally, the antenna array may detect that the UE422is communicating via a communication protocol using the main lobe416of the first base station414.

In some embodiments, the detector218, in communication with the first base station402, and may detect when a UE enters an area covered by one or more antenna elements of an antenna array, e.g., the first antenna array of the first base station402or the second base station414ofFIG.4. In some embodiments, UEs may detect and/or measure one or more signals, e.g., synchronizations signals, from the antenna array when entering an area covered by the one or more antenna elements of the antenna array. As one example, UE412may have connection with the antenna array utilizing a first wireless communication protocol in the main lobe area404. Additionally, the antenna array may detect that the UE410is communicating via a communication protocol using the main lobe404of the first base station402. Additionally, detector218may detect that the area of back lobe420is overlapping the area of the main lobe area404.

Detector218may also detect that the UE410, while connected to base station402by way of main lobe404, is experiencing interference from the overlap of back lobe420. Determiner220may also determine, in response to a determination that the UE410is present in a location experiencing back lobe overlap, that the particular UE has a reduction in performance due to interference from the overlapping lobes. This determination may be based on an evaluation of the signal quality, RF conditions, one or more RLFs, SINR levels, throughput, or any other channel conditions measured for that particular UE. Determiner220may determine, in response to overlapping lobes and reduced performance, that the UEs performance is reduced below a threshold value. Determiner220may also determine that the performance levels are currently below a threshold value. The threshold values for the performance values may be determined by a network administrator or automatically selected based on desired performance of the sector.

In embodiments, the first base station402may bi-directionally exchange information with the second base station414through a logical interface. Such a logical interface may be an X2 interface or X2 link Information regarding signal quality, RF conditions, one or more performance metrics such as RLFs, and SINR levels at the first base station's main may be communicated to the second base station414via the X2 link or any logical interface. Additionally or alternatively, information regarding performance measures such as signal quality, RLFs, and SINR levels at the first base station402may be communicated to the second base station414over the backhaul.

Turning now toFIG.5, exemplary multiple communication protocol environment500comprises a first base station502, a second base station512, and a third base station520. The first base station may include a first antenna array; one or more antennas; a main lobe area504of a communication protocol, one or more side lobe areas506of a communication protocol, and a back lobe area508of a communication protocol. The second base station512may include a first antenna array; one or more antennas; a main lobe area614of a communication protocol, one or more side lobe areas516of a communication protocol, and a back lobe area518of a communication protocol. The third base station520may include a first antenna array; one or more antennas and a main lobe area522.

In some embodiments, the detector218, in communication with the first base station502, second base station512, or third base station520, and may detect when a UE enters an area covered by one or more antenna elements of an antenna array, e.g., the first antenna array of the first base station502, the second base station514, or the third base station520ofFIG.5. As one example, UE508may have connection with the antenna array utilizing a first wireless communication protocol in the main lobe area504. Additionally, the antenna array may detect that the UE608is communicating via a communication protocol using the main lobe504of the first base station502.

As an example, inFIG.5, in response to information communicated from the first base station502to the second base station512regarding the performance as described above. This communication contains information such that the second base station determines that the performance levels experienced with the main lobe504of the first base station is below a threshold value. In response to the determination that the communicated performance is below the threshold value, the second base station dynamically reduces the back lobe gain such that the back lobe518of the second base station512is no longer overlapping the main lobe604. By reducing the gain of the back lobe518, the UEs associated with the first base station502no longer experience interference from an overlap between the back lobe518and the main lobe504. The second base station512may dynamically reduce the back lobe gain by reducing the number of elements used by the antenna array.

As an example, an antenna array may initially be broadcasting using 64 transmission elements. Upon determining that the received performance values from the first base station502is lower than a threshold value, the second base station512may then reduce the number of transmitting elements to 24, thus reducing the gain of both the back lobe518and the main lobe514. As an example, UE526may have connection with the antenna array utilizing a first wireless communication protocol in the main lobe area514. Additionally, the antenna array may detect that the UE526is communicating via a communication protocol using the main lobe514of the second base station512. Further, UE524may have connection with the antenna array utilizing a first wireless communication protocol in the main lobe area522. Additionally, the antenna array may detect that the UE524is communicating via a communication protocol using the main lobe522of the third base station520, which may still be utilizing higher order antenna elements. As such, even with a reduction in gain in main lobe514, UE524does not experience a drop in coverage due to multiple base stations within range. The second base station512may determine that the UEs associated with the second base station are able to be served by the third base station520prior to reducing gain of the main lobe514.

In some embodiments, the first base station502continually monitors the performance levels and locations of UE508within the main lobe504. The first base station502may determine that no UE is present within the area which may be overlapping by the back lobe of the second base station's antenna array when broadcasting using the full number of antenna elements. Such information may then be sent via a logical interface to the second base station512. The second base station512may then determine that the performance measurements sent by the first base station502do not warrant a reduction in back lobe gain and may then dynamically increase the number of antenna elements utilized within the antenna array associated with the second base station512.

Turning now toFIG.6, flow diagram600comprises an exemplary method dynamically modifying the antenna elements associated with an overlapping back lobe of a base station. Initially at block610, it is determined that a first user device is associated with a first base station. At block620, it is determined that the UE associated with the first base station has diminished performance, where the performance may be determined by analyzing the key performance indicators of the UE. At block630, the location of the UE is determined to be in an area where the main lobe of the first base station and the back lobe of the second base station toverlap as to cause interference. At block640, the first base station sends a communication to the second base station with instructions to dynamically modify the antenna array associated with the second base station. The second base station then dynamically modifies the antenna array associated with the second base station in order to reduce the back lobe gain and reduce the overlap between the back lobe of the second base station and the main lobe of the first base station.

Referring now toFIG.7, a diagram is depicted of an exemplary computing environment suitable for use in implementations of the present disclosure. In particular, the exemplary computer environment is shown and designated generally as computing device700. Computing device700is but one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should computing device700be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated.

The implementations of the present disclosure may be described in the general context of computer code or machine-useable instructions, including computer-executable instructions such as program components, being executed by a computer or other machine, such as a personal data assistant or other handheld device. Generally, program components, including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like, refer to code that performs particular tasks or implements particular abstract data types. Implementations of the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of system configurations, including handheld devices, consumer electronics, general-purpose computers, specialty computing devices, etc. Implementations of the present disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices that are linked through a communications network.

With continued reference toFIG.7, computing device700includes bus702that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: memory704, one or more processors706, one or more presentation components708, input/output (I/O) ports710, I/O components712, power supply714and radio(s)716. Bus702represents what may be one or more busses (such as an address bus, data bus, or combination thereof). Although the devices ofFIG.7are shown with lines for the sake of clarity, in reality, delineating various components is not so clear, and metaphorically, the lines would more accurately be grey and fuzzy. For example, one may consider a presentation component, such as a display device to be one of I/O components712. Also, processors, such as one or more processors706, have memory. The present disclosure hereof recognizes that such is the nature of the art, and reiterates thatFIG.7is merely illustrative of an exemplary computing environment that can be used in connection with one or more implementations of the present disclosure. Distinction is not made between such categories as “workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “handheld device,” etc., as all are contemplated within the scope ofFIG.7and refer to “computer” or “computing device.”

Computing device700typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computing device700and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.

Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. Computer storage media does not comprise a propagated data signal.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Memory704includes computer-storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. Memory704may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Exemplary memory includes solid-state memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. Computing device700includes one or more processors706that read data from various entities, such as bus702, memory704, or I/O components712. One or more presentation components708presents data indications to a person or other device. Exemplary one or more presentation components708include a display device, speaker, printing component, vibrating component, etc. I/O ports710allow computing device700to be logically coupled to other devices, including I/O components712, some of which may be built in computing device700. Illustrative I/O components712include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, etc.

Radio716represents a radio that facilitates communication with a wireless telecommunications network. Illustrative wireless telecommunications technologies include CDMA, GPRS, TDMA, GSM, and the like. Radio716might additionally or alternatively facilitate other types of wireless communications including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, or other VoIP communications. As can be appreciated, in various embodiments, radio716can be configured to support multiple technologies and/or multiple radios can be utilized to support multiple technologies. A wireless telecommunications network might include an array of devices, which are not shown so as to not obscure more relevant aspects of the invention. Components, such as a base station, a communications tower, or even access points (as well as other components), can provide wireless connectivity in some embodiments.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of this technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than be restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.