Method and apparatus for remote interference detection

Abstract

This disclosure provides methods and apparatus for remote interference detection. A method performed at a first network node may include: reporting (S101) an event that the first network node is experiencing interference; receiving (S102) at least one resource mode indicating transmission resources allocated to the first network node by a third network node; and transmitting (S103) an identifier of the first network node on the transmission resources. The first network node may transmit its identifier in the transmission resources allocated to it. Therefore, any other network node may specifically attempt to detect the identifier in the allocated transmission resources. This can correspondingly reduce missed detections or false detections.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication technology, and more specifically to methods and apparatuses for remote interference detection. BACKGROUND

[0002] This section introduces aspects that can be helpful in understanding the aspects of the disclosure. Thus, the statements of this section are made not with the intention of limiting the disclosure, but with the intention of providing useful background information.

[0003] In a communication system utilizing time division duplex (TDD) technology (e.g., long term evolution (LTE) and new radio (NR)), sometimes downlink (DL) signals from a remote network node (e.g., a base station (e.g., eNB / gNB)) will travel a longer distance, attenuate less than usual, and thus interfere with the reception of the local network node (e.g., a local eNB / gNB) uplink (UL) signals.

[0004] Generally, this phenomenon (also known as remote interference, or remote co-channel interference) occurs rarely (a few weeks per year) and only in certain specific areas (such as flatlands or near-sea areas). But once it happens, it will block the uplink transmission of the local network node. At the same time, due to the accumulation of excessive downlink energy leakage from the remote network node in the local uplink time slot, user equipment (UE), especially the UE at the middle point or bad point of the cell, will not be able to access the network. It will seriously affect the network performance and reliability. SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] To handle such remote interference, a key prerequisite is to identify the source of interference. That is, it is needed to detect whether the interference received by the victim eNB / gNB is caused by remote interference from some remote eNB / gNB or other reasons (e.g., out-of-band emission).

[0007] Certain aspects of the present disclosure and their embodiments can provide solutions to these or other challenges. Various embodiments addressing one or more of the problems disclosed herein are presented herein. Improved methods and apparatuses for remote interference detection can be provided. In particular, the possibility of miss detection and / or false detection can be reduced.

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a method performed at a first network node, comprising: reporting an event that the first network node is interfered; receiving at least one resource pattern indicating transmission resources allocated to the first network node by a third network node; and transmitting an identifier of the first network node on the transmission resources.

[0009] In embodiments of the present disclosure, when the resource pattern indicates the transmission resources in time domain, the resource pattern further indicates a time offset in a periodicity.

[0010] In embodiments of the present disclosure, when the resource pattern indicates the transmission resources in frequency domain, the resource pattern indicates at least one frequency sub-band.

[0011] In embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the at least one resource pattern is selected from a pre-configured set of resource patterns.

[0012] In embodiments of the present disclosure, in a time division duplex (TDD) scheme, the transmission resources are in downlink time slots next to a guard period (GP), and the uplink time slots are after the guard period GP.

[0013] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the method can further comprise: detecting an identifier of a second network node on transmission resources allocated to the second network node, wherein the transmission resources allocated to the second network node are indicated by at least one resource pattern received by the second network node.

[0014] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the method can further comprise: transmitting a detection result of the identifier of the second network node to the third network node.

[0015] In embodiments of the present disclosure, based on the detection result of the identifier of the second network node and the at least one resource pattern received by the second network node, it is determined whether the first network node is interfered by the second network node.

[0016] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the detection result comprises at least one of a signal strength or a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR); and if the detection result is greater than a threshold, it is determined that the first network node is interfered by the second network node.

[0017] In embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple resource patterns are allocated to the second network node; and based on multiple detection results of the identifier of the second network node corresponding to the multiple resource patterns allocated to the second network node, it is determined whether the first network node is interfered by the second network node.

[0018] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second network node reports an event indicating that the second network node has been interfered with.

[0019] In embodiments of this disclosure, the identifier of the first network node is a sequence number.

[0020] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first network node is a base station; the second network node is a base station; and the third network node is an operation and maintenance management (OAM) node.

[0021] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a method performed at a third network node, comprising: determining an interference event based on reports from a plurality of network nodes; and allocating to each of the plurality of network nodes at least one resource mode indicating transmission resources allocated to each of the plurality of network nodes. The transmission resources are used by each of the plurality of network nodes to transmit an identifier.

[0022] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the resource pattern indicates the transmission resource in the time domain, the resource pattern also indicates a time offset in a periodicity.

[0023] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the resource mode indicates the transmission resource in the frequency domain, the resource mode indicates at least one frequency sub-band.

[0024] In embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one resource mode is selected from a pre-configured set of resource modes.

[0025] In embodiments of this disclosure, in a time division duplex (TDD) scheme, the transmission resources are in downlink slots next to a protection period (GP), followed by uplink slots.

[0026] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method may further include: determining whether the first network node is being interfered with by the second network node based on the detection result of the identifier of the second network node among the plurality of network nodes from the first network node among the plurality of network nodes.

[0027] In embodiments of this disclosure, the detection result includes at least one of signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR); and if the detection result is greater than a threshold, it is determined that the first network node is being interfered with by the second network node.

[0028] In embodiments of this disclosure, the third network node allocates multiple resource modes to the second network node; and the third network node determines whether the first network node is being interfered with by the second network node based on multiple detection results of the identifier of the second network node corresponding to the multiple resource modes allocated to the second network node.

[0029] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first network node is a base station; the second network node is a base station; and the third network node is an operation and maintenance management (OAM) node.

[0030] In embodiments of this disclosure, the identifier is a sequence number.

[0031] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a first network node, comprising: a processor; and a memory containing instructions executable by the processor, thereby enabling the first network node to: report an event of interference to the first network node; receive at least one resource mode indicating transmission resources allocated to the first network node by a third network node; and transmit an identifier of the first network node on the transmission resources.

[0032] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first network node is operable to perform the method according to any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0033] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a third network node, comprising: a processor; and a memory containing instructions executable by the processor, thereby enabling the third network node to: determine interference events based on reports from a plurality of network nodes; and allocate to each of the plurality of network nodes at least one resource mode indicating transmission resources allocated to each of the plurality of network nodes. The transmission resources are used for each of the plurality of network nodes to transmit an identifier.

[0034] In embodiments of this disclosure, the third network node is operable to perform the method according to any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0035] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any embodiment of the first or second aspect.

[0036] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any embodiment of the first or second aspect.

[0037] The embodiments described herein offer numerous advantages. For example, in some embodiments herein, the network node can send its identifier within the transport resources allocated to it. Therefore, any other network node may specifically attempt to detect the identifier within the allocated transport resources. This can correspondingly reduce missed detections or false detections. Additional features and advantages will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of the various embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent by way of example from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals or letters are used to designate similar or equivalent elements. The illustrated drawings are provided to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

[0039] Figure 1 It is a simple diagram showing remote uplink interference;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary handling method for remote uplink interference.

[0041] Figure 3 This is an exemplary flowchart of a method for remote interference detection executed at a first network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 4 This is an example diagram illustrating time resources configured by resource patterns according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a more detailed example diagram illustrating resources configured by resource patterns according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 6 This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating further steps of a method for remote interference detection performed at a first network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 7 This is an exemplary flowchart of a method for remote interference detection performed at a third network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 8 This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating further steps of a method for remote interference detection performed at a third network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 9 This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the cooperation of different network nodes for remote interference detection according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 10This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary apparatus suitable for practical network nodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus-readable storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the elements of a first network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0051] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a unit of a third network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement this disclosure, and not to impose any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. References to features, advantages, or similar language throughout this specification do not imply that all features and advantages achievable through this disclosure should be present in or in any single embodiment of this disclosure. Rather, the language referring to features and advantages is understood to mean that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the features, advantages, and characteristics described in this disclosure may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure can be practiced without one or more specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in some embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of this disclosure.

[0053] Generally, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or implied in the context of its use, all terms used herein shall be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant art. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to "a / an / element, device, component, apparatus, step, etc." shall be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of that element, device, component, apparatus, step, etc. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, a step is described as occurring after or before another step and / or implicitly stated that a step must occur after or before another step, the steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed. Where appropriate, any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objects, features, and advantages of the appended embodiments will become apparent from the following description.

[0054] As used herein, the term "network" or "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable wireless communication standard. For example, wireless communication standards may include New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other wireless networks. In the following description, the terms "network" and "system" may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, communication between two devices within a network may be performed according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to wireless communication protocols or wired communication protocols defined by standards organizations such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0055] As used herein, the term "network node" refers to a network device, network entity, network function, or any other device (physical or virtual) in a communications network. For example, a network node in a network may include a base station (BS), access point (AP), multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), server node / function (such as Service Capability Server / Application Server (SCS / AS), Group Communication Service Application Server (GCS AS), Application Function (AF), exposure node / function (such as Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF), Network Exposure Function (NEF)), Unified Data Management (UDM), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Session Management Function (SMF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Mobility Management Entity (MME), controller, or any other suitable device in a wireless communications network. A BS may be, for example, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNodeB or gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Head (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), a relay, or a low-power node (such as a femtosecond, picosecond, etc.).

[0056] Another example of a network node may include multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as an MSRBS, a network controller such as a radio network controller (RNC) or base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a transmission point, a transmission node, a location node, etc.

[0057] Furthermore, the term "network node" can also refer to any suitable function that can be implemented in a network entity (physical or virtual) within a communication network. For example, a 5G system (5GS) can include multiple NFs, such as AMF (Access and Mobility Function), SMF (Session Management Function), AUSF (Authentication Service Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), PCF (Policy Control Function), AF (Application Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function), UPF (User Plane Function), NRF (Network Repository Function), RAN (Radio Access Network), SCP (Service Communication Agent), etc. In other embodiments, depending on the specific network, network functions can include different types of NFs (e.g., PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function), etc.).

[0058] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device that can access a communication network and receive services therefrom. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device refers to a mobile terminal, user equipment (UE), or other suitable device. A UE can be, for example, a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to, portable computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, VoIP phones, wireless local loop phones, tablet computers, wearable devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, wearable terminal devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop installed devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client devices (CPE), etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably. As an example, a terminal device can refer to a UE configured to communicate according to one or more communication standards promulgated by 3GPP (such as 3GPP's LTE or NR standards). As used herein, a user equipment (UE) may not necessarily have a user in relation to a human user who owns and / or operates the associated device. In some embodiments, a terminal device may be configured to send and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, a terminal device may be designed to send information to the network according to a predetermined schedule when triggered by an internal or external event or in response to a request from the network. Conversely, a UE may represent a device intended for sale to a human user or operated by a human user but which may not initially be associated with a particular human user.

[0059] As yet another example, in the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, a terminal device can represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another terminal device and / or network device. In this case, the terminal device can be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which in the 3GPP context can be referred to as a machine-type communication (MTC) device. As a specific example, a terminal device can be a UE that implements the 3GPP Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standard. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices (such as power meters), industrial machinery, or household or personal appliances (such as refrigerators, televisions), personal wearable devices (such as watches), etc. In other cases, a terminal device can represent a vehicle or other device capable of monitoring, sensing, and / or reporting its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0060] References to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it can be assumed that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art, whether explicitly described or not.

[0061] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0062] As used in this article, the phrase “at least one of A and / or B” should be understood as meaning “A only, B only, or both A and B”. The phrase “A and / or B” should be understood as “A only, B only, or A and B”.

[0063] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” as used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0064] It should be noted that the terms used in this article are for the convenience of describing and distinguishing nodes, devices, or networks. As technology develops, other terms with similar or identical meanings may also be used.

[0065] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0066] Note that some embodiments of this disclosure are described primarily with respect to 5G or NR specifications, which are used as non-limiting examples of certain exemplary network configurations and system deployments. Therefore, the descriptions of the exemplary embodiments given herein specifically refer to terms directly related to them. Such terms are used only in the context of the presented non-limiting examples and embodiments and are not inherently limiting of this disclosure in any way. Rather, any other system configuration or radio technology can be used similarly, provided that the exemplary embodiments described herein are applicable.

[0067] Figure 1 It is a simple diagram illustrating remote uplink interference.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, signal 11 from the first network node 1 propagates to the second network node 2 through atmospheric duct 4. Signal 11 may include a downlink signal, followed by a guard period and an uplink signal. After traveling a long distance in atmospheric duct 4 (which causes significant transmission delay), signal 11 will no longer be synchronized with signal 21 of the second network node 2. Furthermore, the downlink signal of signal 11 may interfere with the uplink signal of signal 21 due to the transmission delay exceeding the guard period of signal 21.

[0069] In this situation, remote interference will occur. Since the downlink signal power of signal 11 from the first network node 1 is usually much greater than the signal power of any terminal device 5 (such as a mobile phone) served / managed by the second network node 2, communication from the terminal device 5 may be interfered with or even completely blocked because the second network node 2 can hardly "hear" the sound from the terminal device 5.

[0070] Without limitation, the first network node 1 and the second network node 2 can be base stations.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary handling method for remote uplink interference.

[0072] After identifying the source of interference, several exemplary methods exist for handling remote interference. 1. The downlink transmission time of the interfering eNB / gNB can be reduced. In other words, the guard period between the last downlink signal transmission and the first uplink signal transmission can be increased. 2. The antenna tilt of the interfering eNB / gNB can be increased. 3. The transmission power of the interfering eNB / gNB can be reduced. If the interference with the eNB / gNB is solely for capacity expansion, the latter two methods are generally effective, but their coverage area will be significantly reduced.

[0073] Regarding the first method for reducing long-range interference mentioned above, such as Figure 2 As shown, the downlink signal in signal 11 from the first network node 1 can be shortened in the time domain, thereby increasing the protection period between the uplink and downlink signals. That is, the portion of the downlink signal in signal 11 that may interfere with the second network node 2 can be muteed. Furthermore, due to the reciprocity of the transmission path between the first network node 1 and the second network node 2, the downlink signal of signal 21 from the second network node 2 can also be shortened in the time domain in the same way.

[0074] By shortening the downlink signal duration, remote interference between network node 1 and network node 2 can be suppressed. A side effect is that the efficiency of time resource utilization may decrease. The longer the protection period, the greater the likelihood of reducing remote interference. However, it is well known that the downlink time slot length cannot be shortened indefinitely.

[0075] At the same time, it is understandable that it is important to find the remote aggressor / source of interference for another network node.

[0076] One industrial solution is to use the principle of reciprocity. For example, if an affected network node (eNB / gNB) detects “abnormal” interference in the UL, that eNB / gNB may also be a remote interference intruder from another eNB / gNB.

[0077] Based on this principle, each eNB / gNB that is potentially a victim (and therefore an intruder) of remote interference will simultaneously transmit a characteristic sequence in the DL (Deep Link), and each eNB / gNB's characteristic sequence is unique within the network. Furthermore, each interfered eNB / gNB will simultaneously detect characteristic sequences from other candidate intruder eNBs / gNBs in the UL (Upper Link) to identify which eNB / gNB is causing the remote interference. By transmitting the characteristic sequence in the DL time slot next to the protection period, other DL time slots are reserved for normal data transmission, minimizing the impact on the efficiency of time resource utilization.

[0078] This method is theoretically feasible. However, based on field measurement results, although the overall remote interference to the victim eNB / gNB is very strong, the intensity of each remote interference source is too low to be effectively detected, because such interference is usually caused by a large number of intruding eNBs / gNBs.

[0079] For example, in the event of long-range interference, hundreds of eNBs / gNBs will typically interfere with a single eNB / gNB. In other words, for a given interference source, its interference power accounts for a small fraction of the total long-range interference, making it virtually undetectable.

[0080] This article will present an example, and this example will be used in the following description. Assume: each interference source produces a 5dB noise rise, that is, 5dB higher than the noise level; and there are a total of 512 interference sources. Then, the victim will suffer a noise rise of 5dB + 10*log10(512) = 25dB.

[0081] In this situation, a 25dB noise increase is a significant problem for uplink coverage. For example, in a typical suburban cell, a 25dB noise increase can reduce cell coverage to 20% of what it would be in an interference-free environment, or in the worst case, cause 80% of UEs to experience call drops or lose network access.

[0082] In an exemplary implementation, each source will be assigned a unique sequence and such a unique sequence will be transmitted simultaneously. In order to detect any particular source of interference, the SINR (signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio) of the corresponding sequence received by the victim is: SINR = -10 * log10 (512) = -17 dB.

[0083] With such extremely low SINR, the receiver will have difficulty guaranteeing a high detection success rate, which will actually introduce two drawbacks in the implementation: 1. Missed detection: Some interference sources will be ignored by the victim base station. 2. False detection: Because the victim is trying to detect such a low SINR signal, the victim receiver is very sensitive to noise signal ripple, and it will detect a large number of non-existent "fake" signals.

[0084] Therefore, as a victim of false detection, it will miss many genuine interfering eNBs / gNBs, which ultimately fails to solve the remote interference problem. False detection of non-interfering base stations / gNBs will cause the non-interfering eNBs to waste downlink transmission time, but will not benefit the victimized base station / gNB.

[0085] This will lead to a significant decrease in the performance of remote interference detection. For example, some operators have found that even with the remote interference detection and processing features enabled, remote interference problems are not being handled well.

[0086] Figure 3 This is an exemplary flowchart of a method for remote interference detection executed at a first network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, the method performed by the first network node 1 may include: S101, reporting an event that the first network node is being interfered with; S102, receiving at least one resource mode indicating that a third network node has allocated transmission resources to the first network node; and S103, sending the identifier of the first network node on the transmission resources.

[0088] Instead of having all suspected interfering network nodes (eNB / gNB) simultaneously send identifiers (e.g., characteristic sequences), resource patterns are assigned to network nodes for transmission. These patterns can indicate specific transmission resources using at least one of the following: transmission time or frequency.

[0089] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more resource modes for remote interference detection are assigned to each gNB / eNB, along with a cell-specific characteristic sequence. Accordingly, the number of network nodes transmitting different identifiers within the same transport resource is reduced, or even limited to one. Alternatively, the assigned cell-specific characteristic sequence is replaced by a unique cell identifier (ID) deployed within the network system.

[0090] Therefore, by dividing candidate cells into multiple resource modes, the problem of excessive noise during remote interference detection can be avoided at least partially. This can reduce the possibility of missed detections and / or false detections.

[0091] Figure 4 This is an example diagram illustrating time resources configured by a resource pattern according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0092] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the resource pattern indicates transmission resources in the time domain, the resource pattern also indicates a time offset in a periodicity.

[0093] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the resource mode indicates transmission resources in the frequency domain, the resource mode indicates at least one frequency sub-band.

[0094] That is, the mode can specifically indicate specific periodic transmission resources, including: period, time offset in the period, frequency resources, etc.

[0095] For example, a resource mode can specifically indicate that, within a fixed period (time division) and / or a specific frequency subband (frequency division), the eNB / gNB should transmit a specific sequence of characteristics in its assigned resource mode. A resource mode can be assigned to one or more cells, and conversely, a cell can be assigned to one or more resource modes.

[0096] Taking time-division multiplexing as an example, a third network node (such as Operation and Maintenance Management (OAM)) will assign one or more specific periodic time instances to each cell (base station) to issue characteristic sequences. The applicable time instances are the time slots immediately preceding the downlink (DL) to uplink (UL) handover point.

[0097] like Figure 4 As shown, taking LTE TDD configuration 2 as an example, there is a handover point (DL to UL) every 5ms, which is a possible time instance for transmitting the characteristic sequence. In this example, OAM can assign 20ms as periodicity 41, resulting in 4 candidate time instances (20ms / 5ms). In this example, OAM will assign an offset 42 equal to "2" for this particular (group of) eNBs.

[0098] Figure 4 An example with the same offset across different periodicities is shown. However, the offset can vary across different periodicities to increase pattern diversity.

[0099] Figure 5 This is a more detailed example diagram illustrating resources configured by resource patterns according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown, a timeline for a detection duration can be described in detail from bottom to top. For example, a detection duration can include multiple periods.

[0101] A period can be equal to 100ms and consists of 10 radio frames. A radio frame can be equal to 10ms and consists of 10 subframes. Each subframe (1ms) can include 2 transmission slots. Each transmission slot can include multiple OFDM symbols, such as 7 OFDM symbols. Specifically, in a 20MHz LTE cell, a cell may have 100 Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) in the frequency domain, and the mode can correspond to any part of them. Figure 5 In the example shown, the first two PRBs and the last two PRBs are retained out of these 100 PRBs. Then, 32 PRBs are configured in each of subband 1, subband 2, and subband 3.

[0102] In embodiments of this disclosure, the frequency of the transmission resource includes at least one frequency sub-band, such as any one of sub-band 1, sub-band 2 and sub-band 3 described above.

[0103] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one resource mode is selected from a pre-configured set of resource modes.

[0104] For example, in each cycle, assuming one transmission slot with one transmission subband is necessary to transmit an identifier once, there are 20 possible transmission slots * 3 possible transmission subbands = 60 patterns, where one subband is 1 / 3 of the bandwidth. Furthermore, in a detection duration of 10 cycles (cycles 0 to 9), there are a total of 200 possible transmission slots * 3 possible transmission subbands = 600 patterns, as a pre-configured set of resource patterns. It should be understood that the number of cycles is also unlimited. For example, in one case, only one cycle can be used for faster detection, while in another case, more than one cycle can be used for more accurate detection.

[0105] As Figure 5 The example in the diagram shows that 20 modes can be assigned to an eNB within a single cycle. An eNB can transmit an identifier (characteristic sequence) once per subband and per timeslot. Each cycle can be configured individually. That is, in cycle 0, two modes are assigned to one eNB. Then, in cycle 1, two more modes are assigned to the same eNB. When using frame number, subframe number, and / or subband number parameters to represent modes, it should be understood that the two modes in cycle 1 may or may not have the same frame number and / or the same subframe number and / or subband number as the two modes in cycle 0. As these parameters vary according to the cycle, different eNBs are unlikely to always have the same modes (i.e., parameters). Therefore, the probability of detection is further improved.

[0106] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one resource mode can be randomly selected from a pre-configured set of resource modes.

[0107] If the number of eNBs is not very large, the modes of different eNBs may not overlap. However, as the number of affected eNBs increases, the probability of overlapping modes between two eNBs increases if an eNB is assigned to only one mode. Therefore, assigning more than one resource mode to an eNB can reduce the possibility of complete mode overlap. Figure 5 In the example shown, 20 patterns can be randomly (or pseudo-randomly) selected from 600 patterns used for an eNB in ​​each cycle. This significantly reduces the burden of detecting different identifiers within the same transmission resource, even if there is some overlap between patterns from different base stations. Furthermore, due to random assignment, the overlap between cycles will vary. Therefore, reliable detection is possible at least in some cycles due to non-overlapping or slight overlap.

[0108] Furthermore, some basic principles can be established during the selection process to assign the same pattern to a minimum number of victim eNBs / gNBs. A preferred solution is round-robin allocation.

[0109] As an example, there are 8 candidate modes allocated in the time domain (periodically 40ms), 8 candidate frequency domain modes (for which only 1 / 8 of the bandwidth (as a sub-band) can be used per time instance), and a "Comb-4" channel combination option is available. Therefore, a total of 8*8*4 = 256 time and frequency modes are selected as candidates.

[0110] In the example above, if 512 eNBs report potential long-range interference, and each eNB is assigned 4 modes, then every 8 eNBs will share one mode, meaning a maximum of 8 eNBs can simultaneously transmit different sequences:

[0111] Each victim eNB will then detect:

[0112] Minimum SINR = -10 * log10(interference number - 1) = -10 * log10(7) = -8.4 dB; if all 8 eNBs are interfering eNBs.

[0113] To detect sequences with a worst-case SINR of -8.4 dB (which is much better than -17 dB without the above mode), eNB / gNB can achieve a better low false positive and false negative rate.

[0114] Furthermore, by employing multiple modes for each node, eNB / gNB can further improve both false positive and false negative rates.

[0115] In embodiments of this disclosure, in a time division duplex (TDD) scheme, transmission resources are in downlink slots next to a protection period (GP), followed by uplink slots.

[0116] In embodiments of this disclosure, the transmission resources are located in at least one OFDM symbol in a downlink time slot.

[0117] In embodiments of this disclosure, the transmission resources are located in a subband of the downlink time slot.

[0118] like Figure 5 As shown, subframes can be configured for UL, GP, or DL. In embodiments of this disclosure, a transmission slot can be allocated, particularly in a subframe used for DL, followed by GP and UL.

[0119] It should be understood that the transmission resources indicated by the mode are not limited to those described above. Depending on the content of the identifier (e.g., characteristic sequence), there may be more than one OFDM symbol (or even more than one time slot), and / or more than one subband (or fewer) assigned to a mode.

[0120] Characteristic sequences can be configured statically or dynamically for each network node. Such characteristic sequences can be generated specifically for interference detection, or they can simply reuse existing parameters.

[0121] In embodiments of this disclosure, the identifier of the first network node may be the sequence number of the first network node itself.

[0122] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first network node may be a victim reporting interference.

[0123] As described above, the first network node 1, assigned a resource pattern to send the identifier, is considered a potential source of interference. However, it is practically difficult to determine which network node is or is not a source of interference before the detection and determination process. Therefore, due to the reciprocity of remote interference, the network node reporting interference is considered a potential interference resource for another network node.

[0124] Figure 6 This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating further steps of a method for remote interference detection performed at a first network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] like Figure 6 As shown, the method may further include: S104, detecting an identifier of the second network node on the transmission resources allocated to the second network node, wherein the transmission resources allocated to the second network node are indicated by at least one resource mode received by the second network node.

[0126] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method may further include: S105, sending the detection result of the identifier of the second network node to the third network node.

[0127] When network nodes (which are considered both victims of remote interference and potential intruders) send identifiers, they are also detecting identifiers from other network nodes.

[0128] In embodiments of this disclosure, it is determined whether the first network node is being interfered with by the second network node based on the detection result of the identifier of the second network node and at least one resource mode received by the second network.

[0129] As a receiver, a network node can specifically utilize energy-based sequence detection and attempt to distinguish between signal and noise after matched filtering. The detection results can include any indicative parameters generated by the filter or any other algorithm. For example, the power level or SINR of the signal, or any other parameter calculated based on the power level or SINR.

[0130] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection result includes at least one of signal strength or signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR); if the detection result is greater than a threshold, it is determined that the first network node is interfered by the second network node.

[0131] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the detection result is less than the threshold, it is determined that the first network node is not interfered by the second network node.

[0132] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second network node is another victim reporting interference.

[0133] As an example, the receiver can directly give a decision of "interfered" or "not interfered" based on the detection result and a locally pre-configured threshold. However, it may be difficult to distinguish whether some ambiguous signals are interference.

[0134] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple resource patterns are assigned to the second network node; based on multiple detection results of the identifier of the second network node corresponding to the multiple resource patterns assigned to the second network node, it is determined whether the first network node is interfered by the second network node.

[0135] For example, instead of making a hard decision, the receiver can first calculate the detection probability corresponding to any one of the multiple patterns, which avoids the difficult balance between missed detection and false detection. Then, the detection probability will be further compared with a global threshold.

[0136] As an example method on how to calculate the probability, the receiver can estimate the SINR (assuming there is a signal) through a matched filter, and then normalize the SINR to the detection probability with a local threshold:

[0137] If SINR > threshold_high, the probability = 1, indicating that the detection result SINR is greater than a certain threshold, and the gNB / eNB can confirm the existence of an interference sequence;

[0138] If SINR < threshold_low, the probability = 0, indicating that the detection result SINR is lower than a certain threshold, and the gNB / eNB can confirm that there is no interference sequence;

[0139] For threshold_high >= SINR >= threshold_low,

[0140] the probability = [SINR - threshold_low] / [threshold_high - threshold_low]; this means that it is necessary to further confirm whether there is interference.

[0141] Then, the probabilities of multiple deterministic outcomes corresponding to multiple resource patterns assigned to the second network node can be compared with a threshold.

[0142] That is, a voting-based method can be used to determine whether a gNB / eNB is a source of interference based on multiple detection results / probabilities of the same potentially intrusive network node. Two examples are listed below:

[0143] 1. The maximum probability of multiple detection results is greater than the first global threshold. For example, based on the detection results of the same potential intruder in four resource modes (by one or more receivers), interference will be confirmed when the maximum probability is greater than 0.8.

[0144] 2. The average (probability) of multiple detection results is greater than the second global threshold. For example, based on the detection results of 4 resource patterns (by one or more receivers) against the same potential intruder, interference will be confirmed when the average probability is greater than 0.5.

[0145] Another dimension of the voting is the voting process at the gNB / eNB level among multiple cells belonging to the same gNB / eNB node. Each cell will have its own method based on measurement and voting, and the results of multiple cells can be combined to determine whether the gNB / eNB is a source of interference.

[0146] Network nodes can collaborate to exchange multiple detection results. Furthermore, a third network node, such as Operations and Maintenance Management (OAM), can manage and coordinate these network nodes to complete this detection and determination process.

[0147] In embodiments of this disclosure, the final determination result, global threshold, etc., will be determined by Operation and Maintenance Management (OAM).

[0148] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the victim network node will determine whether interference from a single source network node exists based on multiple detection results of the same source network node, thereby further reducing the risk of missed detections and the possibility of false detections. These multiple detection results may originate from multiple patterns of the source network node detected by one or more receivers.

[0149] In other words, even with multiple interfering nodes, remote interference sources can still be detected effectively and reliably.

[0150] Therefore, if network nodes (or typically paired network nodes) are identified as intruders, their downlink transmission time can be reduced, and / or their antenna tilt can be increased, and / or their transmission power can be reduced.

[0151] Figure 7This is an exemplary flowchart of a method for remote interference detection performed at a third network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] like Figure 7 As shown, the method executed at the third network node 3 includes: S301, determining an interference event based on reports from multiple network nodes; S302, allocating at least one resource mode to each of the multiple network nodes, indicating the transmission resources allocated to each of the multiple network nodes. The transmission resources are used by each of the multiple network nodes to transmit an identifier.

[0153] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the resource pattern indicates transmission resources in the time domain, the resource pattern also indicates a time offset in a periodicity.

[0154] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the resource mode indicates transmission resources in the frequency domain, it indicates at least one frequency sub-band.

[0155] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one resource mode is selected from a pre-configured set of resource modes.

[0156] In embodiments of this disclosure, in a time division duplex (TDD) scheme, transmission resources are in downlink slots next to a protection period (GP), followed by uplink slots.

[0157] In embodiments of this disclosure, the identifier is a sequence number.

[0158] According to embodiments of this disclosure, each of the plurality of network nodes can send its identifier in the transmission resources allocated to each of the plurality of network nodes by the third network node 3. Therefore, any other network node can specifically attempt to detect the identifier on the allocated transmission resources. This can correspondingly reduce missed detections or false detections.

[0159] Figure 8 This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating further steps of a method for remote interference detection performed at a third network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] like Figure 8 As shown, the method may further include: S303, determining whether the first network node is interfered with by the second network node based on the detection result of the identifier of the second network node among the multiple network nodes from the first network node among the multiple network nodes.

[0161] In embodiments of this disclosure, the detection result includes at least one of signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR); and if the detection result is greater than a threshold, it is determined that the first network node is being interfered with by the second network node.

[0162] In embodiments of this disclosure, a third network node allocates multiple resource modes to a second network node; and the third network node determines whether a first network node is being interfered with by the second network node based on multiple detection results of the identifiers of the second network node corresponding to the multiple resource modes allocated to the second network node.

[0163] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the first network node is a base station; the second network node is a base station; and the third network node is an operation and maintenance management (OAM) node.

[0164] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third network node 3 determines whether a source network node interferes with a victim network node based on multiple detection results of the same source network node, thereby further reducing the risk of missed detections and the possibility of false detections. These multiple detection results may each correspond to multiple patterns of the source network node detected by one or more receivers.

[0165] Figure 9 This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the cooperation of different network nodes for remote interference detection according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0166] like Figure 9 As shown, in step S901, the eNB / gNB (i.e., the first network node 1 and / or the second network node 2) reports severe UL interference to the OAM (i.e., the third network node 3) through a performance measurement report.

[0167] For example, the gNB / eNB will periodically report to the OAM system through the throughput PM (performance monitor) function whether it has received constant uplink interference.

[0168] In step S902, OAM determines whether remote interference exists.

[0169] For example, once OAM receives a constant strong uplink interference report from the eNB / gNB, it will consider whether a large percentage (greater than the threshold _eNB / gNB) of eNBs / gNBs in a region are reporting similar reports; for example, in a province, 10% or 20% of gNBs / eNBs report uplink interference problems. If so, OAM suspects a remote interference problem and takes steps to confirm this suspicion. This triggers step S903.

[0170] In step S903, OAM should assign a characteristic sequence to a cell, and this sequence should be unique throughout the OAM system. Alternatively, a unique cell ID can be sent instead of assigning a sequence specific to interference detection.

[0171] In step S903, OAM assigns a resource mode to each victim eNB / gNB. The resource mode indicates a specific downlink time slot and / or a specific frequency subband (frequency division) within a specific period (time division). The eNB / gNB should transmit a specific characteristic sequence in its assigned resource mode. Alternatively, resource modes can be pre-assigned to the eNB / gNB and triggered when OAM determines a remote interference event has occurred. OAM can change to another batch of resource modes for updates.

[0172] A mode can be assigned to one or more cells associated with an eNB / gNB. Alternatively or alternatively, a cell can have one or more modes.

[0173] For example, OAM will assign one or more specific periodic time instances to each cell to issue characteristic sequences. And the applicable time instances are the time slots immediately preceding the DL to UL handover point.

[0174] In addition, OAM will assign a specific subband to the eNB / gNB to emit a characteristic sequence.

[0175] Frequency division multiplexing (FDM) can also be applied to comb patterns, meaning one pattern maps to odd-numbered subcarriers while another maps to even-numbered subcarriers (i.e., Comb-2). Of course, there are other comb patterns, such as one subcarrier for every four adjacent subcarriers (i.e., Comb-4). For example, when using Comb-4 with 12 subcarriers (1-12), there are four possible combinations: A: subcarriers 1, 5, 9; B: subcarriers 2, 6, 10; C: subcarriers 3, 7, 11; D: subcarriers 4, 8, 12. Therefore, even with the same time-domain parameters (such as frame number, subframe number, etc.), there will be four patterns depending on the different combinations of subcarriers.

[0176] OAM will assign one or more specific patterns to the victim eNB / gNB.

[0177] Then, in step S905, any eNB / gNB transmitter will avoid transmitting in the unallocated resource mode and transmit its assigned sequence in the allocated resource mode. In step S906, any eNB / gNB receiver will detect the characteristic sequence in all resource modes.

[0178] Detection results from multiple eNBs / gNBs in multiple modes will be sent to OAM.

[0179] In step S907, OAM will generate interference detection results based on voting.

[0180] Multi-mode analysis of a cell associated with an eNB / gNB can provide some improvements. The purpose of multi-mode analysis is to determine whether a suspected gNB / eNB is indeed interfering with the gNB / eNB from multiple perspectives, i.e., voting based on the results of each mode.

[0181] For example, OAM detected 512 suspicious eNBs / gNBs, which require further differentiation. One possible solution to determine whether a suspect is indeed a jamming eNB / gNB is for OAM to randomly assign one suspect four different patterns. If the victim claims the eNB is a jamming eNB based on the detection results of all four patterns, then OAM is very confident in determining that the eNB is a jamming eNB and will execute all subsequent remote jamming procedures.

[0182] However, if the results of only 2 modes indicate that the eNB is an interfering eNB, OAM should set more modes for the eNB or simply ignore the eNB (because in this case, the uncertainty mainly comes from weak interference, and ignoring this possible remote interference source will not introduce too many disadvantages).

[0183] Therefore, through pattern allocation, interference from remote intruders will be distributed across different times / frequency periods and will be easily detected. Furthermore, through a voting mechanism, multi-mode transmission will further improve detection accuracy.

[0184] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary apparatus suitable for practical network nodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0185] like Figure 10 As shown, the first network node 1 may include: a processor 101; and a memory 102 containing instructions executable by the processor, thereby enabling the first network node 1 to: report an event of interference to the first network node; receive at least one resource mode indicating transmission resources allocated to the first network node by a third network node; and transmit an identifier of the first network node on the transmission resources.

[0186] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first network node 1 is operable to perform actions according to any of the above embodiments (e.g., Figures 3 to 6 The methods shown in Figures 9 and 9).

[0187] like Figure 10As shown, the third network node 3 may include: a processor 301; and a memory 302 containing instructions executable by the processor 301, thereby enabling the third network node 3 to: determine interference events based on reports from multiple network nodes; and allocate at least one resource mode to each of the multiple network nodes, indicating the transmission resources allocated to each of the multiple network nodes. The transmission resources are used for each of the multiple network nodes to send an identifier.

[0188] In embodiments of this disclosure, a third network node is operable to perform a method according to any of the above embodiments (e.g., Figures 7 to 9 (Those shown).

[0189] Processors 101 and 301 can be any type of processing component, such as one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific digital logic, etc. Memory 102 and 302 can be any type of storage component, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, cache memory, flash memory, optical storage device, etc.

[0190] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating a device-readable storage medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0191] like Figure 11 As shown, a computer-readable storage medium 110, or any other type of product, stores instructions 111, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the actions described above (e.g., according to the embodiments described). Figures 3-9 The method of any of the ones shown.

[0192] Furthermore, this disclosure may also provide a carrier containing the aforementioned computer program, wherein the carrier is one of an electrical signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, a high-density optical disc or an electronic storage device, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash memory, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.

[0193] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a unit of a first network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] like Figure 12As shown, the first network node 1 may include: a reporting unit configured to report an event in which the first network node is interfered with; a receiving unit 1002 configured to receive at least one resource mode indicating that a third network node has allocated transmission resources to the first network node; and a sending unit 1003 configured to send an identifier of the first network node on the transmission resources.

[0195] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first network node 1 is operable to perform actions according to any of the above embodiments (e.g., Figures 3 to 6 The methods shown in Figures 9 and 9).

[0196] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a unit of a third network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] like Figure 13 As shown, the third network node 3 may include: a determining unit configured to determine interference events based on reports from multiple network nodes; and an allocation unit 3002 configured to allocate at least one resource mode indicating the transmission resources allocated to each of the multiple network nodes. The transmission resources are used for each of the multiple network nodes to transmit identifiers.

[0198] In embodiments of this disclosure, the third network node 3 is operable to perform actions according to any of the above embodiments (e.g. Figures 7 to 9 The methods shown are those that...

[0199] The term “unit” may have a conventional meaning in the field of electronic, electrical and / or electronic equipment, and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid-state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for performing various tasks, processes, calculations, outputs and / or display functions, such as those described herein.

[0200] Using these units, network node 100 may not require a fixed processor or memory; any computing and storage resources can be deployed from at least one network node / device / entity / assembly associated with the communication system. Virtualization and network computing technologies (such as cloud computing) can be further introduced to improve the efficiency of network resource utilization and network flexibility.

[0201] The techniques described herein can be implemented by various means, such that means for implementing one or more functions of the corresponding apparatus described in the embodiments include not only prior art means but also means for implementing one or more functions of the corresponding apparatus described in the embodiments, and may include separate means for each individual function, or may be configured to perform two or more functions. For example, these techniques can be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or combinations thereof. For firmware or software, implementation can be achieved by modules (e.g., processes, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described herein.

[0202] Exemplary embodiments of the present document have been described above with reference to block diagrams and flowcharts illustrating methods and apparatus. It should be understood that each block in the block diagrams and flowcharts, as well as combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, can be implemented by various means including computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment, create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0203] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all shown operations be performed to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter described herein, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0204] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any implementation or what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features of specific embodiments that may be specific to particular implementations. Some features described in the context of individual embodiments in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed in this way, in some cases one or more features may be removed from the claimed combination, and the claimed combination may refer to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0205] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concepts of this disclosure can be implemented in various ways with advancements in technology. The above embodiments are for description and not for limitation of this disclosure, and it should be understood that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. The scope of protection of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method performed at a first network node, comprising: reporting (S101) an event that the first network node is interfered; receiving (S102) at least one resource pattern indicating transmission resources allocated to the first network node by a third network node; transmitting (S103) an identifier of the first network node on the transmission resources; wherein the at least one resource pattern is a plurality of resource patterns selected randomly or pseudo-randomly from a pre-configured set of resource patterns; wherein for the first network node, different plurality of resource patterns are configured separately for different periods.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, when the resource pattern indicates the transmission resources in time domain, the resource pattern further indicates a time offset in a period.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the resource pattern indicates the transmission resources in frequency domain, the resource pattern indicates at least one frequency sub-band.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, in a time division duplex, TDD, scheme, the transmission resources are located in downlink time slots next to a guard period, GP, after which are uplink time slots.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: detecting (S104) an identifier of a second network node on transmission resources allocated to the second network node, wherein the transmission resources allocated to the second network node are indicated by at least one resource pattern received by the second network node.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: transmitting (S105) a result of the detection of the identifier of the second network node to the third network node.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein determining whether the first network node is interfered by the second network node based on the result of the detection of the identifier of the second network node and the at least one resource pattern received by the second network node.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the result of the detection comprises at least one of a signal strength or a signal to interference plus noise ratio, SINR; and wherein the first network node is determined to be interfered by the second network node if the result of the detection is greater than a threshold.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, a plurality of resource patterns are allocated to the second network node; and wherein wherein the first network node is determined to be interfered by the second network node based on a plurality of results of the detection of the identifier of the second network node corresponding to the plurality of resource patterns allocated to the second network node.

10. The method of claim 5, the first network node is a base station; wherein the second network node is a base station; and wherein wherein the third network node is an operation, administration and maintenance, OAM, node.

11. A method performed at a third network node, comprising: determining (S301) an interference event based on reports from a plurality of network nodes; allocating (S302) at least one resource pattern to each network node of the plurality of network nodes, the at least one resource pattern indicating transmission resources allocated to the each network node of the plurality of network nodes; ​ ​ wherein the transmission resource is for the each of the plurality of network nodes to transmit an identifier; wherein the at least one resource pattern is a plurality of resource patterns randomly or pseudo-randomly selected from a pre-configured set of resource patterns; wherein for at least one of the plurality of network nodes, different plurality of resource patterns are separately configured in different periods.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, when the resource pattern indicates the transmission resource in time domain, the resource pattern further indicates a time offset in a periodicity.

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein, when the resource pattern indicates the transmission resource in frequency domain, the resource pattern indicates at least one frequency sub-band.

14. The method of any one of claims 11-12, wherein, in a time division duplex, TDD, scheme, the transmission resource is in a downlink time slot next to a guard period, GP, after which is an uplink time slot.

15. The method of any of claims 11-12, further comprising: determining (S303), based on a detection result of an identifier of a second network node from a first network node of the plurality of network nodes, whether the first network node is interfered by the second network node.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the detection result comprises at least one of a signal strength or a signal to interference plus noise ratio, SINR; and wherein the first network node is determined to be interfered by the second network node if the detection result is greater than a threshold.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the third network node allocates a plurality of resource patterns to the second network node; and wherein the third network node determines whether the first network node is interfered by the second network node based on a plurality of detection results of the identifier of the second network node corresponding to the plurality of resource patterns allocated to the second network node.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the first network node is a base station; wherein the second network node is a base station; and wherein the third network node is an operation, administration and maintenance, OAM, node.

19. A first network node, comprising: a processor (101); and a memory (102) containing instructions executable by the processor, whereby the first network node is operative to: report an event that the first network node is interfered; receive at least one resource pattern indicating a transmission resource allocated to the first network node by a third network node; transmit an identifier of the first network node on the transmission resource; wherein the at least one resource pattern is a plurality of resource patterns randomly or pseudo-randomly selected from a pre-configured set of resource patterns; wherein for the first network node, different plurality of resource patterns are separately configured in different periods.

20. The first network node of claim 19, wherein, the first network node is operative to perform the method of claim 2.

21. A third network node, comprising: a processor (301); and a memory (302) containing instructions executable by the processor, whereby the third network node is operative to: determine an interference event based on reports from a plurality of network nodes; allocating at least one resource pattern to each of the plurality of network nodes, the at least one resource pattern indicating transmission resources allocated to the each of the plurality of network nodes; wherein the transmission resources are used by the each of the plurality of network nodes to transmit an identifier; wherein the at least one resource pattern is a plurality of resource patterns randomly or pseudo-randomly selected from a pre-configured set of resource patterns; wherein, for at least one of the plurality of network nodes, different plurality of resource patterns are separately configured for different periods.

22. The third network node of claim 21, wherein, The third network node is operable to perform the method of claim 12.

23. A computer-readable storage medium (110) storing instructions (111) that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images