Partial frequency-time resource multiplexing coordination for interference mitigation in frequency-multiplexed radio networks

Abstract

Systems and methods for partial frequency-time resource multiplexing coordination. An example method includes transmitting, via a transceiver, a first network message including a transmit power level for a wireless base station and an identifier for the wireless base station. The method includes receiving, via the transceiver, a second network message from the end node, the second network message including an identifier and a radio frequency signal characteristic for the end node. The method includes selecting, using an electronic processor, an interference coordination region for an end node based on a radio frequency characteristic for the end node. The method includes selecting, using an electronic processor, a frequency-time resource for the end node based on the interference coordination region. The method comprises transmitting, via the transceiver, a third network message to the end node, the third network message comprising the frequency-time resource.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 336,536, filed on April 29, 2022, entitled “Partial Frequency Time Resource Reuse Coordination for Interference Mitigation in Frequency Reuse Radio Networks,” under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Utilities, such as electric utilities, use wireless data communication networks to connect smart devices for monitoring and controlling their infrastructure. For example, electricity usage meters, sensors, and other devices can provide telemetry data to automated billing and monitoring systems for electric utilities. Such communications are increasingly bidirectional, for example, when used to control smart grids using distributed automation. Such wireless communication networks may include hundreds of base stations communicating with thousands of end nodes using limited radio frequency spectrum. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form a part of the specification and are used to further illustrate embodiments of the concepts of the claimed invention and to explain the various principles and advantages of these embodiments. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally similar elements throughout the individual views.

[0005] Figure 1 A communication system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 According to some embodiments Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a wireless base station of a system.

[0007] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of fractional frequency time resource reuse coordination for interference mitigation according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 4 is a diagram showing some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 A table of operational aspects of the system.

[0009] Figure 5 is a diagram showing some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 A table of operational aspects of the system.

[0010] Figure 6 is a diagram showing some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 Map of applications of the method.

[0011] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a method for Figure 1 Table of an example frequency-time resource matrix for a system.

[0012] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a method for Figure 1 Table of an example frequency-time resource matrix for a system.

[0013] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a method for Figure 1 Table of an example frequency-time resource matrix for a system.

[0014] Fig.10 is a diagram showing a method for Figure 1 Table of an example frequency-time resource matrix for a system.

[0015] Fig.11 is a diagram showing some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 Map of applications of the method.

[0016] Fig.12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of fractional frequency time resource reuse coordination for interference mitigation according to some embodiments.

[0017] Fig.13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of fractional frequency time resource reuse coordination for interference mitigation according to some embodiments.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the sizes of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments shown.

[0019] In some instances, apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the invention are shown so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] As mentioned, electric utilities can deploy short packet wireless communication networks that include hundreds of low-power base stations that communicate with thousands of end nodes using limited radio frequency spectrum. Interference may result when multiple base stations operate using the same shared frequency or adjacent frequencies in the same geographic area. Some network architectures utilize single or multiple frequency reuse radio channel architectures without any system self-interference coordination. Even if such networks operate using a carrier-sense multiple access (CSMA) protocol, conflicts and interference result. Because the network is low-power and highly dense, some end nodes can communicate with one or more base stations, but cannot communicate directly with other end nodes (i.e., the "hidden node problem"). Without the ability to determine whether another transmission is in progress, the end nodes essentially operate in other random access modes similar to the ALOHA protocol. In addition, "hidden nodes" cannot detect conflicts, making any conflict detection protocol less effective. Even if all end nodes can hear all other end nodes, listening before transmitting is inefficient and results in reduced throughput even with reduced interference. Therefore, systems and methods are needed to mitigate the effects of interference to increase system throughput while sharing a single frequency.

[0021] To address these issues and for other reasons, a system and method for coordinating partial reuse of frequency time resources (FTR) to mitigate interference is provided herein. Among other aspects, the embodiments described herein allocate FTR based on radio frequency signal characteristics (e.g., the radio frequency distance between a base station and an end node) for use by the base station and the end node for radio transmission. The radio frequency distance between the end node and the base station can be quantified as one or more of the following: geographic distance, received signal strength indication (RSSI), path loss value, signal-to-interference ratio threshold, calculated or measured signal-to-interference ratio or signal-to-interference-noise ratio, etc. In some aspects, the end node can determine the RF path loss to its serving base station and report the path loss and other link characteristics to the base station. The base station receives this information and similar information for each end node it serves. Using this information, the base station determines a partial FTR reuse (PFR) interference area for each end node, and uses this area to allocate uplink paths and downlink paths to the end node using a random access channel or a scheduled access channel. Some embodiments described herein provide an end node that performs an interference region determination for itself and reports the determination to a serving base station. In some aspects, the end node begins operation using a default PFR interference region (e.g., initially assigned by a base station or hard-coded in the end node) and operates using the default PFR interference region until a subsequent region is determined (e.g., by the end node or its serving base station).

[0022] Using such an embodiment, the RF communication solution network can still utilize a single frequency reuse radio channel architecture, but will implement partial frequency time resource reuse to mitigate system self-interference. Using the embodiments described herein significantly reduces harmful conflicts because devices are only allowed to transmit during specific windows based on the RF distance metric. Such an embodiment also greatly increases network capacity by allowing controlled frequency reuse that increases the amount of "virtual" spectrum. Using such an embodiment, the impact of interference is reduced and network throughput is increased. This in turn leads to a more efficient and more efficient use of the network's spectrum.

[0023] An example embodiment provides a wireless base station. The wireless base station includes an electronic processor and a transceiver coupled to the electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to transmit a first network message via the transceiver, the first network message including a transmit power level for the wireless base station and an identifier for the wireless base station. The electronic processor is configured to receive a second network message from an end node via the transceiver, the second network message including an identifier for the end node and a radio frequency signal characteristic; select an interference coordination area for the end node based on the radio frequency characteristic for the end node. The electronic processor is configured to select a frequency time resource for the end node based on the interference coordination area. The electronic processor is configured to transmit a third network message to the end node via the transceiver, the third network message including the frequency time resource.

[0024] Another example embodiment provides a method for operating a wireless base station. The method includes: transmitting a first network message via a transceiver, the first network message including a transmit power level for the wireless base station and an identifier for the wireless base station. The method includes: receiving a second network message from an end node via a transceiver, the second network message including an identifier for the end node and a radio frequency signal characteristic. The method includes: using an electronic processor, selecting an interference coordination area for the end node based on the radio frequency characteristic for the end node. The method includes: using an electronic processor, selecting a frequency time resource for the end node based on the interference coordination area. The method includes: transmitting a third network message to the end node via a transceiver, the third network message including the frequency time resource.

[0025] For ease of description, some or all of the example systems presented herein are illustrated using a single sample of each of their components. Some examples may not describe or illustrate all of the components of the system. Other example embodiments may include more or less of each of the illustrated components, may combine some components, or may include additional or alternative components.

[0026] It should be understood that although some of the drawings presented herein show hardware and software located in specific devices, these descriptions are for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, the components shown can be combined or divided into separate software, firmware and / or hardware. For example, logic and processing can be distributed among multiple electronic processors, rather than being located in a single electronic processor and performed by a single electronic processor. Regardless of how they are combined or divided, hardware and software components can be located on the same computing device, or can be distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication links.

[0027] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a communication system 100 that is configured to implement, among other aspects, a fractional frequency time resource reuse scheme to mitigate system self-interference. In the example shown, the system 100 includes a field local network 102 and a core network 104. In the example shown, the field local network 102 is a radio local network that includes a first base station 106, a second base station 108, a third base station 110, a first end node 112, a second end node 114, and a third end node 116. In one example, the field local network 102 is a low-power short packet wireless communication network that is deployed to monitor and control equipment on an electric utility grid, and the core network 104 is a back-end computing network for an electric utility (e.g., including a billing system, a grid monitoring system, and other commands and controls for the grid). The first end node 112, the second end node 114, and the third end node 116 each include appropriate hardware and software components (e.g., electronic processors, memories, transceivers) for operating the end nodes, as described herein.

[0028] In the example shown, the field local network 102 is communicatively coupled to the core network 104 via a core network gateway 118. For example, each of the first base station 106, the second base station 108, and the third base station 110 is coupled to the core network gateway 118 via a suitable wired or wireless backhaul connection. The core network gateway 118 includes hardware and software components (e.g., electronic processors, memory, transceivers) for controlling electronic communications between the field local network 102 and the core network 104. In some embodiments, the core network 104 may be a cloud computing platform accessible via one or more networks, including the Internet by using an encrypted tunnel or another secure virtual network connection.

[0029] refer to Figure 2 More specifically, the first base station 106, the second base station 108, and the third base station 110 are wireless base stations for operating the field local network 102 to provide wireless communications to, from, and between the first end node 112, the second end node 114, and the third end node 116. In some cases, the base stations of the field local network 102 may be referred to herein or in the accompanying drawings as "field network gateways" or "FNGs (field network gateways)".

[0030] The system 100 may include more components than those shown. In particular, it should be understood that although Figure 1 Only three base stations and three end nodes are shown, but system 100 may include an on-site local network serving tens, hundreds, or even thousands of end nodes with hundreds of base stations.

[0031] In one example, the field local network 102 is a single frequency multiplexing network operating in the 450 to 470 MHz frequency band using a 12.5 kHz channel to provide narrowband packet-based data communications between 5 kbps and 10 kbps. In one example, each base station in the field local network 102 is configured to transmit data to an end node on a single downlink channel and receive data from an end node on one of a plurality of uplink channels, wherein the uplink frequency and the downlink frequency are the same for each base station. Likewise, each end node is configured to receive data using the same downlink channel and transmit data on the same uplink channel. In some cases, the field local network 102 operates in a place geographically close to other users using the same or adjacent frequencies allocated from the same frequency band as the field local network downlink channel and uplink channel.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, an end node may be able to transmit signals that can be received by multiple base stations, and likewise be able to receive signals transmitted from multiple base stations. For example, a first end node 112 is able to communicate with all three base stations, while a second end node 114 is only able to communicate with the first base station 106, and a third end node 116 is able to communicate with the first base station 106 and the third base station 110, but not with the second base station 108. In some cases, an end node may be able to receive transmissions from a specific base station, but not be able to send transmissions that can be received by the base station. In some cases, an end node may be able to send transmissions that can be received by a specific base station, but not be able to receive transmissions from the base station.

[0033] Thus, each end node in the field local network 102 is associated with a specific base station, which is referred to as the "serving base station" of the end node. Each base station in the field local network 102 is configured with a unique identifier that is used to distinguish the base stations within the field local network 102. The serving base station of an end node is the base station that the end node attempts to listen to, and the end node transmits its data to the base station using the unique identifier.

[0034] In some embodiments, an end node is configured with a default serving base station identifier when it is first deployed. For example, a group of end nodes and a new base station may be installed simultaneously in a residential area, with all end nodes configured with the new base station as their serving base station. In some embodiments, an end node selects its serving base station based on, among other things, radio frequency conditions between the base station and the end node. In some embodiments, an end node is configured to switch base stations when conditions permit. For example, the radio channel conditions of an end node (to its serving base station) may degrade to such an extent that it terminates its reservation on an existing serving base station and selects a different base station to provide acceptable quality of service.

[0035] As an example, Figure 1 The second end node 114 is shown to use the first base station 106 as its serving base station. Although the other end nodes have their own serving base stations, such a relationship is not shown. Figure 1 As shown and described herein, the first base station 106 sends information about itself (eg, transmit power level and its identifier) ​​and time slot assignments to the second end node 114, and the second end node 114 sends link characteristics (eg, link path loss) to the first base station 106.

[0036] Scheduling transmissions using FTR requires that the base station and end nodes are time synchronized. In some embodiments, the base station is configured to maintain network timing by periodically transmitting timing beacons that are used by the end nodes to synchronize their data transmissions.

[0037] Figure 2 Schematically illustrated is an example embodiment of a first base station 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the base station 106 includes an electronic processor 205, a memory 210, a communication interface 215, a baseband processor 220, a transceiver 225, and an antenna 230. The illustrated components, as well as other various modules and components, are coupled to each other by or through one or more control buses or data buses (e.g., bus 235) that enable communication therebetween.

[0038] The electronic processor 205 may include one or more microprocessors, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another suitable electronic device. The electronic processor 205 obtains and provides information (e.g., to and from the memory 210 and / or the communication interface 215), and processes the information by executing one or more software instructions or modules, which can be stored in, for example, a random access memory ("RAM") area of ​​the memory 210, a read-only memory ("ROM") of the memory 210, or another non-transitory computer-readable medium (not shown). The software may include firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. In the illustrated embodiment, among other aspects, the memory 210 stores frequency time resources 240 and PFR area allocations 245 (both described in detail herein).

[0039] The electronic processor 205 is configured to retrieve from the memory 210 and execute, among other things, software associated with the control processes and methods described herein. The electronic processor 205 executes instructions stored in the memory 210 to implement the functionality of the first field network gateway 118 .

[0040] The electronic processor 205 is configured to control the baseband processor 220 and the transceiver 225 to transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from the second end node 114 (and / or other end nodes) using the antenna 230. It should be noted that many base stations and other communication devices typically use multiple antennas in practice to achieve spatial diversity (e.g., MIMO). The electronic processor 205, the baseband processor 220, and the transceiver 225 may include various digital and analog components (e.g., digital signal processors, high band filters, low band filters, or similar components), which are not described herein for the sake of brevity, and which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. In some embodiments, the transceiver 225 is a combined transmitter-receiver component. In other embodiments, the transceiver 225 includes separate transmitter and receiver components, or may be replaced by separate transmitter and receiver components.

[0041] Electronic processor 205 is configured to control communication interface 215 (and, in some embodiments, antenna 230 , another antenna (not shown) or a suitable wired connection) to transmit and receive communication signals to and from core network gateway 118 .

[0042] The description of base station 106 is provided as a representative example of other base stations deployed in the network, including base stations 108 and 110. In some aspects, one or more of the end nodes and core network gateway 118 (although they may not have the same functions and capabilities) include systems or devices having a general component configuration similar to base station 106, in that they each include a corresponding electronic processor, memory, communication interface, input / output interface, and / or radio frequency communication components coupled by at least one communication bus.

[0043] As mentioned, system self-interference coordination is required in wireless data networks. Figure 3 An example method 300 is shown for coordinating partial reuse of frequency time resources (FTRs) to mitigate interference in such a network by dynamically scheduling base station and end node radio transmissions or allocating random access FTRs based on radio frequency distances and / or other characteristics for the base stations and end nodes. Although the method 300 is described in conjunction with the system 100 as described herein, the method 300 can be used with other systems and devices. In addition, the method 300 can be modified or performed differently from the specific examples provided.

[0044] By way of example, method 300 is described as being performed by first base station 106, and specifically, by electronic processor 205. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, all or part of method 300 may be performed by other devices, including, for example, core network gateway 118, one of end nodes, or a combination of the foregoing. In some examples, the performance of method 300 may be distributed among the components of field local network 102. Additional electronic processors may also be included in the first base station 106 or other control equipment (not shown) of field local network 102 for performing all or part of method 300. For ease of description, method 300 is described in part in terms of a single base station and a single end node. However, method 300 may be applicable to systems including multiple base stations and end nodes.

[0045] The method 300 begins at block 302, where the electronic processor 205 transmits (e.g., via the transceiver 225)

[0046] A first network message, the first network message including a transmit power level for a wireless base station and an identifier for the wireless base station. For example, the network message may be a packet broadcast to end nodes in the field local network 102. In some embodiments, the network message may be a unicast message (e.g., a base station may attempt to contact a known end node using unicast messaging if a subsequent message (see block 304) is not received). In some embodiments, the network message may be a control protocol message that is communicated using a control layer of a protocol stack utilized by the field local network. In some embodiments, the network message may not be a dedicated message type, but rather a normal network packet (e.g., where a packet header includes a field for specifying a transmit power level). The identifier is a value (e.g., a numerical or alphabetic value) assigned to a base station to uniquely identify the base station within the field local network 102. In some embodiments, the first network message is transmitted periodically so that the message can be received by new end nodes when new end nodes come online, and the message can be received by existing end nodes as existing end nodes continue to track their dynamic link conditions. In some embodiments, the wireless base station operates according to dynamic power control. In such an embodiment, a change in the wireless base station transmit power level may trigger the generation and transmission of a new network message including the new transmit power level.

[0047] In some embodiments, a first network message or another network message can be used to statically allocate a default interference coordination area, which the end node will use until a subsequent interference coordination area is dynamically determined and / or allocated, as described below. For example, a network policy or expected quality of service can be used to predetermine a default interference coordination area for an end node. In some aspects, a single default interference coordination area can be allocated across the network. In other aspects, different default interference coordination areas can be allocated to different base stations and end nodes. In some aspects, a default interference coordination area is determined for an end node using an out-of-band interference coordination area determination made for the end node based on radio frequency distance analysis and / or measurements (e.g., using geographic location, external radio frequency coverage analysis, site survey data, external data analysis, etc.).

[0048] In some aspects, a base station sends a first network message (or a subsequent network message) that includes, in addition to the transmit power level for the base station, an indication of whether the base station is using dynamic power control. When the base station indicates that dynamic power control is not enabled, it further indicates that the same transmit power level is used for all messages from the base station. Thus, an end node can make a radio frequency range determination based on any message received from the base station, not just the first network message. This provides the end node with more opportunities to calculate radio frequency ranges, thereby enabling more frequent area determinations. This in turn allows the network to account for changing conditions more quickly.

[0049] At block 304, electronic processor 205 receives (e.g., via transceiver 225) a second network message (e.g., packet) from an end node. As mentioned, method 300 is applicable to a base station operating to communicate with many end nodes. For ease of description, interactions with only one end node are described herein. It should be understood that a base station transmitting a message (at block 302) may receive the message in response from many end nodes.

[0050] The second network message includes at least an identifier for the end node (sent at block 302) and a radio frequency signal characteristic (e.g., radio frequency distance). For example, the end node receiving the first network message may compare the received signal strength indication (RSSI) measured when receiving the first network message to determine the path loss for the downlink from the base station to the end node. The downlink path loss may be used by the end node to estimate the uplink path loss.

[0051] In some embodiments, the uplink channel RF characteristics may be determined by sounding. For example, a serving base station may issue a network command message to an end node to transmit a test message measured by the serving base station and other base stations on the network. The test message may be a broadcast message or a unicast message sent to a specific base station. Other base stations on the network forward the measurement of the test signal to the serving base station, where the measurement may be used to determine a RF distance for the end node, which in turn may be used to assign an interference coordination area, as described herein.

[0052] In some alternative embodiments, the end node is configured to periodically transmit well-known uplink signals to the base station, which uses these signals to measure and derive uplink channel characteristics (e.g., path loss). In such embodiments, the network characteristics of the end node are determined by the base station and are not reported by the end node.

[0053] As mentioned, the end node may be able to receive radio transmissions from more than one base station in the network. In some embodiments, the second network message may include identifiers and radio frequency characteristics for end nodes associated with multiple base stations. For example, Figure 4 4 is a table 400 including path loss values ​​(column 402) for 19 base stations (column 404, labeled 1-19). The rows of table 400 are sorted (in ascending order) according to the path loss values. In this example, for simplicity and purely coincidental, the base station identifiers in column 404 also appear in ascending order (in a real environment, path loss values ​​and identifiers are unlikely to align). The path loss value of 999 is not an actual measurement value, but indicates that the end node does not receive messages from the base station. In the example shown, base station ID 1 is a serving base station for the end node (at 90dB path loss, its signal is the strongest signal received). Column 406 lists the signal to interference ratio (SIR) for each base station (relative to the path loss of the serving base station). Column 408 indicates in a binary manner whether other end nodes transmitted to the base station for the row will interfere with the ability of the end node to receive signals from the serving base station. In the example shown, a 20dB SIR threshold is used to predict interference. Figure 5 A table 500 is shown that is similar to table 400. Table 500 includes path loss values ​​(column 502) as well as SIR values ​​(column 506) and interference indications (column 508) for 19 base stations (column 504, labeled 1-19).

[0054] Return to Figure 3, at box 306, the electronic processor 205 selects an interference coordination area for the end node based on the radio frequency characteristics for the end node. The interference coordination area may also be referred to as a partial FTR reuse area (PFR area) in this article. Each interference coordination area is a designation for a specific interference coordination restriction that limits the end nodes assigned to the area to meet the network-wide interference coordination threshold when transmitting. For example, an end node may be assigned to an interference coordination area to provide a high confidence (e.g., 90% or higher) that the transmitted packet will be successfully received by the base station on the first attempt (i.e., limiting packet retries to less than 10%). As described herein, each base station is assigned a pool of frequency-time resources / PFR area tuples that can be dynamically assigned to end nodes communicating with the base station.

[0055] Figure 6 A map 600 is shown, which represents interference coordination regions (PFR regions) for a simulated live local network, where base stations (represented by x) are arranged in a hexagonal pattern and end nodes are evenly distributed across the map. Each small colored dot represents an end node, and the color of the dot represents the PFR region to which the end node is assigned (see legend 602). For example, an RF signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) of 17 dB is used for region determination.

[0056] Each PFR region is noted on a legend indicating the spatial reuse factor used for that region. For example, some end nodes are located in a PFR region with a spatial reuse factor of 1. With a reuse factor of 1, one end node for each base station can transmit simultaneously without causing harmful interference to other end node transmissions. For example, in a field local network with 19 base stations, 19 end nodes can transmit simultaneously on the same channel without causing interference. As the reuse factor increases, each region is able to have fewer simultaneous transmissions. With a spatial reuse factor of 2, one end node in the region can transmit simultaneously to all other base stations. With a spatial reuse factor of 3, one end node in the region can transmit simultaneously to every third base station, and so on, until a spatial reuse factor of 19, which indicates that only one end node in that region of the network can transmit at a time.

[0057] As can be seen from the map, the location of the end node is a factor in determining the region of the end node, because the closer the radio transmitter is to its intended receiver, the stronger the radio signal will be and the less likely it will be blocked by geography or clutter. However, it should be understood that the real-world PFR regional distribution can be different from Figure 6 The theoretical examples in vary considerably, making the location itself not optimal for determining the interference coordination region for the end node. For example, Fig.11A map 1100 (and legend 1102) is shown which represents interference coordination regions (PFR regions) for a deployed field local network with non-uniformly deployed base stations (represented by x's) and end nodes (represented by colored dots). Figure 3 , the electronic processor 205 selects an interference coordination region for the end node based on the radio frequency characteristics of the end node.

[0058] In one example, the base station has received a downlink path loss value from an end node, such as Figure 4 As shown. The use of path loss values ​​in this example should not be viewed as limiting. In other aspects, other RF distance metrics may be used, as described herein. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, when operating in close spectral proximity (DL to UL channel spacing), the downlink path loss can be used to closely approximate the uplink path loss. In this example, the interference coordination region (PFR region) determination is based on the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) between base stations, and the target SIR is 20 dB. As Figure 4 As shown, column 408 indicates in binary form whether the end node is interfering with the transmission. In this example, the end node should be served by base station ID 1 (because it has the lowest path loss), and base stations 2 and 3 will be within the interference coordination limit (less than 20 dB). As noted herein, a base station may receive a matrix of PFR zones and associated FTRs, such as Figure 7 700. Using this matrix as an example, the highest channel capacity can be achieved by having base station ID 1 schedule the end node in PFR zone 3. As shown in column 702 of table 700, the end nodes in PFR zone 3 are assigned to transmit, while the end nodes communicating with base stations 2 and 3 are not allowed to transmit. At the same time, the end nodes communicating with base stations 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 19 (in this PFR zone 3) are allowed to transmit simultaneously and will not detrimentally interfere with the reception of the end nodes' transmissions to base station 1 (see table 400). However, if none of those FTRs (designated for PFR zone 3) are available, then PFR zone 5, 7, or 19 FTRs can be used for the end node, but at the expense of lower spectral efficiency.

[0059] In another example, the base station has received a downlink path loss value from an end node, such as Figure 5Here, the end node should be served by base station ID 1 (because it has the lowest path loss), and no base station will be within the interference coordination limit, so the end node will optimally use the PFR zone 1 FTR. Looking again at the example matrix table 700, the highest channel capacity can be achieved by having base station ID 1 schedule the end node in PFR zone 1, where, for each base station, end nodes determined to be operating in PFR zone 1 are allowed to transmit simultaneously without causing interference (see column 704). Similarly, if none of these FTRs are available, PFR zones 3, 5, 7, or 19 FTRs can be utilized, but at the expense of lower spectral efficiency.

[0060] In some alternative embodiments, the end node is configured to select an interference coordination region for itself using methods such as those described above for the base station.

[0061] Return to Figure 3 Regardless of how the interference coordination area is selected, the electronic processor 205 selects a frequency time resource for the end node based on the interference coordination area at block 308. In some embodiments, the frequency time resource is an uplink time slot that is allocated to the end node for use when transmitting uplink data to the base station. In some embodiments, the frequency time resource is a downlink time slot that is allocated to the end node for use when receiving downlink data from the base station. In some embodiments, the frequency time resource is a peer link time slot that is allocated to the end node for use when communicating directly with other end nodes within the field local network.

[0062] A frequency time resource (FTR) is a logical construct representing a logical radio resource unit allocated on a live local network. An FTR is defined by, among other things, a frequency, a start time, and a stop time. In short, an FTR is a reservation to transmit (or listen) at a specific frequency during a specific time frame. As described herein, in some embodiments, an FTR is assigned a permutation identifier, which limits its use to base stations or interference coordination areas operating with the same permutation identifier.

[0063] In some embodiments, the FTR is selected using a frequency time resource matrix (FTR matrix) that includes multiple interference coordination regions (PFR regions) associated with multiple frequency time resource blocks (FTRBs). In some embodiments, the base station receives the FTR matrix from the core network gateway 118 or the core network 104. In some embodiments, the base station may be sent only one or more portions of the frequency time resource matrix (e.g., depending on network load or other factors).

[0064] Figure 7An example FTR matrix 700 is included for a statically provisioned solution, having dimensions of the number of base stations times the sum of all supported PFR zones, rounded up to the nearest second. In some embodiments, the matrix 700 may be repeated.

[0065] The FTR matrix 700 is for an example network that has been designed with 19 base stations, PFR zone types [1,2,3,5,7,19], and 125ms long FTRs. In this example, the repeating matrix is ​​5 seconds in duration, and each base station obtains at least a single FTR in each PFR zone every 5 seconds. Since PFR zones 1 and 2 have the highest capacity, the matrix provides additional allocations for them. Each column in table 700 (e.g., columns 702, 204) represents a group of FTRs called an FTR block.

[0066] Figure 8 An example FTR matrix 800 is included that is dynamically created by individually assigning FTR blocks to all base stations operating on the same RF channel / cluster / PFR region. In this example, as FTR blocks are needed, the base stations individually request FTR blocks from the core network gateway 118. The matrix is ​​thus dynamically constructed as the network operates.

[0067] The FTR matrix 800 is for an example network that has been designed with 19 base stations, PFR zone types [1,2,3,5,7,19], and 125 ms long FTRs. In this example, the non-repeating matrix is ​​5 seconds in duration, and each base station gets the FTR in its specifically requested PFR zone, as well as the FTRs that it is dynamically allocated through other base station FTR block requests. More specifically, in this example, base station ID 1 first has to serve end nodes in PFR zone 19, so it requests a single FTR block from the core network gateway 118. Next, base station ID 1 has to serve end nodes in PFR zone 2, so it requests a single FTR block from the core network gateway 118. In this example, not only does it get an FTR in PFR zone 2, but each odd base station ID gets the remaining PFR zone 2 FTRs for future use.

[0068] Because RF conditions and base station deployment are variable, and the PFR regional distribution and traffic distribution of each base station are not consistent, in some embodiments, a hybrid approach between static and dynamic allocation is used. For example, a portion of the available FTR blocks can be statically allocated at network startup, while the remaining FTR blocks can be dynamically allocated based on network operation needs. For example, Fig. 9An FTR matrix 900 is shown with PFR regions [1, 2, 3, 5, 7] and an FTR interval of 50 ms. As shown, some FTR blocks are statically allocated and FTR blocks marked with "R" are reserved for dynamic allocation. Fig.10 An FTR matrix 1000 is shown which represents an update of the FTR matrix 900 in which some of the reserved FTR blocks have been allocated.

[0069] In some embodiments, the electronic processor 205 generates a combined frequency-time resource from at least two adjacent frequency-time resources in a plurality of frequency-time resources based on the radio bearer service type for the end node. For example, in the case where the end node may need the transmission of a larger data block, the base station can combine two adjacent FTRs and allocate a larger combined FTR to the end node to enable the transmission of a larger data packet. Similarly, in some embodiments, the electronic processor can generate frequency-time sub-resources by splitting the FTR based on the radio bearer service type for the end node. For example, two end nodes may each need half the amount of transmission time in the available FTR. In this example, the FTR can be split into two sub-resources, which are allocated to the two end nodes.

[0070] like Figures 7 to 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the FTR block is assigned a permutation identifier that indicates which FTRs are allowed to be used. In such an embodiment, each base station has a base station that also has a permutation identifier that indicates which PFR interference coordination group the base station belongs to. This is used together with the FTR block permutation to determine which FTRs the base station can use for communication. For each PFR area type, the base station has a unique PFR area permutation. This value is determined by the network-specific deployment design and takes into account the specific base station arrangement and RF environment in which the network will operate.

[0071] In some embodiments, other factors may be used to select the FTR for the end node. For example, the electronic processor 205 may consider one or more of the following: radio bearer service type, quality of service type, current network load, current channel load, victim receiver characteristics, number of acks, number of retries, number of channel busyness, spectrum usage policy, and user preemption policy.

[0072] At block 310, electronic processor 205 transmits (eg, via transceiver 225) a third network message to the end node, the third network message including the frequency time resource. In some embodiments, the network message may be a control protocol message communicated using a control layer of a protocol stack utilized by the field local network.

[0073] like Figure 3As shown, the electronic processor 205 can repeatedly perform method 300 for multiple end nodes. In addition, because the radio environment is dynamic, the base station can periodically reallocate end nodes to different interference coordination areas and time slots based on changing RF conditions. In some embodiments, FTRs are allocated by the base station to end nodes whose leases expire, and these leases must be actively extended by the end nodes. FTRs allocated to unextended leases are put back into the pool of available FTRs for reallocation according to method 300. In some embodiments, the end node will release the FTR (e.g., by sending a reservation termination network message to the base station) so that the released FTR is reallocated to another end node according to method 300. In some embodiments, the FTR is allocated to the base station by the core network gateway using an expiring lease, thereby creating a chain of leases and subleases.

[0074] Fig.12 An example method 1200 for coordinating partial reuse of frequency time resources (FTR) to mitigate interference is shown. Although the method 1200 is described in conjunction with the system 100 as described herein, the method 1200 can be used with other systems and devices. In addition, the method 1200 can be modified or performed differently from the specific examples provided.

[0075] By way of example, method 1200 is described as being performed by components of field local network 102 described herein. Although described in terms of a single base station communicating with a single end node, embodiments of method 1200 are applicable to one or more base stations communicating with one or more end nodes.

[0076] Method 1200 begins at box 1202, where an end node transmits a first network message, which may include one or more of the following: a transmit power level for the end node, a power control indication (e.g., indicating whether the end node is implementing dynamic power control), and an identifier for the end node.

[0077] At block 1204 , the base station receives the network message sent at block 1202 .

[0078] At block 1206, the base station selects an interference coordination region for the end node based on the RF distance for the end node and current interference coordination operation parameters. The current interference operation coordination parameters include one or more active FTR matrices and may also include one or more of the following: region determination RF distance threshold, radio bearer service type, service quality type, current network load, current channel load, victim receiver characteristics, number of acks, number of retries, number of channel busyness, spectrum usage strategy, and user preemption strategy.

[0079] At block 1208, the base station transmits a second network message to the end node. The second network message includes the interference coordination region selected at block 1206 for the end node.

[0080] At block 1210, the end node selects frequency time resources from the interference coordination region that it will use when transmitting to the base station.

[0081] Fig.13 An example method 1300 for coordinating partial reuse of frequency time resources (FTR) to mitigate interference is shown. Although the method 1300 is described in conjunction with the system 100 as described herein, the method 1300 can be used with other systems and devices. In addition, the method 1300 can be modified or performed differently from the specific examples provided.

[0082] By way of example, method 1300 is described as being performed by components of field local network 102 described herein. Although described in terms of a single base station communicating with a single end node, embodiments of method 1300 are applicable to one or more base stations communicating with one or more end nodes.

[0083] Method 1300 begins at block 1302, where a base station transmits a first network message, which may include one or more of: a transmit power level for the base station, a power control indication (e.g., indicating whether the base station is implementing dynamic power control), and an identifier for the base station. In some embodiments, the first network message also includes current interference coordination operating parameters, as described above with reference to Fig.12 as described.

[0084] At block 1304 , the end node receives the network message sent at block 1302 .

[0085] At block 1306, the end node selects an interference coordination region based on the radio frequency distance for the base station and the current interference coordination operating parameters received from the base station. In some embodiments, some or all of the current interference coordination operating parameters are stored in the end node (e.g., in firmware or other memory) and are not received from the base station.

[0086] At block 1308, the end node transmits a second network message to the base station. The second network message includes the interference coordination region selected at block 1306 for the end node.

[0087] At block 1310, the base station selects frequency time resources from the interference coordination region indicated in the second network message that it will use when transmitting to the end node.

[0088] When an end node first appears on a network, or after some reset process, it may not have accurate and / or up-to-date radio channel measurement information metrics. Therefore, in some embodiments, the electronic processor 205 assigns a conservative interference coordination region to the end node upon receiving the first network message from the end node. A conservative interference coordination region is a region that allows more interference mitigation than might be needed given actual network conditions (e.g., Figure 6 PFR zone 19). Upon receiving subsequent network messages (including updated RF signal characteristics for the end node), the electronic processor 205 may determine whether sufficient time has passed since the first such message was received by checking against a threshold time period. For example, an end node's determination of its uplink path loss may only be considered after it has been operating for a number of minutes. If such a threshold time period has expired, the electronic processor 205 will reassign the end node to a PFR zone based on its reported RF distance, as described herein. In some embodiments, the base station makes an updated zone determination upon receiving the updated RF signal characteristics of the end node, regardless of whether.

[0089] In some alternative embodiments, the base station may select a subset of available (not allocated to end nodes) frequency time resources and designate those frequency time resources as random access frequency time resources. In such embodiments, a network message (e.g., a broadcast message) may indicate to the end node that random access communications may be attempted using those random access frequency time resources. In some embodiments, the entire channel may be allocated for random access use. In some embodiments, when scheduling is not available or not required, the base station may allocate all of its FTRs for random access use by end nodes.

[0090] Some embodiments provided herein have been described in terms of a base station scheduling end nodes to transmit using FTR. However, it should be noted that such embodiments may be used to schedule downlink communications, uplink communications, random access communications, and peer-to-peer communications within a PFR region.

[0091] In some embodiments, logic for determining interference coordination regions (e.g., using aspects of method 300 described herein) resides on end nodes of the network in addition to or in lieu of base stations. In some embodiments, end nodes are configured with default interference coordination regions, or receive interference coordination regions from a serving base station at startup (as described herein) and operate using the default interference coordination regions until they dynamically determine interference coordination regions for themselves using one or more radio frequency distance metrics.

[0092] In some embodiments, the base station is configured to provide the end node with information required to determine the interference coordination area. For example, the base station may transmit a network control message including an indication of the interference coordination method to be used, and area determination parameters including, for example, the interference coordination area, a frequency time resource matrix, an RF distance type (e.g., RSSI, SINR, etc.), an RF distance threshold applicable to the RF distance type, and similar information. In some embodiments, when the end node first joins the network or after a subsequent restart, the base station may be preloaded with default information to be used.

[0093] Regardless of where the region determination logic resides, the determination is made from the perspective of the victim receiver using source information. In some aspects, the victim receiver uses its collected data to determine the interference coordination region for itself. In some aspects, another network node uses the information provided by the victim receiver to determine the interference coordination region for the victim receiver. Thus, in some embodiments, the end nodes determine their own interference coordination region and transmit the region information to their respective serving base stations.

[0094] In some embodiments, a single end node may be assigned one interference coordination region for uplink and another interference coordination region for downlink.The interference coordination region may be determined by, for, the end node (eg, by its serving base station or by using a combination of techniques).

[0095] In some embodiments, the end node is configured to automatically (e.g., at startup) make a determination regarding a specific interference coordination area without transmitting a message to the base station or receiving an FTR matrix or other interference coordination operating parameters from the base station. Figure 7 As shown, end nodes determined to be operating in PFR area 1 are able to transmit using any frequency-time resource block without causing interference. Because inclusion in PFR area 1 can be determined based solely on SINR ratio measurements, end nodes are able to determine by themselves whether they are in PFR area 1. For example, in some embodiments, end nodes are configured to determine whether they exist in PFR area 1, and if such a determination is made, notify their serving base station of the determination. In some embodiments, end nodes that make this determination are further configured to periodically check to see if they are still able to operate in PFR area 1. In some embodiments, when network conditions permit, end nodes can be assigned to another interference coordination area by their serving base station.

[0096] In the foregoing description, specific embodiments have been described. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings.

[0097] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may make any benefit, advantage, or solution occur or become more significant should not be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

[0098] In addition, in this document, such as first and second, top and bottom and similar relational terms can be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The term "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes", "including", "contains", "containing" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article or device that includes, has, includes, contains a list of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent in such a process, method, article or device. Elements starting with "includes ... one", "have ... one", "includes ... one" or "contains ... one" do not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device that includes, has, includes, contains the element without more restrictions. Unless otherwise expressly stated in this article, the terms "one" and "an" are defined as one or more. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "about," "approximately" or any other versions thereof are defined as approximately as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in a non-limiting embodiment, within 10%, within 5%, within 1% in another embodiment, and within 0.5% in another embodiment. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a particular way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0099] It will be appreciated that some embodiments may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose processors (or "processing devices"), such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, custom processors, and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and uniquely stored program instructions (including software and firmware) that control the one or more processors in combination with certain non-processor circuits to implement some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and / or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all of the functions may be implemented by a state machine without stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), where each function or some combination of certain functions is implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of these two approaches may be used.

[0100] In the claims, if an apparatus or system is claimed, for example, as including an electronic processor or other element configured in a certain manner, for example, to make a plurality of determinations, then the claim or claim element should be interpreted to mean one or more electronic processors (or other elements), any one of which is configured as claimed, for example, to make any one or more of the plurality of determinations.

[0101] In addition, the embodiments may be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having a computer-readable code stored thereon, the computer-readable code being used to program a computer (e.g., including a processor) to perform the methods described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, ROMs (read-only memories), PROMs (programmable read-only memories), EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memories), EEPROMs (electrically erasable programmable read-only memories), and flash memories. In addition, it is contemplated that, despite the considerable effort that may be expended by a technician and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein, such software instructions and programs and ICs will be readily generated using minimal experimentation.

[0102] In the foregoing description, specific embodiments have been described. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings.

[0103] The following paragraphs provide various examples of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0104] Example 1 is a wireless base station. The wireless base station includes an electronic processor; and a transceiver coupled to the electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to transmit a first network message via the transceiver, the first network message including a transmit power level for the wireless base station and an identifier for the wireless base station. The electronic processor is configured to receive a second network message from an end node via the transceiver, the second network message including an identifier and radio frequency signal characteristics for the end node. The electronic processor is configured to select an interference coordination area for the end node based on the radio frequency characteristics for the end node. The electronic processor is configured to select a frequency time resource for the end node based on the interference coordination area. The electronic processor is configured to transmit a third network message to the end node via the transceiver, the third network message including the frequency time resource.

[0105] Example 2 may include the subject matter described in Example 1 and may further specify that the frequency time resource is defined by a start time, a stop time, and a radio frequency; and the frequency time resource is one of an uplink time slot, a downlink time slot, and a peer link time slot.

[0106] Example 3 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 1 and 2 and may further specify that the electronic processor is further configured to receive a fourth network message from the end node via the transceiver, the fourth network message including an identifier for the end node and an updated radio frequency signal characteristic. The electronic processor is further configured to select an updated interference coordination area for the end node based on the updated radio frequency characteristic for the end node. The electronic processor is further configured to select an updated frequency time resource for the end node based on the updated interference coordination area. The electronic processor is further configured to transmit a fifth network message to the end node via the transceiver, the fifth network message including the updated frequency time resource.

[0107] Example 4 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 and 2 and may further specify that the electronic processor is configured to: determine the interference coordination region for the end node by selecting a conservative interference coordination region for the end node. The electronic processor is configured to: receive a fourth network message from the end node via the transceiver, the fourth network message including an identifier for the end node and an updated radio frequency signal characteristic. The electronic processor is configured to: in response to receiving the fourth network message, select an updated interference coordination region for the end node based on the updated radio frequency characteristic for the end node. The electronic processor is configured to: select an updated frequency time resource for the end node based on the updated interference coordination region. The electronic processor is configured to: transmit a fifth network message to the end node via the transceiver, the fifth network message including the updated frequency time resource.

[0108] Example 5 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 4 and may further specify that the electronic processor is configured to: receive a plurality of interference coordination regions associated with a plurality of frequency-time resource blocks. The electronic processor is configured to: select an interference coordination region for the end node from the plurality of interference coordination regions. The electronic processor is configured to: select a frequency-time resource for the end node from the plurality of frequency-time resource blocks.

[0109] Example 6 may include the subject matter of Example 5 and may further specify that the electronic processor is configured to: generate a merged frequency time resource from at least two adjacent frequency time resources in the plurality of frequency time resource blocks based on a radio bearer service type for the end node. Example 6 may further specify that selecting a frequency time resource for the end node includes selecting the merged frequency time resource.

[0110] Example 7 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 5 and 6 and may further specify that the electronic processor is configured to: generate frequency-time sub-resources based on a radio bearer service type for the end node by splitting one of the plurality of frequency-time resource blocks. Example 7 may further specify that selecting a frequency-time resource for the end node comprises selecting the frequency-time sub-resource.

[0111] Example 8 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 5 to 7 and may further specify that the electronic processor is configured to: receive a plurality of region permutation identifiers associated with the plurality of interference coordination regions. The electronic processor is configured to: select a frequency time resource for the end node further based on the region permutation identifier associated with the interference coordination region, the interference coordination region being associated with the frequency time resource.

[0112] Example 9 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 5 to 8 and may further specify that the electronic processor is configured to: specify one or more random access frequency time resources from among the plurality of frequency time resource blocks. The electronic processor is configured to: transmit, via the transceiver, a fourth network message, the fourth network message identifying the one or more random access frequency time resources.

[0113] Example 10 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 9 and may further specify that the electronic processor is configured to: select the frequency time resources for the end node further based on at least one selected from the group consisting of radio bearer service type, service quality type, current network load, current channel load, victim receiver characteristics, number of acks, number of retries, number of channel busyness, spectrum usage policy, and user preemption policy.

[0114] Example 11 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 10 and may further specify that the electronic processor is configured to: receive a reservation termination message from the end node. The electronic processor is configured to: in response to receiving the reservation termination message, reallocate the frequency time resource to a second end node.

[0115] Example 12 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 11 and may further specify that the electronic processor is configured to transmit a periodic timing beacon via the transceiver.

[0116] Example 13 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 12 and may further specify that the first network message includes an indication of whether the base station is using dynamic power control.

[0117] Example 14 is a method for operating a wireless base station. The method includes: transmitting a first network message via a transceiver, the first network message including a transmit power level for the wireless base station and an identifier for the wireless base station; receiving a second network message from an end node via the transceiver, the second network message including an identifier for the end node and a radio frequency signal characteristic; using an electronic processor, selecting an interference coordination region for the end node based on the radio frequency characteristic for the end node; using the electronic processor, selecting a frequency time resource for the end node based on the interference coordination region; and transmitting a third network message to the end node via the transceiver, the third network message including the frequency time resource.

[0118] Example 15 may include the subject matter described in Example 14 and may further specify that the frequency time resources are defined by a start time, a stop time, and a radio frequency; and selecting the frequency time resources includes selecting one of an uplink time slot, a downlink time slot, and a peer link time slot.

[0119] Example 16 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 and 15, and may further include receiving a fourth network message from the end node, the fourth network message including an identifier for the end node and an updated radio frequency signal characteristic. Example 16 may further include: selecting an updated interference coordination area for the end node based on the updated radio frequency characteristic for the end node. Example 16 may further include: selecting an updated frequency time resource for the end node based on the updated interference coordination area. Example 16 may further include: transmitting a fifth network message to the end node, the fifth network message including the updated frequency time resource.

[0120] Example 17 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 and 15, and may further include determining an interference coordination region for the end node by selecting a conservative interference coordination region for the end node. Example 17 may further include: receiving a fourth network message from the end node, the fourth network message including an identifier for the end node and an updated radio frequency signal characteristic. Example 17 may further include: in response to receiving the fourth network message, selecting an updated interference coordination region for the end node based on the updated radio frequency characteristic for the end node. Example 17 may further include: selecting an updated frequency time resource for the end node based on the updated interference coordination region. Example 17 may further include: transmitting a fifth network message to the end node, the fifth network message including the updated frequency time resource.

[0121] Example 18 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 17, and may further include: receiving a plurality of interference coordination regions associated with a plurality of frequency-time resource blocks. Example 18 may further include: selecting an interference coordination region for the end node from the plurality of interference coordination regions. Example 18 may further include: selecting a frequency-time resource for the end node from the plurality of frequency-time resource blocks.

[0122] Example 19 may include the subject matter of Example 18, and may further include: generating a merged frequency time resource from at least two adjacent frequency time resources in the plurality of frequency time resource blocks based on a radio bearer service type for the end node. Example 19 may further specify that selecting a frequency time resource for the end node includes selecting the merged frequency time resource.

[0123] Example 20 may include the subject matter of Example 18 and Example 19, and may further include: generating a frequency-time sub-resource based on a radio bearer service type for the end node by splitting one of the plurality of frequency-time resource blocks. Example 20 may further specify that selecting a frequency-time resource for the end node includes selecting the frequency-time sub-resource.

[0124] Example 21 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 18 to 20, and may further include: receiving a plurality of region permutation identifiers associated with the plurality of interference coordination regions. Example 21 may further include: selecting a frequency time resource for the end node further based on the region permutation identifier associated with the interference coordination region, the interference coordination region being associated with the frequency time resource.

[0125] Example 22 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 18 to 21, and may further include: specifying one or more random access frequency time resources from the plurality of frequency time resource blocks. Example 22 may further include: transmitting a fourth network message, the fourth network message identifying the one or more random access frequency time resources.

[0126] Example 23 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 22, and may also include: further selecting the frequency time resources based on at least one selected from the group consisting of radio bearer service type, service quality type, current network load, current channel load, victim receiver characteristics, number of acks, number of retries, number of channel busyness, spectrum usage policy, and user preemption policy.

[0127] Example 24 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 23, and may further include: receiving a reservation termination message from the end node. Example 24 may also include, in response to receiving the reservation termination message, reallocating the frequency time resource to a second end node.

[0128] Example 25 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 24, and may further include transmitting a periodic timing beacon.

[0129] Example 26 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 14 to 25, and may further specify that the first network message includes an indication of whether the base station is using dynamic power control.

[0130] Example 27 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions thereon, which, when executed by one or more electronic processors, cause the one or more electronic processors to perform the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 14 to 26 and Example 38.

[0131] Example 28 is a method for operating a wireless network end node. The method includes: receiving, via a transceiver, a first network message, the first network message including a transmit power level for the wireless base station and an identifier for the wireless base station. The method includes: determining a radio frequency distance for a base station. The method includes: using an electronic processor, selecting an interference coordination region for the end node based on the radio frequency distance. The method includes: using the electronic processor, selecting the frequency time resource based on the interference coordination region. The method includes: transmitting, via the transceiver, to the base station, a second network message, the second network message including the frequency time resource.

[0132] Example 29 may include the subject matter of Example 28, and may further specify that the first network message includes at least one region determination parameter. Example 29 may also include selecting an interference coordination region for the end node based on the at least one region determination parameter.

[0133] Example 30 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 28 and 29, and may further specify that the first network message includes a default interference coordination region for the end node. Example 30 may also include operating the end node according to the default interference coordination region until the interference coordination region is selected.

[0134] Example 31 may include a subject matter according to any one of Examples 28 to 30, and may further specify that: the frequency time resource is defined by a start time, a stop time, and a radio frequency, and selecting the frequency time resource includes selecting one of an uplink time slot, a downlink time slot, and a peer link time slot.

[0135] Example 32 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 28 to 31, and may further include: receiving a plurality of interference coordination regions associated with a plurality of frequency-time resource blocks. Example 32 may further include: selecting an interference coordination region for the end node from the plurality of interference coordination regions. Example 18 may further include: selecting a frequency-time resource for the end node from the plurality of frequency-time resource blocks.

[0136] Example 33 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 28 to 32, and may further include: receiving a plurality of region permutation identifiers associated with the plurality of interference coordination regions. Example 33 may further include: selecting a frequency time resource for the end node further based on the region permutation identifier associated with the interference coordination region, the interference coordination region being associated with the frequency time resource.

[0137] Example 34 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 28 to 33, and may also include: further selecting the frequency time resources based on at least one selected from the group consisting of radio bearer service type, service quality type, current network load, current channel load, victim receiver characteristics, number of acks, number of retries, number of channel busyness, spectrum usage policy, and user preemption policy.

[0138] Example 35 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions thereon, which, when executed by one or more electronic processors, cause the one or more electronic processors to perform the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 28 to 34.

[0139] Example 36 is a wireless end node comprising an electronic processor configured to operate according to the subject matter of any of Examples 28 to 34.

[0140] Example 37 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 12, and may further specify that the electronic processor is configured to determine a default interference coordination region for end node uplink transmissions. Example 37 may further specify that the first network message includes a default interference coordination region.

[0141] Example 38 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 26, and may further include determining a default interference coordination region for end node uplink transmissions. Example 38 may further specify that the first network message includes the default interference coordination region.

[0142] Example 39 is a method for operating a wireless base station. The method includes transmitting, via a transceiver, a first network message, the first network message including a transmit power level for the wireless base station and an identifier for the wireless base station. The method includes receiving, via the transceiver, a second network message from an end node, the second network message including an identifier for the end node and a radio frequency signal characteristic. The method includes, using an electronic processor, selecting an interference coordination region for the end node based on the radio frequency characteristic for the end node. The method includes transmitting, via the transceiver, to the end node a third network message, the third network message including the interference coordination region.

[0143] Example 40 may include the subject matter of Example 39, and may further include: specifying one or more random access frequency time resources from a plurality of frequency time resource blocks associated with the interference coordination area for use by the end node for uplink transmission. Example 40 may further include: transmitting a fourth network message, the fourth network message identifying the one or more random access frequency time resources.

[0144] Example 41 may include the subject matter of Example 40, and may further specify that each of the frequency time resource blocks is defined by a start time, a stop time.

[0145] Example 42 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 39 to 41, and may further include: receiving a fifth network message from the end node, the fifth network message including an identifier for the end node and an updated radio frequency signal characteristic. Example 42 may further include: selecting an updated interference coordination region for the end node based on the updated radio frequency characteristic for the end node. Example 42 may further include transmitting a sixth network message to the end node, the sixth network message including the updated interference coordination region.

[0146] Example 43 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 39 to 42, and may further include: determining an interference coordination region for the end node by selecting a conservative interference coordination region for the end node. Example 43 may further include: receiving a fourth network message from the end node, the fourth network message including an identifier for the end node and an updated radio frequency signal characteristic. Example 43 may further include: in response to receiving the fourth network message, selecting an updated interference coordination region for the end node based on the updated radio frequency characteristic for the end node. Example 43 may further include: transmitting a network message to the end node, the network message including the updated interference coordination region.

[0147] Example 44 may include a subject matter according to any one of Examples 39 to 43, and may also include: further selecting a frequency time resource for the end node based on a region permutation identifier associated with the interference coordination region, wherein the interference coordination region is associated with the frequency time resource.

[0148] Example 45 may include the subject matter of any one of Examples 39 to 44, and may also include: further selecting the frequency time resources based on at least one selected from the group consisting of radio bearer service type, service quality type, current network load, current channel load, victim receiver characteristics, number of acks, number of retries, number of channel busyness, spectrum usage policy, and user preemption policy.

[0149] Example 46 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions thereon that, when executed by one or more electronic processors, cause the one or more electronic processors to perform the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 39 to 45.

[0150] Example 47 is a wireless base station comprising an electronic processor configured to operate according to the subject matter of any of Examples 39 to 45.

Claims

1. A wireless base station, comprising: Electronic processors; and a transceiver coupled to the electronic processor; Wherein, the electronic processor is configured as follows: transmitting, via the transceiver, a first network message including a transmit power level for the wireless base station and an identifier for the wireless base station; receiving, via the transceiver, a second network message from an end node, the second network message comprising an identifier and a radio frequency signal characteristic for the end node; selecting an interference coordination region for the end node based on radio frequency characteristics for the end node; selecting a frequency time resource for the end node based on the interference coordination region; and A third network message is transmitted to the end node via the transceiver, the third network message including the frequency time resource.

2. The wireless base station according to claim 1, in, The frequency time resource is defined by a start time, a stop time and a radio frequency; and The frequency time resource is one of an uplink time slot, a downlink time slot and a peer link time slot.

3. The wireless base station according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: receiving, via the transceiver, a fourth network message from the end node, the fourth network message including an identifier for the end node and updated radio frequency signal characteristics; selecting an updated interference coordination region for the end node based on the updated radio frequency characteristics for the end node; selecting updated frequency time resources for the end node based on the updated interference coordination region; as well as A fifth network message is transmitted to the end node via the transceiver, the fifth network message including the updated frequency time resource.

4. The wireless base station according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: determining an interference coordination region for the end node by selecting a conservative interference coordination region for the end node; receiving, via the transceiver, a fourth network message from the end node, the fourth network message including an identifier for the end node and updated radio frequency signal characteristics; in response to receiving the fourth network message, selecting an updated interference coordination region for the end node based on the updated radio frequency characteristics for the end node; selecting updated frequency time resources for the end node based on the updated interference coordination region; as well as A fifth network message is transmitted to the end node via the transceiver, the fifth network message including the updated frequency time resource.

5. The wireless base station according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: determining a default interference coordination region for uplink transmissions of an end node; The first network message includes the default interference coordination area.

6. The wireless base station according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: receiving a plurality of interference coordination regions associated with a plurality of frequency-time resource blocks; selecting an interference coordination region for the end node from among the plurality of interference coordination regions; and A frequency time resource for the end node is selected from the plurality of frequency time resource blocks.

7. The wireless base station according to claim 6, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: generating a combined frequency time resource from at least two adjacent frequency time resources in the plurality of frequency time resource blocks based on a radio bearer service type for the end node, and generating frequency-time sub-resources based on a radio bearer service type for the end node by splitting one of the plurality of frequency-time resource blocks, The selecting of the frequency time resource for the end node includes: selecting one of the frequency time sub-resource or the combined frequency time resource.

8. The wireless base station according to claim 6, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to receive a plurality of region permutation identifiers associated with the plurality of interference coordination regions; and The electronic processor is further configured to select a frequency-time resource for the end node further based on a region permutation identifier associated with the interference coordination region, the interference coordination region being associated with the frequency-time resource.

9. The wireless base station according to claim 6, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: specifying one or more random access frequency time resources from among the plurality of frequency time resource blocks; and A fourth network message is transmitted via the transceiver, the fourth network message identifying the one or more random access frequency time resources.

10. The wireless base station according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: The frequency time resources for the end node are further selected based on at least one selected from the group consisting of radio bearer service type, service quality type, current network load, current channel load, victim receiver characteristics, number of acks, number of retries, number of channel busyness, spectrum usage policy, and user preemption policy.

11. A method for operating a wireless base station, the method comprising: transmitting, via a transceiver, a first network message including a transmit power level for the wireless base station and an identifier for the wireless base station; receiving, via the transceiver, a second network message from an end node, the second network message comprising an identifier and a radio frequency signal characteristic for the end node; selecting, using an electronic processor, an interference coordination region for the end node based on radio frequency characteristics for the end node; selecting, with the electronic processor, frequency time resources for the end node based on the interference coordination region; and A third network message is transmitted to the end node via the transceiver, the third network message including the frequency time resource.

12. The method according to claim 11, in, The frequency time resource is defined by a start time, a stop time and a radio frequency; and The selecting of the frequency time resource comprises selecting one of an uplink time slot, a downlink time slot and a peer link time slot.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: receiving a fourth network message from the end node, the fourth network message including an identifier for the end node and an updated radio frequency signal characteristic; selecting an updated interference coordination region for the end node based on the updated radio frequency characteristics for the end node; selecting updated frequency time resources for the end node based on the updated interference coordination region; as well as A fifth network message is transmitted to the end node, wherein the fifth network message includes the updated frequency and time resources.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: determining an interference coordination region for the end node by selecting a conservative interference coordination region for the end node; receiving a fourth network message from the end node, the fourth network message including an identifier for the end node and an updated radio frequency signal characteristic; in response to receiving the fourth network message, selecting an updated interference coordination region for the end node based on the updated radio frequency characteristics for the end node; selecting updated frequency time resources for the end node based on the updated interference coordination region; as well as A fifth network message is transmitted to the end node, wherein the fifth network message includes the updated frequency and time resources.

15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: determining a default interference coordination region for uplink transmissions of an end node; The transmitting of the first network message includes transmitting the default interference coordination area.

16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: receiving a plurality of interference coordination regions associated with a plurality of frequency-time resource blocks; selecting an interference coordination area for the end node from the plurality of interference coordination areas; as well as A frequency time resource for the end node is selected from the plurality of frequency time resource blocks.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: generating a combined frequency time resource from at least two adjacent frequency time resources in the plurality of frequency time resource blocks based on a radio bearer service type for the end node, and generating frequency-time sub-resources based on a radio bearer service type for the end node by splitting one of the plurality of frequency-time resource blocks, The selecting of the frequency time resource for the end node includes: selecting one of the frequency time sub-resource or the combined frequency time resource.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: receiving a plurality of region permutation identifiers associated with the plurality of interference coordination regions; as well as The frequency time resource for the end node is selected further based on a region permutation identifier associated with the interference coordination region, the interference coordination region being associated with the frequency time resource.

19. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: specifying one or more random access frequency time resources from the plurality of frequency time resource blocks; as well as A fourth network message is transmitted, wherein the fourth network message identifies the one or more random access frequency time resources.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Selecting the frequency time resources for the end node includes: further selecting the frequency time resources based on at least one selected from the group consisting of radio bearer service type, service quality type, current network load, current channel load, victim receiver characteristics, number of acks, number of retries, number of channel busyness, spectrum usage strategy and user preemption strategy.

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