Apparatus, methods for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for passive-intermodulation cancellation

Abstract

A first apparatus (110) for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for Passive-Intermodulation Cancellation, PIMC. The first apparatus is configured to: receive, from a first user plane control unit (112), a first uplink, UL, scheduling information (310), and / or a first downlink, DL, scheduling information (320), related to an upcoming time frame; receive, from a second apparatus (120), a second UL scheduling information (510), and / or a second DL scheduling information (520), related to the upcoming time frame (405); determine one or more overlapping slots (710) resulting in a PIM interference in the upcoming time frame; send, to the second apparatus (120) DL data associated to the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), if the one or more overlapping slots (710) result in PIM interference.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS, METHODS FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, SYNCHRONIZATION AND ORCHESTRATION FOR PASSIVE-INTERMODULATION CANCELLATION

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a first apparatus for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for Passive-Intermodulation Cancellation (PIMC), a second apparatus for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for PIMC, corresponding methods, corresponding computer programs, and a corresponding computer readable storage medium.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Passive-Intermodulation (PIM) interference corresponds to an interference phenomenon attributed to sources of non-linearity within a communication network. In particular, PIM may occur from a downlink (DL) signal (e.g., a PIM aggressor) to an uplink (UL) signal (e.g., a PIM victim) in a communication cell site close to base stations antennas when the DL signal is simultaneously transmitted using multiple bands in the DL. PIM interference may deteriorate UL performance.

[0006] In prior art, such as Digital Cancellation of Passive Intermodulation in FDD Transceivers. M. Z. Waheed, P. P. Campo, D. Korpi, A. Kiayani, L Anttila, M. Valkama. Laboratory of Electronics and Communications Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Finclin. December 2018, PIM interference is cancelled within a radio unit as both the DL signal and the UL signal are available within the radio unit.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] A disadvantage in prior art is that each radio unit can cause passive-intermodulation (PIM) interference on other radio units. Thus, it is difficult to cancel PIM interference within a radio unit that is cause by another radio unit, as the PIM aggressor and the PIM victim are in different radio units. An object of the invention is to enable PIM cancellation in a communication cell site.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus is for for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for Passive-Intermodulation Cancellation, PIMC. The first apparatus is configured to receive, from a first user plane control unit, a first uplink, UL, scheduling information, and / or a first downlink, DL, scheduling information, related to an upcoming time frame. The first UL scheduling information comprises one or more UL slots, to be scheduled by the first apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The first DL scheduling information comprises one or more DL slots, to be scheduled by the first apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The first apparatus is configured to receive, from a second apparatus, a second UL scheduling information, and / or a second DL scheduling information, related to the upcoming time frame. The second UL scheduling information comprises one or more UL slots, to be scheduled by the second apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The second DL scheduling information comprises one or more DL slots, to be scheduled by the second apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The first apparatus is configured to determine one or more overlapping slots resulting in a passive-intermodulation, PIM, interference in the upcoming time frame. The one or more overlapping slots comprise the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus overlapping with the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus. The first apparatus is configured to send, to the second apparatus, DL data associated to the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, if the one or more overlapping slots result in PIM interference. Hereby is achieved determination of PIM interference caused by a first apparatus to a second apparatus, and enabling mitigation of the PIM interference.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the first apparatus is configured to send, to the second apparatus, the first UL scheduling information, and / or the first DL scheduling information.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the first apparatus comprises a first baseband unit, and a first PIMC Traffic Orchestrator, PTO. According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the second apparatus comprises a second baseband unit, and a second PTO.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus, and / or the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus, are aligned with one or more: nodeB Frame Number, BFN; Baseband Reference Point, BRP; and / or Antenna Reference Point, ARP.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the first UL scheduling information, the first DL scheduling information, the second UL scheduling information, and / or the second DL scheduling information, are in a bitmap format.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the first UL scheduling information, the first DL scheduling information, the second UL scheduling information, and / or the second DL scheduling information, are received over a backbone interface.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the DL data, sent to the second apparatus, correspond to DL data prepared by the first apparatus up to a beam-to- antenna step.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus is for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for Passive-Intermodulation Cancellation, PIMC. The second apparatus is configured to receive, from a second user-plane control unit, a second uplink, UL, scheduling information, and / or a second downlink, DL, scheduling information, related to an upcoming time frame. The second UL scheduling information comprises one or more UL slots, to be scheduled by the second apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The second DL scheduling information comprises one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The second apparatus is configured to send, to a first apparatus, the second UL scheduling information, and / or the second DL scheduling information. The second apparatus is configured to receive, from the first apparatus, DL data associated to one or more DL slots to be scheduled in the upcoming time frame by the first apparatus. The second apparatus is configured to receive UL data over an air interface during the upcoming time frame. The UL data is associated to the one or more UL slots to be scheduled in the upcoming time frame by the second apparatus. The second apparatus is configured to perform PIMC on the UL data using the DL data.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the second apparatus is configured to receive, from the first apparatus, a first UL scheduling information, and / or a first DL scheduling information, related to the upcoming time frame. The first UL scheduling information comprises one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, in the upcoming time frame. The first DL scheduling information comprises the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, in the upcoming time frame. The second apparatus is configured to determine one or more overlapping slots resulting in a passive-intermodulation interference, PIM, in the upcoming time frame. The one or more overlapping slots comprise the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus overlapping with the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the first apparatus comprises a first baseband unit, and a first PIMC Traffic Orchestrator, PTO.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the second apparatus comprises a second baseband unit, and a second PTO.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus, and / or the one or more DL slots to be scheduling by the second apparatus, are aligned with one or more: nodeB Frame Number, BFN; Baseband Reference Point, BRP; and / or Antenna Reference Point, ARP.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the first UL scheduling information, the first DL scheduling information, the second UL scheduling information, and / or the second DL scheduling information, are in a bitmap format. According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the first UL scheduling information, the first DL scheduling information, the second UL scheduling information, and / or the second DL scheduling information, are received over a backbone interface.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the DL data, received from the first apparatus, correspond to DL data prepared by the first apparatus up to a beam- to-antenna step.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided. The method is performed by a first apparatus. The method is for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for Passive-Intermodulation Cancellation, PIMC. The method comprises receiving, from a first user plane control unit, a first uplink, UL, scheduling information, and / or a first downlink, DL, scheduling information, related to an upcoming time frame. The first UL scheduling information comprises one or more UL slots, to be scheduled by the first apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The first DL scheduling information comprises one or more DL slots, to be scheduled by the first apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The method comprises receiving, from a second apparatus, a second UL scheduling information, and / or a second DL scheduling information, related to the upcoming time frame. The second UL scheduling information comprises one or more UL slots, to be scheduled by the second apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The second DL scheduling information comprises one or more DL slots, to be scheduled by the second apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The method comprises determining one or more overlapping slots resulting in a passive-intermodulation interference, PIM, in the upcoming time frame. The one or more overlapping slots comprise the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus overlapping with the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus. The method comprises sending, to the second apparatus, DL data associated to the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, if the one or more overlapping slots result in PIM interference. According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the method comprises sending, to the second apparatus, the first UL scheduling information, and / or the first DL scheduling information.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the first apparatus comprises a first baseband unit, and a first PIMC Traffic Orchestrator, PTO.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the second apparatus comprises a second baseband unit, and a second PTO.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus, and / or the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus, are aligned with one or more: nodeB Frame Number, BFN; Baseband Reference Point, BRP; and / or Antenna Reference Point, ARP.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the first UL scheduling information, the first DL scheduling information, the second UL scheduling information, and / or the second DL scheduling information, are in a bitmap format.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the first UL scheduling information, the first DL scheduling information, the second UL scheduling information, and / or the second DL scheduling information, are received over a backbone interface.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the DL data, sent to the second apparatus, correspond to DL data prepared by the first apparatus up to a beam-to- antenna step.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method is provided. The method is performed by a second apparatus. The method is for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for Passive-Intermodulation Cancellation, PIMC. The method comprises receiving, from a second user-plane control unit, a second uplink, UL, scheduling information, and / or a second downlink, DL, scheduling information, related to an upcoming time frame. The scheduling UL scheduling information comprises one or more UL slots, to be scheduled by the second apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The second DL scheduling information comprises one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The method comprises sending, to a first apparatus, the second UL scheduling information, and / or the second DL scheduling information. The method comprises receiving, from the first apparatus, DL data associated to one or more DL slots to be scheduled in the upcoming time frame by the first apparatus (110). The method comprises receiving UL data over an air interface during the upcoming time frame. The UL data is associated to the one or more UL slots to be scheduled in the upcoming time frame by the second apparatus. The method comprises performing PIMC on the UL data using the DL data.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the method comprises receiving, from the first apparatus, a first UL scheduling information, and / or a first DL scheduling information, related to the upcoming time frame. The first UL scheduling information comprises one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, in the upcoming time frame. The first DL scheduling information comprises the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, in the upcoming time frame. The method comprises determining one or more overlapping slots resulting in a passive-intermodulation interference, PIM, in the upcoming time frame. The one or more overlapping slots comprise the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus overlapping with the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the first apparatus comprises a first baseband unit, and a first PIMC Traffic Orchestrator, PTO.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the second apparatus comprises a second baseband unit, and a second PTO.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus, and / or the one or more DL slots to be scheduling by the second apparatus, are aligned with one or more: nodeB Frame Number, BFN; Baseband Reference Point, BRP; and / or Antenna Reference Point, ARP.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the first UL scheduling information, the first DL scheduling information, the second UL scheduling information, and / or the second DL scheduling information, are in a bitmap format.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the first UL scheduling information, the first DL scheduling information, the second UL scheduling information, and / or the second DL scheduling information, are received over a backbone interface.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the DL data, received from the first apparatus, correspond to DL data prepared by the first apparatus up to a beam-to- antenna step.

[0038] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided. The computer program comprises comprising instructions, which when executed on a first apparatus, causes the first apparatus to perform the method according to one or more embodiments of the third aspect of the invention.

[0039] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided. The computer program comprises instructions, which when executed on a second apparatus, causes the second apparatus to perform the method according to one or more embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0040] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a computer readable storage medium is provided. The computer readable storage medium comprises a computer program according to the fifth aspect of the invention. The computer readable storage medium comprises a computer program according to the sixth aspect of the invention. At least one or more embodiments advantageously enable to synchronize PIMC between a first apparatus and a second apparatus. In particular, PIM interference caused by the first apparatus is cancelled in the second apparatus.

[0041] At least one or more embodiments advantageously enable to reduce PIM interference.

[0042] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed description, the drawings, and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The above, as well as additional object, features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a communication network.

[0046] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a method performed by a first apparatus.

[0047] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the first apparatus.

[0048] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a first UL scheduling information and a first DL scheduling information.

[0049] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the first apparatus.

[0050] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a second UL scheduling information and a second DL scheduling information.

[0051] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the first apparatus. Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the first apparatus.

[0052] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the first apparatus.

[0053] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a method performed by a second apparatus.

[0054] Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the second apparatus.

[0055] Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the second apparatus.

[0056] Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the second apparatus.

[0057] Figure 13 shows an illustrative example of messages exchanged between a first apparatus and a second apparatus.

[0058] Figure 14 shows a block diagram of a first apparatus.

[0059] Figure 15 shows a block diagram of a second apparatus.

[0060] Figure 16 shows a block diagram of a first apparatus.

[0061] Figure 17 shows a block diagram of a second apparatus.

[0062] All figures are schematic, and generally show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.

[0063] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The invention will now be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0065] State of the art passive-intermodulation cancellation (PIMC) is performed in an apparatus on its own passive-intermodulation (PIM) interference. However, the apparatus is not able to reduce PIM interference caused by another apparatus.

[0066] To over this problem, the solution to be disclosed, in its embodiments, provides a first apparatus for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for PIMC. The first apparatus is configured to receive, from a first user plane control unit, a first uplink (UL) scheduling information related to an upcoming time frame, and / or a first downlink (DL) scheduling information related to the upcoming time frame. The first UL scheduling information comprises one or more UL slots, to be scheduled by the first apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The first DL scheduling information comprises one or more DL slots, to be scheduled by the first apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The first apparatus is configured to receive, from a second apparatus, a second UL scheduling information related to the upcoming time frame, and / or a second DL scheduling information related to the upcoming time frame. The second UL scheduling information comprises one or more UL slots, to be scheduled by the second apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The second DL scheduling information comprises one or more DL slots, to be scheduled by the second apparatus, during the upcoming time frame. The first apparatus is configured to determine one or more overlapping slots resulting in a passive-intermodulation interference (PIM) in the upcoming time frame. The one or more overlapping slots comprise the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus overlapping with the one or more UL slots to be scheduled by the second apparatus. The first apparatus is configured to send, to the second apparatus, DL data associated to the one or more DL slots to be scheduled by the first apparatus, if the one or more overlapping slots result in PIM interference.

[0067] The present invention in its embodiments allows to determine PIM interference cause another apparatus. Thus, the apparatus is able to orchestrate PIMC between apparatus. In particular, the apparatus is able to determine PIM interference caused by another apparatus. In Figure 1, a communication network 100 is provided. The communication network 100 comprises a first apparatus 110. The communication network 100 comprises a second apparatus 120.

[0068] The communication network 100 may correspond to a wireless network. For simplicity, the communication network 100 only depicts the first apparatus 110, and the second apparatus 120. In practice, a wireless network may further include any additional elements suitable to support communication between communication devices, such as a wireless device, landline telephone, a service provider, or any other network node or end device. The wireless network may comprise and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, and / or radio network or other similar type of system. In some embodiments, the wireless network may be configured to operate according to specific standards or other types of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, particular embodiments of the wireless network may implement communication standards, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G standards; wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the IEEE 802.11 standards; and / or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave and / or ZigBee standards.

[0069] The first apparatus 110 may comprise a first baseband unit 111. The first apparatus 110 may comprise a first user plane controller (UPC) unit 112. The first apparatus 110 may comprise a first PIMC Traffic Orchestrator (PTO) 113. The first apparatus 110 may comprise a first PIMC unit 114.

[0070] The first apparatus 110 may be a network node.

[0071] The first baseband unit 111 may implement baseband functionalities, such as transmission of a signal in its original unmodulated form.

[0072] The first UPC unit 112 may implement user plane controller functionalities, such as sending and / or receiving user data.

[0073] The first PTO 113 may implement sending and / or receiving UL scheduling information, and / or sending and / or DL scheduling information. The first PTO 113 may implement orchestration functionality between the first UPC unit 112 and the first PIMC unit 114. The first PTO 113 may implement detection functionalities of PIM interference.

[0074] The first PIMC unit 114 may implement a PIMC algorithm. The PIMC algorithm may be one of the PIM cancellation mitigation techniques described, for example, in “WHITE PAPER - Passive Inter-modulation sources and cancellation methods”, Yupana, 2022.

[0075] In an embodiment, the first baseband unit 111 , the first UPC unit 112, the first PTO unit 113, and / or the first PIMC unit 114 are a same first unit.

[0076] The second apparatus 120 may comprise a second baseband unit 121. The second apparatus 120 may comprise a second UPC unit 122. The second apparatus 120 may comprise a second PTO 123. The second apparatus 120 may comprise a second PIMC unit 124.

[0077] The second apparatus 120 may be a network node.

[0078] The second baseband unit 121 may implement baseband functionalities, such as transmission of a signal in its original unmodulated form.

[0079] The second UPC unit 122 may implement user plane controller functionalities, such as sending and / or receiving user data.

[0080] The second PTO 123 may implement sending and / or receiving UL scheduling information, and / or sending and / or receiving DL scheduling information. The second PTO 123 may implement orchestration functionality between the second UPC unit 112 and the second PIMC unit 124. The second PTO 123 may implement detection functionalities of PIM interference.

[0081] The second PIMC unit 124 may implement a PIMC algorithm. The PIMC algorithm may be one of the PIM cancellation mitigation techniques described, for example, in “WHITE PAPER - Passive Inter-modulation sources and cancellation methods”, Yupana, 2022.

[0082] In an embodiment, the second baseband unit 121 , the second UPC unit 122, the second PTO unit 123, and / or the second PIMC unit 124 are a same second unit.

[0083] The first apparatus 110 may be associated to a first radio unit. The second apparatus 112 may be associated to a second radio unit. Thus, a DL data originating from the first apparatus 110 may cause PIM interference to UL data destined to the second apparatus 120. In this case, the DL data from the first apparatus 110 is a PIM aggressor to the UL data for the second apparatus 120, and the UL data for the second apparatus 120 is a PIM victim to the DL data from the first apparatus 110.

[0084] The network nodes may comprise various components described herein in more detail below. These components work together to provide the network nodes functionality, such as providing wireless connections in a wireless network. In one or more embodiments, the wireless network may comprise any number of wired networks and / or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, communication devices, relay stations, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals whether via wired connections and / or wireless connections. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a communication device and / or with other network nodes and / or equipment in the wireless network to enable and / or provide wireless access to the communication device and / or to perform other functions (e.g., administration) in the wireless network. Examples of the network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (AP) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BS) (e.g., radio base stations, nodeBs, evolved NodeBs, and NR NodeBs (gNBs)). Base stations may be categorized based on an amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and may then also be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS). Yet further examples of network nodes include multistandard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi- cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), core network nodes (e.g., MSCs, MMEs), O&M nodes, OSS nodes, SON nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., E-SMLCs), and / or MDTs. As another example, a network node may be a virtual network node. More generally, however, network nodes may represent any suitable device (or group of devices) capable, configured, arranged, and / or operable to enable and / or provide a wireless device with access to the wireless network or to provide some service to a wireless device that has accessed the wireless network.

[0085] The first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may communicate over a backbone interface 130. The backbone interface 130 may be a mini-link interface. The backbone interface 130 may be a radio backbone interface.

[0086] In Figure 2, a flowchart depicting an embodiment of a method 200 is provided. The method 200 is performed by a first apparatus 110. The method 200 is for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for PIMC.

[0087] The method 200 comprises receiving 210 a first uplink (UL) scheduling information 310 related to an upcoming time frame 405 and / or a first downlink (DL) scheduling information 320 related to the upcoming time frame 405. In Figure 3, an embodiment of the step 110 of the method 100 is provided. The first UL scheduling information 310 may be received from the first UPC unit 112. The first UL scheduling information 310 may be received by the first PTO 113. The first DL scheduling information 310 may be received from the first UPC unit 112. The first DL scheduling information 320 may be received by the first PTO 113.

[0088] The first UL scheduling information 310 may comprise one or more UL slots 410. The first UL scheduling information 310 may comprise timing of the one or more UL slots 410. The first UL scheduling information 310 may comprises frequency bands for the one or more UL slots 410. The first UL scheduling information 310 may comprise bandwidth use for the one or more UL slots 410. The first UL scheduling information 310 may comprise transmission power of the one or more UL slots 310. In Figure 4, an embodiment of the first UL scheduling information 310 is provided. The one or more UL slots 410 may to be scheduled by the first apparatus 110. The one or more UL slots 410 may to be scheduled during the upcoming time frame 405. The one or more UL slots 410 may be aligned with one or more nodeB Frame Number (BFN). The one or more UL slots 410 may be aligned with one or more Baseband Reference Point (BRP). The one or more UL slots 410 may be aligned with one or more Antenna Reference Point (ARP). In particular, the one or more UL slots 410 are aligned with a common time reference. The common time reference may be the one or more BNF. The common time reference may be the one or more BRP. The common time reference may be the one or more ARP.

[0089] The one or more UL slots 410 may be in a bitmap format. For example, in the Figure 4, each of the one or more UL slots 410 are represented with a bit, such as 1 or 0.

[0090] The first DL scheduling information 320 may comprise one or more DL slots 420. The first DL scheduling information 320 may comprise timing of the one or more DL slots 420. The first DL scheduling information 320 may comprises frequency bands for the one or more DL slots 420. The first DL scheduling information 320 may comprise bandwidth use for the one or more DL slots 420. The first DL scheduling information 320 may comprise transmission power of the one or more DL slots 420. In Figure 4, an embodiment of the first DL scheduling information 320 is provided. The one or more DL slots 420 may to be scheduled by the first apparatus 110. The one or more DL slots 420 may to be scheduled during the upcoming time frame 405. The one or more DL slots 420 may be aligned with one or more nodeB Frame Number (BFN). The one or more DL slots 420 may be aligned with one or more Baseband Reference Point (BRP). The one or more DL slots 420 may be aligned with one or more Antenna Reference Point (ARP). In particular, the one or more DL slots 420 are aligned with a common time reference. The common time reference may be the one or more BNF. The common time reference may be the one or more BRP. The common time reference may be the one or more ARP.

[0091] The one or more DL slots 420 may be in a bitmap format. For example, in the Figure 4, each of the one or more DL slots 420 are represented with a bit, such as 1 or 0.

[0092] In an embodiment, the one or more UL slots 410 and the one or more DL slots 420 are aligned with the same one or more BNF. In an embodiment, the one or more UL slots 410 and the one or more DL slots 420 are aligned with the same one or more BRP. In an embodiment, the one or more UL slots 410 and the one or more DL slots 420 are aligned with the same one or more ARP. In particular, the one or more UL slots 410 and the one or more DL slots 420 are aligned with a common time reference.

[0093] Even if the first UL scheduling information 310, as illustrated in Figure 4, comprises 10 UL slots, and the first DL scheduling information 320, as illustrated in the Figure 4, comprises 10 DL slots, the skilled person would understand that it is possible to have only one UL slot and / or only one DL slot, or more than one UL slots and / or more than one DL slots (e.g., a plurality of UL slots, a plurality of DL slots).

[0094] The method 200 comprises receiving 120, from a second apparatus 120, a second UL scheduling information 510 and / or a second DL scheduling information 520, related to the upcoming time frame 405. In Figure 5, an embodiment of the step 120 of the method 100 is provided. The second UL scheduling information 510 may be received from the second PTO 123. The second UL scheduling information 510 may be received by the first PTO 113. The second DL scheduling information 520 may be received from the second PTO 123. The second DL scheduling information 520 may be received by the first PTO 123.

[0095] The second UL scheduling information 510 may comprise one or more UL slots 610. The first UL scheduling information 510 may comprise timing of the one or more UL slots 610. The first UL scheduling information 510 may comprises frequency bands for the one or more UL slots 610. The first UL scheduling information 510 may comprise bandwidth use for the one or more UL slots 610. The first UL scheduling information 510 may comprise transmission power of the one or more UL slots 610. In Figure 6, an embodiment of the second UL scheduling information 510 is provided. The one or more UL slots 610 may to be scheduled by the second apparatus 120. The one or more UL slots 610 may to be scheduled during the upcoming time frame 405.

[0096] The one or more UL slots 610 may be aligned with one or more nodeB Frame Number (BFN). The one or more UL slots 610 may be aligned with one or more Baseband Reference Point (BRP). The one or more UL slots 610 may be aligned with one or more Antenna Reference Point (ARP). In particular, the one or more UL slots 610 are aligned with a common time reference. The common time reference may be the one or more BNF. The common time reference may be the one or more BRP. The common time reference may be the one or more ARP.

[0097] The one or more UL slots 610 may be in a bitmap format. For example, in the Figure 6, each of the one or more UL slots 610 are represented with a bit, such as 1 or 0. 1 may indicate that a UL reception is scheduled in the upcoming frame 405. 0 may indicate that a UL reception is not scheduling in the upcoming frame 405.

[0098] The second UL scheduling information 510 may be received over the backbone interface 130.

[0099] The second DL scheduling information 520 may comprise one or more DL slots 620. The first DL scheduling information 520 may comprise timing of the one or more DL slots 620. The first DL scheduling information 520 may comprises frequency bands for the one or more DL slots 410. The first DL scheduling information 520 may comprise bandwidth use for the one or more DL slots 620. The first DL scheduling information 520 may comprise transmission power of the one or more DL slots 620. In Figure 6, an embodiment of the second DL scheduling information 620 is provided. The one or more DL slots 620 may to be scheduled by the second apparatus 110. The one or more DL slots 620 may to be scheduled during the upcoming time frame 405. The one or more DL slots 620 may be aligned with one or more nodeB Frame Number (BFN). The one or more DL slots 620 may be aligned with one or more Baseband Reference Point (BRP). The one or more DL slots 620 may be aligned with one or more Antenna Reference Point (ARP). In particular, the one or more DL slots 620 are aligned with a common time reference. The common time reference may be the one or more BNF. The common time reference may be the one or more BRP. The common time reference may be the one or more ARP.

[0100] The one or more DL slots 620 may be in a bitmap format. For example, in the Figure 6, each of the one or more DL slots 620 are represented with a bit, such as 1 or 0. 1 may indicate that a DL transmission is scheduled in the upcoming frame 405. 0 may indicate that a DL transmission is not scheduling in the upcoming frame 405.

[0101] The second DL scheduling information 520 may be received over the backbone interface 130.

[0102] In an embodiment, the one or more UL slots 610 and the one or more DL slots 620 are aligned with the same one or more BNF. In an embodiment, the one or more UL slots 610 and the one or more DL slots 620 are aligned with the same one or more BRP. In an embodiment, the one or more UL slots 610 and the same one or more DL slots 620 are aligned with the one or more ARP. In particular, the one or more UL slots 610 and the one or more DL slots 620 are aligned with a common time reference.

[0103] Even if the second UL scheduling information 610, as illustrated in Figure 6, comprises 10 UL slots, and the second DL scheduling information 620, as illustrated in the Figure 6, comprises 10 DL slots, the skilled person would understand that it is possible to have only one UL slot and / or only one DL slot, or more than one UL slots and / or more than one DL slots (e.g., a plurality of UL slots, a plurality of DL slots).

[0104] The method 200 comprises determining 230 one or more overlapping slots resulting in a PIM interference in the upcoming frame 405. In Figure 7, an embodiment of the step 230 of the method 200 is provided. The one or more overlapping slots 710 may comprise the one or more DL slots 420 to be scheduled by the first apparatus 110 overlapping with the one or more UL slots 710 to be scheduled by the second apparatus 120. The one or more overlapping slots 710 result in a passiveintermodulation (PIM) interference.

[0105] In other words, the one or more overlapping slots 710 may correspond to the one or more DL slots 420 to be scheduled by the first apparatus 110 that are aggressor to the one or more UL slots 710 to be scheduled by the second apparatus 120.

[0106] In an embodiment, the step of determining 230 may comprise computing a bitwise logical AND operation on each of the one or more DL slots 420 to be scheduled by the first apparatus 110, and on each of the one or more UL slots 710 to be scheduled by the second apparatus 120. In the event, the bitwise logical AND operation results in “1”, then there may be PIM interference.

[0107] In an embodiment, the step of determining 230 is based on one or more of: the timing of the one or more DL slots 420; the timing of the one or more UL slots 610; the frequency bands of the one or more DL slots 420, the frequency bands of the one or more UL slots 610; the bandwidth of the one or more DL slots 420; the bandwidth of the one or more UL slots 610; the transmission power of the one or more DL slots 420; and / or the transmission power of the one or more UL slots 610. In an embodiment, the step of determining 230 is performed by the first PTO 113. In an embodiment, the method 200 comprises sending 240, to the second apparatus 120, the first UL scheduling information 310, and / or the first DL scheduling information 320. In Figure 8, an embodiment of the step 240 of the method 100 is provided. The first UL scheduling information 310 may correspond to the first UL scheduling information 310 as described herein with reference to Figure 4. The first UL scheduling information 310 may be sent over the backbone interface 130. The first UL scheduling information 310 may be sent by the first PTO 113. The first UL scheduling information 310 may be sent to the second PTO 123. The first DL scheduling information 320 may correspond to the first DL scheduling information 320 as described herein in reference to Figure 4. The first DL scheduling information 320 may be sent over the backbone interface 130. The first DL scheduling information 320 may be sent by the first PTO 113. The first DL scheduling information 320 may be received by the second PTO 123. The first UL scheduled information 310 and / or the first DL scheduling information 320 may be sent to the second apparatus 120 so that the second apparatus 120 may determine, in the same manner as the first apparatus 110, the one or more overlapping slots 710 resulting in PIM interference in the upcoming frame 405.

[0108] The method 200 comprises sending 250, to the second apparatus 120, DL data 910 associated to the one or more DL slots 320 to be scheduled by the first apparatus 110, if the one or more overlapping slots 710 result in PIM interference. In an embodiment, the DL data 910 may be associated to the one or more DL slots 320 to be scheduled by the first apparatus 110 that corresponding to the one or more overlapping slots 710. In particular, in the example illustrated in Figure 7, the DL data sent in the step 250 of the method 100 may correspond to: DL data associated to the first slot of the one or more DL slots 420, DL data associated to the sixth slot of the one or more DL slots 420, and DL data associated to the ninth DL slot of the one or more DL slots 420.

[0109] In an embodiment, the DL data 910, sent to the second apparatus 120, may correspond to DL data 910 prepared by the first apparatus 110 up to a beam-to- antenna step. For example, the DL data 910 may be prepared in a symbol level. In particular, the DL data 910 may be prepared by the first apparatus as if the DL data 910 would have been transmitted over the air, except for power amplification. In Figure 9, an embodiment of the step 250 of the method 200 is provided. The DL data 910 may be sent from the first PIMC unit 114. The DL data 910 may be sent to the second PIMC unit 124.

[0110] By sending 250 the DL data 910 to the second apparatus 120, the second apparatus 120 is able to perform PIMC based on the DL data 910.

[0111] In Figure 10, a flowchart depicting an embodiment of a method 1000 is provided. The method 1000 is performed by the second apparatus 120. The method 1000 is for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for PIMC.

[0112] The method 1000 comprises receiving 1010 the second UL scheduling information 510 related to the upcoming time frame 405, and / or the second DL scheduling information 520 related to the upcoming time frame 405. In Figure 11, an embodiment of the step 1010 of the method 1000 is provided. The second UL scheduling information 510 may be received from the second UPC unit 122. The second UL scheduling information 510 may be received by the second PTO 123. The second DL scheduling information 520 may be received from the second UPC unit 122. The second DL scheduling information 520 may be received by the second PTO 123.

[0113] The second UL scheduling information 510 may correspond to the second UL scheduling UL information 510 as described herein with reference to Figure 6. The second DL scheduling information 520 may correspond to the second DL scheduling information 520 as described with reference to Figure 6.

[0114] The method 1000 comprises sending 1020, to the first apparatus 110 the second UL scheduling information 510, and / or the second DL scheduling information 520. The second UL scheduling information 510 of the step 1020 may correspond to the second UL scheduling information 510 of the step 210 of the method 200. The second DL scheduling information 520 of the step 1020 may correspond to the second DL scheduling information 520 of the step 210 of the method 200.

[0115] In an embodiment, the method 1000 comprises receiving 1030, from the first apparatus 110, the first UL scheduling information 310 related to the upcoming time frame 405, and / or the first DL scheduling information 320 related to the upcoming time frame 405. The first UL scheduling information 310 of the step 1030 may correspond to the first UL scheduling information 310 of the step 240 of the method 200 as described herein. The first DL scheduling information 320 of the step 1030 may correspond to the first DL scheduling information 320 of the step 240 of the method 200 as described herein.

[0116] In an embodiment, the method 1000 comprises determining 1040 the one or more overlapping slots 710 resulting in PIM interference in the upcoming time frame 405. The one or more overlapping slots 710 of the step 1040 may correspond to the one or more overlapping slots 710 as described herein with reference to Figure 7. The step of determining 1040 may be performed by the second apparatus 120 in the same manner as the step of determining 230 of the method 200, as described herein, is performed by the first apparatus 110. The step of determining 1040 may be performed by the second PTO 123.

[0117] The method 1000 comprises receiving 1050, from the first apparatus 110, the DL data 910 associated to the one or more DL slots 420 to be scheduled in the upcoming time frame 405 by the first apparatus 110. The DL data 910 of the step 1050 may correspond to the DL data 910 of the step 250 of the method 200 as described herein.

[0118] The method 1000 comprises receiving 1060 UL data 1210 over an air interface 1220 during the upcoming time frame 405. The UL data 1220 is associated to the one or more UL slots 610 to be scheduled in the upcoming time frame 405 by the second apparatus 120. In Figure 12, an embodiment of the step 1060 of the method 1000 is provided. The air interface 1220 may be a communication link between the second apparatus 120 and a communication device 1230. The air interface 1220 may be a radio communications interface shared by the communication device 1230, and the second apparatus 120. The UL data 1220 may be sent by a communication device 1230.

[0119] The communication device 1230 may be a wireless device. As used herein, wireless device (WD) refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other wireless devices. Unless otherwise noted, the term WD may be used interchangeably herein with user equipment (UE). Communicating wirelessly may involve transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information through air. In some embodiments, a WD may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a WD may be designed to transmit information to a network on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the network. Examples of a WD include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a cell phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless cameras, a gaming console or device, a music storage device, a playback appliance, a wearable terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a tablet, a laptop, a laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop-mounted equipment (LME), a smart device, a wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, etc. A WD may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to- infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and may in this case be referred to as a D2D communication device. As yet another specific example, in an Internet of Things (loT) scenario, a WD may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another WD and / or a network node. The WD may in this case be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the WD may be a UE implementing the 3GPP narrow band internet of things (NB-loT) standard. Particular examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, or home or personal appliances (e.g. refrigerators, televisions, etc.) personal wearables (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, a WD may represent a vehicle or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation. A WD as described above may represent the endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. Furthermore, a WD as described above may be mobile, in which case it may also be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal. The method 1000 comprises performing 1070 PIMC on the UL data 1210 using the DL data 910. The PIMC may comprise cancelling the PIM interference by removing the DL data 910 received in the step 1050 of the step 1000 from the UL data 1210 received in the step 1060 of the method 1000. PIMC may be performed by the second PIMC unit 124.

[0120] In Figure 13, an illustrative example of message exchanges between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120, according to one or more embodiments, is provided.

[0121] The first apparatus 110 is configured to receive a first UL scheduling information 1310. In an embodiment, the first UL scheduling information 1310 corresponds to the first UL scheduling information 310 of the step 210 of the method 200.

[0122] The first apparatus 110 is configured to receive a first DL scheduling information 1320. In an embodiment, the first DL scheduling information 1310 corresponds to the first DL scheduling information 320 of the step 210 of the method 200.

[0123] In an embodiment, the first apparatus 110 is configured to receive the first UL scheduling information 1310 and / or the first DL scheduling information 1320 simultaneously.

[0124] The first apparatus 110 is configured to receive, from the second apparatus 120, a second UL scheduling information 1330. In an embodiment, the second UL scheduling information 1330 corresponds to the second UL scheduling information 510 of the step 220 of the method 200. In an embodiment, the second UL scheduling information 1330 corresponds to the second UL scheduling information 510 of the step 1020 of the method 1000.

[0125] The first apparatus 120 is configured to receive, from the second apparatus 120, a second DL scheduling information 1340. In an embodiment, the second DL scheduling information 1340 corresponds to the second DL scheduling information 520 of the step 220 of the method 200. In an embodiment, the second DL scheduling information 1340 corresponds to the second DL scheduling information 520 of the step 1020 of the method 1000.

[0126] In an embodiment, the first apparatus 120 is configured to receive the second DL scheduling information 1330 and / or the second DL scheduling information 1340 simultaneously.

[0127] In an embodiment, the first apparatus 110 is configured to send, to the second apparatus 120, the first UL scheduling information 1310. In an embodiment, the first UL scheduling information 1310 corresponds to the first UL scheduling information 310 of the step 240 of the method 200. In an embodiment, the first UL scheduling information 1310 corresponds to the first UL scheduling information 310 of the step 1030 of the method 1000.

[0128] In an embodiment, the first apparatus 110 is configured to send, to the second apparatus 120, the first DL scheduling information 1320. In an embodiment, the first DL scheduling information 1320 corresponds to the first DL scheduling information 320 of the step 240 of the method 200. In an embodiment, the first DL scheduling information 1320 corresponds to the first DL scheduling information 320 of the step 1030 of the method 1000.

[0129] In an embodiment, the first apparatus 110 is configured send, to the second apparatus 120, the first UL scheduling information 1310 and / or the first DL scheduling information simultaneously.

[0130] The first apparatus 110 is configured to send, to the second apparatus 120, DL data 1350. In an embodiment, the DL data 1350 corresponds to the DL data 910 of the step 250 of the method 200. In an embodiment, the DL data 1350 corresponds to the DL data 910 of the step 1050 of the method 1000.

[0131] The second apparatus 120 is configured to receive second UL scheduling information 1330. In an embodiment, the second UL scheduling information 1330 corresponds to the second UL scheduling information 510 of the step 1010 of the method 1000. The second apparatus 120 is configured to receive second DL scheduling information 1340. In an embodiment, the second DL scheduling information 1340 corresponds to the second DL scheduling information 520 of the step 1010 of the method 1000.

[0132] In an embodiment, the second apparatus 120 is configured to receive the second UL scheduling information 1330, and / or the second DL scheduling information 1340, simultaneously.

[0133] The second apparatus 120 is configured to receive UL data 1360. In an embodiment, the UL data 1360 corresponds to the UL data 1210 of the step 1060 of the method 1000.

[0134] In Figure 14, a block diagram of the first apparatus 110 is provided. The first apparatus 110 comprises first receiving unit 1410. The first apparatus 110 comprises a second receiving unit 1420. The first apparatus 110 comprises a determining unit 1430. The first apparatus 110 comprises a first sending unit 1440.

[0135] The first receiving unit 1410 is configured to cause the first apparatus 110 to perform the step 210 of the method 200 as described herein.

[0136] The second receiving unit 1420 is configured to cause the first apparatus 110 to perform the step 220 of the method 200 as described herein.

[0137] The determining unit 1430 is configured to cause the first apparatus 110 to perform the step 230 of the method 200 as described herein.

[0138] The first sending unit 1440 is configured to cause the first apparatus 110 to perform the step 250 of the method 200 as described herein.

[0139] In an embodiment, the first apparatus 110 comprises a second sending unit 1450. The second sending unit 1450 is configured to cause the first apparatus 110 to perform the step 240 of the method 200 as described herein. In an embodiment, the first receiving unit 1410 and the second receiving unit 1420 are a same unit, such as a receiving unit 1425.

[0140] In an embodiment, the first sending unit 1440 and the second sending unit 1450 are a same unit, such as a sending unit 1455.

[0141] In an embodiment, the first receiving unit 1410, the second receiving unit 1420, the first sending unit 1440, and the second sending unit 1450 are a same unit, such as a transceiver unit 1460.

[0142] The first receiving unit 1410, the second receiving unit 1420, the determining unit 1430, the first sending unit 1440, and the second sending unit 1450, illustrated in Figure 14, may be implemented as a hardware solution or as a combination of software and hardware, e.g., by one or more of: a processor or a micro-processor and adequate software and memory for storing of the software, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) or other electronic component(s) or processing circuitry configured to perform the actions described above with regards to the method 200.

[0143] In Figure 15, a block diagram of the second apparatus 120 is provided. The second apparatus 120 comprises a first receiving unit 1510. The second apparatus 120 comprises a sending unit 1520. The second apparatus 120 comprises a second receiving unit 1530. The second apparatus 120 comprises a third receiving unit 1540. The second apparatus 120 comprises a performing unit 1550.

[0144] The first receiving unit 1510 is configured to cause the second apparatus 120 to perform the step 1010 of the method 1000 as described herein.

[0145] The sending unit 1520 is configured to cause the second apparatus 120 to perform the step 1020 of the method 1000 as described herein.

[0146] The second receiving unit 1530 is configured to cause the second apparatus 120 to perform the step 1050 of the method 1000 as described herein. The third receiving unit 1540 is configured to cause the second apparatus 120 to perform the step 1060 of the method 1000 as described herein.

[0147] The performing unit 1550 is configured to cause the second apparatus 120 to perform the step 1070 of the method 1000 as described herein.

[0148] In an embodiment, the second apparatus 120 comprises a fourth receiving unit 1560. The fourth receiving unit 1560 is configured to cause the second apparatus 120 to perform the step 1030 of the method 1000 as described herein.

[0149] In an embodiment, the second apparatus 120 comprises a determining unit 1570. The determining unit 1570 is configured to cause the second apparatus 120 to perform the step 1040 of the method 1000 as described herein.

[0150] In an embodiment, the first receiving unit 1510, the second receiving unit 1530, the third receiving unit 1540, and the fourth receiving unit 1560, are a same unit, such as a receiving unit 1565.

[0151] In an embodiment, the first receiving unit 1510, the second receiving unit 1530, the third receiving unit 1540, the fourth receiving unit 1560, and the sending unit 1520, are a same unit, such as a transceiver unit 1575.

[0152] In an embodiment, the performing unit 1550 and the determining unit are a same unit 1580.

[0153] The first receiving unit 1510, the second receiving unit 1530, the third receiving unit 1540, the fourth receiving unit 1560, the sending unit 1520, the performing unit 1550, and the determining unit 1570, illustrated in Figure 15, may be implemented as a hardware solution or as a combination of software and hardware, e.g., by one or more of: a processor or a micro-processor and adequate software and memory for storing of the software, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) or other electronic component(s) or processing circuitry configured to perform the actions described above with regards to the method 1000. In Figure 16, an embodiment of the first apparatus 110 is provided. The first apparatus 110 comprises a processor 1610, and a computer readable storage medium 1620 in the form of a memory 1625. The memory 1625 contains a computer program 1630 comprising instructions executable by the processor 1610 whereby the first apparatus 110 is operative to perform the steps of the method 200.

[0154] In Figure 17, an embodiment of the second apparatus 120 is provided. The second apparatus 120 comprises a processor 1710, and a computer readable storage medium 1720 in the form of a memory 1725. The memory 1725 contains a computer program 1730 comprising instructions executable by the processor 1710 whereby the second apparatus 120 is operative to perform the steps of the method 1000.

[0155] The (non-transitory) computer readable storage media mentioned above may be an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, Field Programmable Gate Array, and a hard drive.

[0156] The processor 1610 of Figure 16, and the processor 1710 of Figure 17 may be a single Central Processing Unit (CPU), but could also comprise two or more processing units. For example, the processor 1610 of Figure 16, and the processor 1710 of Figure 17 may include general purpose microprocessors; instructions set processors and / or related chips sets and / or special purpose microprocessors such as Application Specific Circuits (ASICs). The processor 1610 of Figure 16, and the processor 1710 of Figure 17 may also comprise board memory for caching purposes.

[0157] The computer program 1630 of Figure 16, and the computer program 1730 of Figure 17 may be carried by a computer program product connected to the processor 1610 of Figure 16, and the processor 1710 of Figure 17. The computer program products may be or comprise a non-transitory computer readable storage medium on which the computer program 1630 of Figure 16, and the computer program 1730 of Figure 17 are stored. For example, the computer program products may be a flash memory, a Random-Access memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), or an EEPROM, and the computer programs described above could in alternative embodiments be distributed on different computer program products in the form of memories. It should be understood that although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, the first UL scheduling information could be termed the second UL scheduling information, and similarly, the second UL scheduling information could be termed the first UL scheduling information.

[0158] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limited of example embodiments. As used herein, the single forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes”, and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc. but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0159] The disclosure has been described above in reference to embodiments thereof. It should be understood that various modifications, alternatives, and additions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the above particular embodiments but only defined by the claims as attached.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A first apparatus (110) for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for Passive-Intermodulation Cancellation, PIMC, the first apparatus (110) is configured to:- receive, from a first user plane control unit (112), a first uplink, UL, scheduling information (310), and / or a first downlink, DL, scheduling information (320), related to an upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the first UL scheduling information (310) comprises one or more UL slots (410), to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), during the upcoming time frame (405), and / or o wherein the first DL scheduling information (320) comprises one or more DL slots (420), to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), during the upcoming time frame (405);- receive, from a second apparatus (120), a second UL scheduling information (510), and / or a second DL scheduling information (520), related to the upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the second UL scheduling information (510) comprises one or more UL slots (610), to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), during the upcoming time frame (405), and / or o wherein the second DL scheduling information (520) comprises one or more DL slots (620), to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), during the upcoming time frame (405);- determine one or more overlapping slots (710) resulting in a passiveintermodulation, PIM, interference in the upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the one or more overlapping slots (710) comprise the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110) overlapping with the one or more UL slots (710) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120),- send, to the second apparatus (120), DL data (910) associated to the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), if the one or more overlapping slots (710) result in PIM interference.

2. The first apparatus (110) according to claims 1 , is configured to:send, to the second apparatus (120), the first UL scheduling information (310), and / or the first DL scheduling information (320).

3. The first apparatus (110) according to one or more of claims 1 -2, wherein the first apparatus (110) comprises a first baseband unit (111 ), and a first PIMC Traffic Orchestrator, PTO (113).

4. The first apparatus (110) according to one or more of claims 1-3, wherein the second apparatus (120) comprises a second baseband unit (121 ), and a second PTO (123).

5. The first apparatus (110) according to one or more of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more UL slots (410) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), the one or more UL slots (610) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), and / or the one or more DL slots (620) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), are aligned with one or more:- nodeB Frame Number, BFN;- Baseband Reference Point, BRP; and / or- Antenna Reference Point, ARP.

6. The first apparatus (110) according to one or more of claims 1-5, wherein the first UL scheduling information (310), the first DL scheduling information (320), the second UL scheduling information (510), and / or the second DL scheduling information (520), are in a bitmap format.

7. The first apparatus (110) according to one or more of claims 1-6, wherein the first UL scheduling information (310), the first DL scheduling information (320), the second UL scheduling information (510), and / or the second DL scheduling information (520), are received over a backbone interface (130).

8. The first apparatus (110) according to one or more of claims 1-7, wherein the DL data (910), sent to the second apparatus (120), correspond to DL data (910) prepared by the first apparatus (110) up to a beam-to-antenna step.

9. A second apparatus (120) for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for Passive-Intermodulation Cancellation, PIMC, the second apparatus (120) is configured to:- receive, from a second user-plane control unit (122), a second uplink, UL, scheduling information (510), and / or a second downlink, DL, scheduling information (520), related to an upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the second UL scheduling information (510) comprises one or more UL slots (610), to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), during the upcoming time frame (405), and / or o wherein the second DL scheduling information (520) comprises one or more DL slots (620) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), during the upcoming time frame (405);- send, to a first apparatus (110), the second UL scheduling information (510), and / or the second DL scheduling information (520);- receive, from the first apparatus (110), DL data (910) associated to one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled in the upcoming time frame (405) by the first apparatus (110);- receive UL data (1210) over an air interface (1220) during the upcoming time frame (405), wherein the UL data (1210) is associated to the one or more UL slots (610) to be scheduled in the upcoming time frame (405) by the second apparatus (120); and / or- perform PIMC on the UL data (1210) using the DL data (910).

10. The second apparatus (120) according to claim 9, is configured to:- receive, from the first apparatus (110), a first UL scheduling information (310), and / or a first DL scheduling information (320), related to the upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the first UL scheduling information (310) comprises one or more UL slots (410) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), in the upcoming time frame (405), and / or o wherein the first DL scheduling information (320) comprises the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), in the upcoming time frame (405);- determine one or more overlapping slots (710) resulting in a passiveintermodulation interference, PIM, in the upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the one or more overlapping slots (710) comprise the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110) overlapping with the one or more UL slots (610) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120).11 . The second apparatus (120) according to one or more of claims 9-10, wherein the first apparatus (110) comprises a first baseband unit (111 ), and a first PIMC Traffic Orchestrator, PTO (113).

12. The second apparatus (120) according to one or more of claims 9-11 , wherein the second apparatus (120) comprises a second baseband unit (121 ), and a second PTO (123).

13. The second apparatus (120) according to one or more of claims 10-12, wherein the one or more UL slots (410) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), the one or more UL slots (610) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), and / or the one or more DL slots (620) to be scheduling by the second apparatus (120), are aligned with one or more:- nodeB Frame Number, BFN;- Baseband Reference Point, BRP; and / or- Antenna Reference Point, ARP.

14. The second apparatus (120) according to one or more of claims 10-13, wherein the first UL scheduling information (310), the first DL scheduling information (320), the second UL scheduling information (510), and / or the second DL scheduling information (520), are in a bitmap format.

15. The second apparatus (120) according to one or more of claims 10-14, wherein the first UL scheduling information (310), the first DL scheduling information (320), the second UL scheduling information (510), and / or thesecond DL scheduling information (520), are received over a backbone interface (130).

16. The second apparatus (120) according to one or more of claims 10-15, wherein the DL data (910), received from the first apparatus (110), correspond to DL data (910) prepared by the first apparatus (110) up to a beam-to-antenna step.

17. A method (200), performed by a first apparatus (110), for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for Passive-Intermodulation Cancellation, PIMC, the method (200) comprising:- receiving (210), from a first user plane control unit (112), a first uplink, UL, scheduling information (310), and / or a first downlink, DL, scheduling information (320), related to an upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the first UL scheduling information (310) comprises one or more UL slots (410), to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), during the upcoming time frame (405), and / or o wherein the first DL scheduling information (320) comprises one or more DL slots (420), to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), during the upcoming time frame (405);- receiving (220), from a second apparatus (120), a second UL scheduling information (510), and / or a second DL scheduling information (520), related to the upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the second UL scheduling information (510) comprises one or more UL slots (610), to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), during the upcoming time frame (405), and / or o wherein the second DL scheduling information (520) comprises one or more DL slots (620), to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), during the upcoming time frame (405);- determining (230) one or more overlapping slots (710) resulting in a passive-intermodulation interference, PIM, in the upcoming time frame (405),o wherein the one or more overlapping slots (710) comprise the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110) overlapping with the one or more UL slots (710) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120),- sending (250), to the second apparatus (120), DL data (910) associated to the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), if the one or more overlapping slots (710) result in PIM interference.

18. The method (200) according to claims 17, comprising:- sending (240), to the second apparatus (120), the first UL scheduling information (310), and / or the first DL scheduling information (320).

19. The method (200) according to one or more of claims 17-18, wherein the first apparatus (110) comprises a first baseband unit (111 ), and a first PIMC Traffic Orchestrator, PTO (113).

20. The method (200) according to one or more of claims 17-19, wherein the second apparatus (120) comprises a second baseband unit (121 ), and a second PTO (123).21 . The method (200) according to one or more of claims 17-20, wherein the one or more UL slots (410) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), the one or more UL slots (610) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), and / or the one or more DL slots (620) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), are aligned with one or more:- nodeB Frame Number, BFN;- Baseband Reference Point, BRP; and / or- Antenna Reference Point, ARP.

22. The method (200) according to one or more of claims 17-21 , wherein the first UL scheduling information (310), the first DL scheduling information (320), the second UL scheduling information (510), and / or the second DL scheduling information (520), are in a bitmap format.

23. The method (200) according to one or more of claims 17-22, wherein the first UL scheduling information (310), the first DL scheduling information (320), the second UL scheduling information (510), and / or the second DL scheduling information (520), are received over a backbone interface (130).

24. The method (200) according to one or more of claims 17-23, wherein the DL data (910), sent to the second apparatus (120), correspond to DL data (910) prepared by the first apparatus (110) up to a beam-to-antenna step.

25. A method (1000), performed by a second apparatus (120), for traffic management, synchronization and orchestration for Passive-Intermodulation Cancellation, PIMC, the method (1000) comprising:- receiving (1010), from a second user-plane control unit (122), a second uplink, UL, scheduling information (510), and / or a second downlink, DL, scheduling information (520), related to an upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the second UL scheduling information (510) comprises one or more UL slots (610), to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), during the upcoming time frame (405), and / or o wherein the second DL scheduling information (520) comprises one or more DL slots (620) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), during the upcoming time frame (405);- sending (1020), to a first apparatus (110), the second UL scheduling information (510), and / or the second DL scheduling information (520);- receiving (1050), from the first apparatus (110), DL data (910) associated to one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled in the upcoming time frame (405) by the first apparatus (110);- receiving (1060) UL data (1210) over an air interface (1220) during the upcoming time frame (405), wherein the UL data (1210) is associated to the one or more UL slots (610) to be scheduled in the upcoming time frame (405) by the second apparatus (120); and / or- performing (1070) PIMC on the UL data (1210) using the DL data (910).

26. The method (1000) according to claim 25, comprising:- receiving (1030), from the first apparatus (110), a first UL scheduling information (310), and / or a first DL scheduling information (320), related to the upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the first UL scheduling information (310) comprises one or more UL slots (410) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), in the upcoming time frame (405), and / or o wherein the first DL scheduling information (320) comprises the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), in the upcoming time frame (405);- determining (1040) one or more overlapping slots (710) resulting in a passive-intermodulation interference, PIM, in the upcoming time frame (405), o wherein the one or more overlapping slots (710) comprise the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110) overlapping with the one or more UL slots (610) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120).

27. The method (1000) according to one or more of claims 25-26, wherein the first apparatus (110) comprises a first baseband unit (111), and a first PIMC Traffic Orchestrator, PTO (113).

28. The method (1000) according to one or more of claims 25-27, wherein the second apparatus (120) comprises a second baseband unit (121), and a second PTO (123).

29. The method (1000) according to one or more of claims 25-28, wherein the one or more UL slots (410) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), the one or more DL slots (420) to be scheduled by the first apparatus (110), the one or more UL slots (610) to be scheduled by the second apparatus (120), and / or the one or more DL slots (620) to be scheduling by the second apparatus (120), are aligned with one or more:- nodeB Frame Number, BFN;- Baseband Reference Point, BRP; and / or- Antenna Reference Point, ARP.

30. The method (1000) according to one or more of claims 25-29, wherein the first UL scheduling information (310), the first DL scheduling information (320), the second UL scheduling information (510), and / or the second DL scheduling information (520), are in a bitmap format.31 . The method (1000) according to one or more of claims 25-30, wherein the first UL scheduling information (310), the first DL scheduling information (320), the second UL scheduling information (510), and / or the second DL scheduling information (520), are received over a backbone interface (130).

32. The method (1000) according to one or more of claims 25-31 , wherein the DL data (910), received from the first apparatus (110), correspond to DL data (910) prepared by the first apparatus (110) up to a beam-to-antenna step.

33. A computer program (1630) comprising instructions, which when executed on a first apparatus (110), causes the first apparatus (110) to perform the method (200) according to one or more of claims 17-24.

34. A computer program (1730) comprising instructions, which when executed on a second apparatus (120), causes the second apparatus (120) to perform the method (1000) according to one or more of claims 15-32.

35. A computer readable storage medium (1620, 1720) comprising a computer program (1630, 1730) according to claim 33, and / or claim 34.

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