2D Massive MIMO Beamforming for Interference Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, especially in heterogeneous networks, inter-cell interference limits spectral efficiency, and existing technologies struggle to effectively manage this interference in planar massive MIMO systems with two-dimensional antenna arrays.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming M*N beams using a two-dimensional antenna array to selectively transmit signals, identifying and blocking interference beams, and reporting channel quality information to minimize internal inter-cell interference, thereby enhancing transmission capacity and spectral efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two dimensional beamforming is used in planar massive MIMO system, then spectral efficiency is improved, but inter-cell interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service area is divided into multiple sub-areas in two-dimensional space (horizontal and vertical dimensions). Each beam corresponds to a specific sub-area, allowing selective signal transmission to different spatial regions. This segmentation enables the system to target specific users while avoiding interference to other cells by controlling which sub-areas receive signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different beamforming weights and signal transmission strategies to different spatial sub-areas. By adjusting the local transmission characteristics in each sub-area based on interference conditions, the system can enhance spectral efficiency in desired directions while suppressing interference in other directions, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors.
2Loss of energy
If beamforming gain is increased by using more transmission antennas, then transmission power per antenna is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional antenna arrays to two-dimensional planar arrays, adding a vertical dimension to the antenna configuration. This dimensional change enables the system to achieve higher beamforming gain more efficiently by utilizing spatial diversity in both horizontal and vertical planes, thereby reducing the required transmission power per antenna while managing the complexity through structured two-dimensional beamforming.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If selective signal transmission to divided areas is implemented, then inter-cell interference is reduced, but channel quality measurement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary channel quality measurement and interference assessment before final signal transmission. By measuring channel conditions and identifying potential interference sources in advance across different sub-areas, the system can pre-determine the optimal beamforming weights and transmission strategy, thereby reducing interference while maintaining accurate channel quality information for subsequent transmissions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention proposes an apparatus and a method capable of forming M*N number of beams by a base station, which supports signal transmission/reception of the macro service area in heterogeneous networks in which a macro service area is formed with the M*N number of beams through a two-dimensional arrangement simultaneously considering the horizontal dimension and the vertical dimension and at least one small service is formed in the macro service area. To this end, at least one interference prediction beam formed to transmit signals interfering in transmission signals in at least one small service area from among the signals to be transmitted by the M*N number of beams is selected, and each of the M*N number of beams is formed in consideration of the inter-cell interference in at least one small service area due to the signals to be transmitted by at least one selected interference prediction beam.