Adaptive Coding and Modulation for Bursty Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) systems in point-to-point microwave systems are ineffective against bursty interference from unlicensed devices like Wi-Fi 6E, leading to unstable frame errors and link disconnects due to sudden interference changes.
Innovation Solution
Implement a rapid adjustment mechanism in ACM systems to detect bursty interference, immediately reducing modulation complexity and increasing error correction, and monitor for sustained stability before re-increasing modulation complexity, while generating alarms for potential frequency band changes or antenna upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher complexity modulation schemes are used to increase information throughput, then information throughput is improved, but error rate increases due to noise and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of modulation complexity and encoding schemes based on real-time channel quality measurements. The system transitions from static modulation to dynamic ACM (Adaptive Coding and Modulation) that adjusts modulation order and coding rate according to measured signal-to-noise ratio and interference conditions, resolving the contradiction between throughput and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the communication signal adaptively - specifically modulation order (e.g., QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM) and coding rate - based on measured channel conditions. When interference is detected, the system decreases modulation complexity and increases redundancy, directly addressing the throughput-reliability tradeoff
2Reliability
If more redundant information is added through encoding to correct errors, then error correction capability is improved, but information throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of coding rate as part of the ACM mechanism. The system adapts the balance between information bits and redundant parity bits based on real-time channel quality, using higher coding rates (more redundancy) when channel conditions are poor and lower coding rates (less redundancy) when conditions are good, thus optimizing both reliability and throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the coding rate parameter - the ratio of information bits to total transmitted bits - based on measured interference and noise levels. This parameter adjustment directly controls the tradeoff between error correction capability and information throughput
3Adaptability or versatility
If ACM process monitors communications continuously to respond to channel conditions, then system adaptability is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving end measures channel quality (SNR, interference levels) and sends this information back to the transmitting end. The transmitter uses this feedback to adjust modulation and coding parameters, achieving adaptability without requiring complex processing at both ends - the feedback loop enables simple local adjustments based on remote measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment through automated ACM algorithms that monitor channel conditions and autonomously select appropriate modulation and coding schemes without manual intervention. The processing complexity is concentrated in the control algorithm rather than the physical layer, simplifying the overall system architecture
4Reliability
If rapid adjustment of modulation complexity is implemented to respond to bursty interference, then link stability is improved, but processing speed requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection mechanisms that monitor for signs of bursty interference before it causes severe link degradation. By detecting interference patterns early and preemptively adjusting modulation complexity, the system maintains stability without requiring extremely rapid response - the preliminary action buys time for graceful adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic threshold-based adjustment where channel quality measurements are compared against predetermined thresholds to trigger modulation changes. This dynamic thresholding enables rapid response to bursty interference by automatically switching to more robust modulation schemes when interference thresholds are exceeded, balancing speed and stability
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining a received signal including information transmitted over a physical channel of a communications link, measuring a quality of the communications link according to the received signal, and characterizing interference according to the measured quality. An adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) algorithm is selected from among a group of different ACM algorithms based on the characterized interference. The selected ACM algorithm is adapted to increase information throughput of the communications link over alternative ACM algorithms of the group of different ACM algorithms in view of the characterized interference. Other embodiments are disclosed.