Adaptive Resource Allocation for NLOS Wireless Backhaul Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless network operators face challenges in increasing data capacity and managing co-channel interference, particularly in Non Line of Sight (NLOS) wireless backhaul networks for MicroCell and PicoCell deployments, where existing solutions are costly and inefficient due to high path loss and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for measuring co-channel interference and managing adaptive resource allocation (MARA) in NLOS wireless backhaul networks, which involves periodically characterizing interlink interference between nodes and scheduling resource blocks to reduce cumulative interference and increase aggregate capacity by grouping links based on interference levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fibre and microwave backhaul solutions are deployed to meet increasing data capacity demand, then network capacity is improved, but implementation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive fibre and microwave backhaul infrastructure with cost-effective NLOS wireless backhaul using small cells. The solution uses standard wireless communication equipment rather than specialized high-cost infrastructure, making deployment economically viable while meeting capacity requirements through adaptive resource allocation and interference management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation parameters including time slots, frequency bands, and power levels based on real-time interference measurements. This adaptive parameter optimization enables efficient spectrum utilization and capacity enhancement without requiring additional physical infrastructure, thereby reducing implementation costs while maintaining high data capacity.
2Productivity
If additional carriers are added to increase RF bandwidth and aggregate capacity, then total network capacity is improved, but uplink speed remains limited by path loss and user terminal energy constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple small cells, each with its own backhaul connection. This segmentation reduces the service area of each cell, thereby reducing path loss and enabling higher uplink speeds. Users connected to small cells experience improved uplink performance compared to macro cells, even though the overall network aggregate capacity is increased through carrier addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional frequency domain solution (adding carriers) to a three-dimensional solution that includes spatial dimension (small cell deployment). By adding the spatial dimension through distributed small cells, the system achieves both increased aggregate capacity and improved uplink speed, overcoming the limitation of pure frequency domain expansion.
3Productivity
If 4G LTE technology is deployed to improve spectral efficiency, then downlink performance is improved, but uplink performance at cell edge remains limited by energy per bit requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation that adapts to real-time channel conditions and interference levels. The system continuously measures co-channel interference and adjusts time slot assignments, power levels, and resource block allocations accordingly. This dynamic adaptation enables efficient energy utilization by allocating resources when channel conditions are favorable, reducing the energy per bit required for successful transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where small cells report measured interference levels and channel quality to a central controller. Based on this feedback, the controller optimizes resource allocation decisions, adjusting parameters to minimize energy consumption while maintaining required data rates. This closed-loop control enables the system to operate at optimal energy efficiency points.
4Productivity
If cell splitting is implemented to increase frequency reuse and network capacity, then aggregate capacity and user experience are improved, but co-channel interference between adjacent cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of intelligent resource allocation and interference coordination between adjacent small cells. The system uses measurement and reporting mechanisms to identify interfering links, then applies coordination algorithms to assign orthogonal resources or adjust power levels. This intermediary control mechanism enables dense cell deployment for capacity enhancement while actively managing and reducing co-channel interference through coordinated resource assignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and software are provided for measuring co-channel interference comprising interlink interference in a wireless backhaul network with particular application for management of resource allocation for Non Line of Sight (NLOS) wireless backhaul in MicroCell and PicoCell networks. Given the difficulty of predicting the interlink interference between multiple links, DownLink and UpLink co-channel interference are characterized for each backhaul radio link between each Hub and each Remote Backhaul Module Unit periodically during active service. Beneficially, the co-channel interference metrics are used as the basis for intelligently and adaptively managing network resources to substantially reduce cumulative interference and increase the aggregate data capacity of the network e.g. by grouping of interfering and/or non-interfering links, and managing resource block allocations accordingly, i.e. assigning common resource blocks preferentially to weakly interfering links or groups of links and allocating a different resource block or orthogonal channels to each strongly interfering link or groups of links.