Base Station Aggregation Mode Selection for Unlicensed Spectrum Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Base stations lack techniques to dynamically select between LTE-U's LAA and LWA aggregation modes and channels in unlicensed frequency spectra to minimize interference with other devices while optimizing bandwidth and spectral efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for base stations to dynamically select an aggregation mode (LAA or LWA) and channel based on information about device capabilities and channel conditions, including bandwidth, device quantities, and radiated power, to prioritize channel selection and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If base stations use unlicensed frequency spectrum for LTE-U operations, then network bandwidth and traffic capacity are increased, but interference with other devices (such as Wi-Fi equipment) is caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork bandwidthVSAvoidinterference with other devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic channel selection mechanisms that allow base stations to adaptively switch between licensed and unlicensed frequency channels based on real-time channel conditions, device capabilities, and interference levels. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maximize bandwidth utilization while minimizing interference with Wi-Fi and other unlicensed spectrum users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including aggregation mode selection (LAA vs LWA), channel bandwidth configuration, and transmit power levels based on channel conditions and device capabilities. These parameter changes enable optimization of both bandwidth utilization and interference management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If base stations dynamically select aggregation modes and channels based on device capabilities and channel conditions, then spectral efficiency and bandwidth utilization are optimized, but device complexity and system overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidsystem overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessments of device capabilities and channel conditions before making aggregation mode and channel selection decisions. By gathering necessary information in advance through device measurements and channel quality reports, the system reduces the complexity of real-time decision-making while maintaining optimal spectral efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where user equipment provides channel quality measurements and capability information to the base station. This feedback enables the base station to make informed decisions about aggregation mode and channel selection, optimizing spectral efficiency while managing system overhead through structured information exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If base stations use LAA aggregation mode, then spectral efficiency and coverage are improved, but bandwidth compared to LWA is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidbandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic aggregation mode selection that allows the system to switch between LAA and LWA modes based on real-time conditions including device capabilities, channel availability, and traffic requirements. This enables the system to achieve both the spectral efficiency benefits of LAA and the bandwidth advantages of LWA when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to support multiple aggregation modes (both LAA and LWA) and can dynamically select the most appropriate mode for each transmission scenario. This multi-functionality allows the base station to optimize for spectral efficiency, bandwidth, or a combination of both depending on current network conditions and device capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If base stations perform channel selection in unlicensed spectrum, then interference with Wi-Fi and other devices is minimized, but channel selection time and latency are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference with Wi-FiVSAvoidchannel selection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary channel assessments and maintains information about channel conditions in unlicensed spectrum. By proactively gathering channel quality data and identifying suitable channels before actual data transmission, the system reduces the time required for channel selection while ensuring interference is minimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic channel quality measurements and assessments in unlicensed spectrum. By regularly monitoring channel conditions and maintaining updated information about available channels, the system reduces latency in channel selection while continuing to minimize interference with Wi-Fi and other devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10187920B2Method and device for increased bandwidth utilizing aggregation mode and channel selection mechanism
Publication Date: 2019.01.22 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC
  • US10187920B2 patent drawing
  • US10187920B2 patent drawing
  • US10187920B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device may receive information related to a channel. The information may indicate whether a measurement related to the channel satisfies a threshold. The threshold may be related to an availability of the channel. The device may determine an aggregation mode to use to communicate via the channel. The device may determine a set of available channels based on determining whether the measurement satisfies the threshold. The device may determine an order related to the set of available channels based on determining the set of available channels. The order may be based on the availability of the set of available channels. The device may select a channel from the set of available channels based on the order related to the set of available channels. The device may exchange communications via the channel based on selecting the channel.