Base Station Beam Control for Atmospheric Ducting Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

The atmospheric ducting phenomenon causes downlink signals from one base station to interfere with uplink signals at a remote base station, leading to interference control challenges in 5G communication systems, especially in high-altitude regions with low air density.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a first base station uses specific sequences to identify and detect interfering base stations, employing channel estimation and beam control techniques to mitigate remote interference by nulling or adjusting transmission and reception beams accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If synchronized time division communication technique is implemented between base stations, then communication efficiency is improved, but atmospheric ducting interference cannot be effectively controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidinterference control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary channel estimation using reference signals before actual communication. This allows the system to identify atmospheric ducting interference conditions in advance and adjust beamforming weights proactively to nullify interfering signals, rather than reacting after interference occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses uplink reference signals from remote base stations as feedback to detect downlink atmospheric ducting interference. The detected interference information is fed back to adjust the beamforming weights in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing atmospheric conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Length of stationary object

If beamforming and massive MIMO techniques are employed, then transmission distance is increased, but atmospheric ducting interference is amplified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidatmospheric ducting interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different beamforming weights to different spatial directions. By analyzing the channel state information, the base station identifies directions where atmospheric ducting occurs and applies nulling weights specifically in those directions, while maintaining full power in non-interfered directions. This localized interference mitigation preserves transmission distance in unaffected areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes beamforming weights based on detected atmospheric ducting conditions. When interference is detected in specific directions, the weights are adjusted to create nulls in those directions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain long transmission distances while avoiding amplified interference in affected directions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If remote interference detection is implemented, then interference control accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the same uplink reference signals that are already transmitted for normal communication purposes to detect downlink atmospheric ducting interference. This multi-functional use of reference signals enables interference detection without requiring additional dedicated detection signals, reducing system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy

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

Solution Approach 2:

Each base station uses its own transmitted reference signals as received by remote base stations to detect atmospheric ducting interference. The system essentially monitors itself using its own communication resources, eliminating the need for external interference detection infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively detects and controls remote interference due to atmospheric ducting, improving cell operation performance by accurately identifying interfering base stations and reducing signal interference, thus enhancing communication reliability.

Implementation Method 1

estimating a channel based on the received sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChannel estimation:

Implementation Method 2

a method and apparatus for controlling interference due to atmospheric ducting in wireless communication system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeam control:

Data Source

PatentEP3903429B1Method and apparatus for controlling interference due to atmospheric ducting in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3903429B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3903429B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3903429B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosure relates to detection and control of remote interference due to an atmospheric ducting phenomenon. More specifically, a method of a first base station, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, for controlling interference due to atmospheric ducting in a wireless communication system includes: receiving a sequence from at least one second base station; identifying the at least one second base station corresponding to the sequence; estimating a channel for the at least one identified second base station, based on the sequence; and controlling a beam in a direction corresponding to the at least one identified second base station, based on a result of the channel estimation.