Base Station Reference Signal Configuration for Cross-Link Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing LTE system's rigid resource configuration framework is unable to adapt flexibly to dynamic changes in traffic loads, leading to strong cross-link interference (CLI) in flexible duplex technologies, which hampers system performance as it cannot effectively estimate and identify CLI between neighboring cells.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for acquiring and applying reference signal configuration information, allowing base stations and terminals to measure and manage links that may cause interference, thereby estimating and identifying CLI, by acquiring and applying reference signal configuration information including local, neighboring, or terminal cell information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible resource configuration is implemented to adapt to dynamic traffic loads, then system adaptability is improved, but cross-link interference between neighboring cells increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidcross-link interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the first base station receives interference information from the second base station about downlink resources used by terminals in the second cell. Based on this feedback, the first base station adjusts uplink resource allocations to avoid conflicts and interference, enabling dynamic adaptation while managing CLI

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces reference signals as an intermediary mechanism to detect and identify cross-link interference. These reference signals enable the base stations to measure and assess interference levels between cells, facilitating informed resource configuration decisions that balance flexibility with interference management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If flexible duplex technology is used to improve traffic load adaptation, then resource utilization is improved, but CLI estimation and identification capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidCLI estimation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the second base station proactively send downlink resource information to the first base station before interference occurs. This advance information allows the first base station to pre-adjust uplink resource allocations, preventing CLI while maintaining flexible duplex operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Reference signals serve as an intermediary measurement tool that enables accurate CLI estimation in flexible duplex scenarios. These signals provide a dedicated mechanism for interference measurement that works independently of the flexible resource configuration, resolving the contradiction between resource flexibility and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3633901B1Method and device for applying reference signal configuration information, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 ZTE CORP
  • EP3633901B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3633901B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3633901B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Provided is a method for applying reference signal configuration information. The method includes: acquiring, by a base station, the reference signal configuration information, where the reference signal configuration information includes at least one of: reference signal configuration information of a local cell, reference signal configuration information of a neighboring cell, or reference signal configuration information of a terminal in the neighboring cell; and performing, by the base station, a transmission or a measurement according to the acquired reference signal configuration information. Further provided are another method and apparatus for applying reference signal configuration information and a storage medium.