Beamformed Reference Signal Multiplexing for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In millimeter wave (mmWave) communications, beamforming reference and/or control signals face high signaling overhead, reducing data rate due to the need to transmit signals in all directions, which increases interference and reduces overall system performance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a beamformed signals configuration that multiplexes reference and control signals in the spatial, time, and frequency domains, allowing only one transmission point to transmit when another is not, thereby reducing interference and signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beamforming reference and control signals are transmitted in all directions to ensure all UEs can receive them, then coverage reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases and data rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area into multiple sectors, each served by a different transmission point. Instead of all TPs transmitting in all directions, each TP transmits beamformed reference and control signals only in its specific sector direction. This segmentation reduces redundant transmissions and signaling overhead while ensuring each UE receives signals from its serving TP.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by directing beamformed reference and control signals specifically toward the sector where UEs are located, rather than transmitting uniformly in all directions. Each transmission point transmits signals with directional beamforming gain concentrated in its local sector, improving signal quality for target UEs while reducing unnecessary transmissions in other directions.
2Reliability
If beamforming is applied to reference and control signals to combat path loss, then signal reception is improved, but interference between transmission points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission function by assigning different transmission responsibilities to different TPs based on sector location. Each TP transmits beamformed signals only in its designated sector, preventing simultaneous transmissions in the same direction that would cause interference. This segmentation allows beamforming to improve signal reception without the interference problem that would arise from multiple TPs transmitting in all directions.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple transmission points transmit beamformed signals simultaneously in overlapping coverage areas, then coverage is improved, but resource utilization decreases and overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area into distinct sectors, each assigned to a specific transmission point. This segmentation allows for coordinated resource allocation where each TP transmits beamformed reference and control signals only in its sector during specific time-frequency resources. The coordination prevents redundant transmissions in overlapping areas, improving resource utilization while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the coordinated efforts of multiple TPs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for operating a transmission point with reduced interference includes determining a beamformed signal configuration specified in accordance with configuration information of neighboring TPs, wherein the beamformed signal configuration indicates multiplexed beamformed signals in a spatial domain and at least one of a time domain and a frequency domain, and transmitting beamformed signals in accordance with the beamformed signal configuration, wherein the beamformed signals comprises at least one of beamformed reference signals and beamformed control signals.