Cross-Link Interference Measurement in Mobile Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, particularly in New Radio (NR) and other radio access technologies, cross-link interference between user equipment (UE) and network apparatus poses challenges for real-time and efficient interference management, as existing methods lack effective mechanisms for accurate and dynamic interference measurements.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves configuring nodes to perform cross-link interference measurements using designated measurement slots and reference signals, such as channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS) and sounding reference signals (SRS), to determine interference and adjust scheduling strategies, with nodes determining whether to transmit or measure these signals based on configurations and traffic conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic TDD and mini-slot transmission are introduced for flexible information exchange, then adaptability and communication flexibility are improved, but cross-link interference between nodes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidcross-link interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring measurement slots and reference signals in advance before actual data transmission occurs. The network device pre-configures CLI measurement parameters, determines measurement slots, and sets up reference signal resources beforehand, enabling UEs to perform interference measurements proactively rather than reactively. This allows the system to anticipate and manage cross-link interference before it degrades communication performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs measure cross-link interference using reference signals in designated measurement slots and report measurement results back to the network device. The network device uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust resource allocation, modify TDD configurations, or change mini-slot patterns to mitigate identified interference issues, creating a closed-loop interference management system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If cross-link interference measurement mechanisms are implemented, then interference management accuracy is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the interference measurement process into distinct components: separate measurement slots dedicated solely to CLI measurement, distinct reference signal resources (such as SRS or CSI-RS) specifically for interference measurement, and separate reporting mechanisms. This segmentation isolates measurement activities from data transmission, reducing complexity by providing clear boundaries and dedicated resources for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs existing reference signal structures and measurement frameworks from LTE and NR systems, making them serve dual purposes: traditional channel quality measurement and cross-link interference measurement. By configuring reference signals with appropriate parameters and using existing measurement reporting mechanisms, the system achieves CLI measurement capability without requiring entirely new signaling protocols or measurement procedures.

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

3Speed

If real-time interference measurements are performed continuously, then interference management responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference management responsivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by configuring measurement slots that occur at specific intervals rather than continuously. The network device determines measurement slot configurations with periodic patterns, allowing UEs to perform CLI measurements only at these designated times. This periodic measurement approach maintains interference management responsiveness while significantly reducing energy consumption and processing load compared to continuous measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10644845B2Method and apparatus for cross-link interference measurements in mobile communications
Publication Date: 2020.05.05 MEDIATEK INC
  • US10644845B2 patent drawing
  • US10644845B2 patent drawing
  • US10644845B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various solutions for cross-link interference measurements with respect to user equipment and network apparatus in mobile communications are described. A node of a wireless network may receive a cross-link interference (CLI) measurement configuration. The node may determine a measurement slot according to the CLI measurement configuration. The node may determine whether to perform a CLI measurement in the measurement slot according to the CLI measurement configuration. The node may receive a CLI reference signal (RS) in the measurement slot. The node may perform the CLI measurement in the measurement slot.