Co-Channel Interference Detection in Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communications networks face inefficiencies due to interference between channels, particularly in channel reuse scenarios, where non-uniform coverage area boundaries and external factors complicate network design, leading to suboptimal channel reuse and increased noise, which current design tools struggle to accurately address.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for detecting co-channel interference by computing a discrete cross-correlation between power level sequences and quality data sequences, allowing for periodic adjustments to radiated power levels of transmitting nodes to minimize interference, using a controller and monitor to assess and mitigate interference in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If channel reuse is increased to improve network efficiency, then spectrum utilization improves, but interference between transmitting nodes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary interference detection by computing cross-correlation between power level sequences and quality data sequences before final network configuration is established. This allows interference patterns to be identified and addressed in advance, enabling optimal channel reuse planning that prevents interference rather than reacting to it afterward

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes feedback loops where quality data sequences from receiving nodes are continuously monitored and correlated with transmitting node power levels. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of channel allocation and power levels to maintain high network efficiency while preventing interference degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If coverage area boundaries are expanded to improve network capacity, then more nodes can be served, but signal quality degrades at the edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality optimization by analyzing cross-correlation results at specific geographic locations and signal strength levels. Different channel allocation strategies and power adjustment parameters are applied locally based on the detected interference patterns and signal quality metrics, allowing edge regions to receive optimized treatment while maintaining overall network capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic power level adjustments and channel allocations based on real-time cross-correlation analysis. Power levels are adjusted dynamically in response to detected interference patterns, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions and maintain signal quality as coverage areas expand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If design tools use approximations to reduce complexity, then design process simplifies, but accuracy of interference prediction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign tool complexityVSAvoidinterference prediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where the network automatically performs cross-correlation analysis and interference detection using its own operational data. Quality data sequences from actual network operations are correlated with power level sequences to detect interference patterns, eliminating the need for external complex simulation tools while maintaining high accuracy through real-world measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2883315B1Detecting interference in a communication channel reuse environment
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 CAMBRIDGE BROADBAND NETWORKS LIMITED
  • EP2883315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2883315B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2883315B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of detecting co-channel interference in a wireless communications network comprising a first communication between a first transmitting node and a first receiving node, and a second communication between a second transmitting node and a second receiving node, wherein the first and second communications use a common channel, the method including the steps of: providing a power level sequence for each transmitting node; adjusting a radiated power from each of the transmitting nodes depending on indicators in the respective power level sequence; monitoring channel quality data for each of the first and second communications to generate a quality data sequence for each of the communications; determining from a relation between the power level sequences and the quality data sequences an indication of interference between the transmitting nodes, and undertaking action in response to the determined relation.