Coordinated Multipoint Wireless Access Point Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in spectrum usage and interference management, particularly in multi-user scenarios where simultaneous transmissions by multiple access points in close proximity are not allowed, leading to reduced network capacity and interference issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of coordinated multipoint (CoMP) communications, where access points synchronize and coordinate transmissions using coordination data to enable simultaneous beamformed and non-beamformed data frames, allowing for increased network capacity and reduced interference through techniques like frame-sync and synchronized back-off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple access points transmit simultaneously in close proximity, then network capacity and spectrum efficiency are improved, but interference between transmissions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges transmissions from multiple access points into coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmissions. Multiple APs transmit data frames simultaneously to different remote devices or the same device, combining their resources to improve network capacity while managing interference through coordination data exchange and synchronization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes transmission parameters including timing synchronization (frame-sync, synchronized back-off), beamforming directions, and power levels. By adjusting these parameters based on coordination data, the system enables simultaneous transmissions while controlling interference through precise parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If access points coordinate transmissions using synchronization mechanisms, then interference is reduced and network capacity increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces coordination data as an intermediary mechanism that carries synchronization information, transmission parameters, and coordination instructions between access points. This mediator enables complex CoMP operations while abstracting the complexity management, allowing APs to coordinate effectively through standardized data exchange protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If simultaneous beamformed and non-beamformed transmissions are enabled, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but interference management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidinterference management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different transmission qualities and beamforming characteristics to different spatial directions and target devices. Beamformed transmissions are directed toward specific remote devices with focused energy, while non-beamformed transmissions serve other areas. This local differentiation enables simultaneous transmissions with improved spectrum efficiency while managing interference through spatial separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2840857B1Wireless access point used in a wireless communication system with coordinated multipoint operation and method for use therewith
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES GENERAL IP (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • EP2840857B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2840857B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2840857B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless access point includes a wireless transceiver configured to provide coordinated multipoint communications with at least one non-legacy device of a plurality of remote devices via a wireless local area network protocol. The coordinated multipoint communications are coordinated with at least one other wireless access point in accordance with coordination data.