Base Station Control Channel Selection for Shared-Spectrum Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of managing control beam interference in shared spectrum deployments without the need for a centralized control device, such as a Spectrum Access System (SAS), is addressed by implementing a control channel selection process at the base station level using received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements to reduce or avoid interference.
Innovation Solution
A base station monitors multiple alternative control channels, measures RSSI for each channel-beam combination, determines average RSSI values, applies exclusion criteria, and selects the channel with the lowest average RSSI for control information transmission, optionally using a predetermined scheme to break ties, all without requiring a centralized spectrum control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized Spectrum Access System (SAS) is used to manage control channel interference, then interference management capability is improved, but system complexity and deployment burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station autonomously performs control channel selection by monitoring RSSI on multiple candidate channels, determining average RSSI values, applying exclusion criteria, and selecting the optimal channel without external assistance. This self-service approach eliminates the need for centralized SAS while maintaining interference management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the base station uses RSSI measurements as a mediator to indirectly assess interference conditions on candidate control channels. This allows the base station to make informed decisions about channel selection without direct centralized control.
2Area of stationary object
If wide control channel beams are used for cell selection, then coverage area is improved, but susceptibility to interference from other operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station changes the parameter of control channel selection by monitoring and comparing RSSI values across multiple candidate channels. By selecting the channel with the lowest average RSSI that meets exclusion criteria, the system adapts to current interference conditions while maintaining wide beam coverage for cell selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station performs preliminary RSSI measurements and channel evaluation before selecting the control channel. This preliminary action includes monitoring multiple candidate channels, calculating average RSSI values, and applying exclusion criteria to identify the optimal channel in advance of actual control channel usage.
3Reliability
If multiple candidate control channels are monitored and evaluated, then interference avoidance capability is improved, but measurement and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station monitors multiple candidate control channels (excessive action) to ensure reliable interference avoidance, but applies practical exclusion criteria and selection rules to limit the evaluation process. This partial evaluation approach balances thoroughness with efficiency, avoiding unnecessary measurements on channels that will be excluded anyway.
Data Source
AI summary
Interference on control channels using shared spectrum is managed by a base station without the use of centralized spectrum control device. A base station monitors a plurality of alternative control channels and measures received signal strength energy corresponding to each of the plurality of alternative candidate control channels. A received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is measured for each channel-beam combination. An average RSSI value is determined for each candidate control channel. A candidate control channel can be, and sometimes is, removed from further consideration for selection based on one or more RSSI based exclusion criteria. Among the remaining candidate control channels, a control channel with the lowest average RSSI is selected. The base station uses the selected control channel to transmit control information via wide control channel beams and uses one or more of the other channels to transmit data via narrow data channel beams.