Cross-Link Interference Measurement in Dynamic TDD Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face challenges in managing cross-link interference, particularly in dynamic TDD networks where base stations and user equipment switch transmission directions, leading to interference between devices communicating on the same frequency.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a base station configures a slot pattern to include both downlink and uplink reference signals, allowing for the measurement of cross-link interference by overlapping these signals within specific slots, enabling effective interference management and mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If base stations and user equipment switch transmission directions dynamically in TDD networks, then network flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but cross-link interference occurs between devices communicating on the same frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring slot patterns in advance that indicate which slots are downlink-centric, uplink-centric, or downlink-centric with uplink measurement. This pre-configuration allows devices to know ahead of time when to expect downlink or uplink transmissions, enabling them to measure cross-link interference proactively during designated measurement slots before actual data transmission occurs, thus preventing interference issues during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by using specific downlink-centric slots with uplink measurement as intermediate measurement opportunities. These special slots serve as mediators that allow interference measurement without requiring dedicated interference-only slots, enabling the system to capture cross-link interference characteristics during normal downlink transmission periods when both downlink and uplink signals are present.
2Measurement precision
If reference signals are transmitted to measure cross-link interference, then interference measurement capability is improved, but additional signaling overhead and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the downlink reference signals serve multiple functions: they act as both the primary downlink communication reference signals for channel estimation and demodulation, and simultaneously as interference measurement signals for assessing cross-link interference. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated interference measurement reference signals, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the existing downlink reference signal structure to provide interference measurement capabilities on its own. The downlink-centric slots with uplink measurement are configured such that the downlink reference signals automatically serve the dual purpose of normal downlink communication and cross-link interference measurement, without requiring additional external configuration or separate measurement mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If slot patterns are configured to include both downlink and uplink reference signals, then accurate interference measurement is achieved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the properties of different slots within the pattern. Specific slots are designated as downlink-centric slots with uplink measurement, which have the local characteristic of containing both downlink reference signals and uplink transmissions. This localized special configuration in specific slots provides the necessary conditions for interference measurement without requiring all slots to have complex dual-directional configurations, thus managing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects described herein relate to measuring cross-link interference in wireless communications. A portion of a slot that includes a downlink reference signal transmitted by a base station and an uplink reference signal transmitted by a user equipment (UE) can be determined, where the uplink reference signal and the downlink reference signal at least partially overlap within the portion of the slot. The downlink reference signal can be received from the base station and the uplink reference signal can be received from the UE in the portion of the slot. Cross-link interference between the downlink reference signal and the uplink reference signal can be measured.