Directional Intracell Interference Sensing With Null Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications systems, intracell interference limits signal-to-noise ratio and data rates due to simultaneous multiple transmissions, particularly when beam directions are not optimized, leading to interference between UEs.
Innovation Solution
A network entity communicates control messages to UEs for intracell interference detection, measuring direction of arrival, and performing null steering to mitigate interference by adjusting beam configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple transmissions are performed simultaneously in wireless communications, then system productivity and resource utilization are improved, but intracell interference increases leading to degraded signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different beam directions for different user equipments (UEs) to transmit uplink signals. The network entity determines specific beam directions for each UE such that their signal paths do not overlap at the receiving UE, thereby creating localized quality differences in spatial distribution. This resolves the contradiction by allowing simultaneous transmissions while preventing interference through differentiated spatial characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimension (beam direction) as an additional degree of freedom for resource allocation. Instead of only allocating time and frequency resources, the system now allocates spatial resources by configuring different beam directions. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous transmissions in the same time-frequency resources without interference, as long as they use different spatial paths.
2Device complexity
If beam directions are not optimized, then device complexity is reduced, but directional interference between UEs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network entity pre-determine and configure optimal beam directions for each UE before actual data transmission occurs. The network entity receives capability information from UEs about their null steering capabilities, then proactively configures beam directions that avoid interference. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time interference management during transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report their null steering capabilities and interference conditions to the network entity. The network entity uses this feedback information to intelligently configure beam directions that exploit the spatial nulls of each UE's antenna array, thereby avoiding directional interference while maintaining system simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If null steering is performed to mitigate interference, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but device complexity increases due to beam configuration management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by leveraging the inherent null steering capability of each UE's antenna array. Instead of requiring complex external interference cancellation systems, each UE autonomously creates spatial nulls in the directions of interfering signals through its beamforming capabilities. The network entity simply configures the beam directions, and the UEs self-manage the interference mitigation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may receive a control message including an indication of one or more resources for measuring directional intracell interference information. The UE may transmit an intracell interference information report based at least in part on one or more directional intracell interference measurements corresponding to the one or more resources. The UE may receive a beam configuration message comprising an instruction to perform null steering for one or more beams based at least in part on the intracell interference information report.