Dynamic Cellular Resource Blanking for Satellite Interference Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge arises when multiple entities have rights to the same frequency band, particularly when a satellite-based user with senior rights occasionally operates on a frequency band, and a cellular network user must avoid interference, especially with thousands of user equipment (UE) communicating with base stations, which can cause significant interference during satellite line-of-sight.
Innovation Solution
A feedback arrangement between a satellite operator and the cellular network is established to dynamically blank physical resource blocks (PRBs) and disable frequency bands based on satellite location and interference modeling, adjusting the number of base stations and geographic regions affected, and enabling the frequency band after a time period has elapsed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cellular network uses the frequency band for uplink communication with base stations, then the productivity of the cellular network is improved, but the satellite communication is interfered with when the satellite is within line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource blanking where the cellular network adaptively adjusts the blanking of physical resource blocks (PRBs) based on real-time satellite position data. The network determines when satellites are within line-of-sight of base stations and dynamically blanks only the specific PRBs that would cause interference, rather than using static frequency allocation. This dynamic approach allows the network to maintain high productivity when satellites are not present while preventing interference when they are.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by selectively blanking only the specific physical resource blocks that cause interference to satellite communications, rather than blanking entire frequency bands or all resources. The interference management system identifies precise PRBs that need to be blanked based on satellite position, base station location, and propagation models, allowing other PRBs to continue operating normally. This localized approach minimizes the impact on cellular network productivity while effectively protecting satellite communications.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cellular network blanks physical resource blocks to avoid satellite interference, then the satellite communication is protected, but the productivity of the cellular network is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by blanking only the minimum necessary physical resource blocks required to protect satellite communications, rather than blanking entire frequency bands or all uplink resources. The system calculates the precise set of PRBs that would cause interference based on satellite position, base station antenna patterns, and propagation models, and blanks only those specific resources. This partial blanking approach protects satellite communication while minimizing the impact on cellular network productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of resource blanking based on real-time satellite position data and orbital information. The network continuously monitors satellite positions and dynamically determines which PRBs need to be blanked at each time instance. When satellites are not within line-of-sight, no blanking is applied and full network capacity is available. This dynamic approach ensures that productivity loss is minimized to only the brief periods when satellites are actually present and would cause interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cellular network disables frequency bands to prevent interference, then the satellite communication is protected, but the adaptability of the network is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency band into individual physical resource blocks (PRBs) and applies interference protection selectively to only those PRBs that would cause satellite interference. Rather than disabling entire frequency bands, the system divides the spectrum into granular PRB units and blanks only the specific segments that need protection. This segmentation allows the network to maintain adaptability and continue using all other frequency resources normally, preserving network versatility while protecting satellite communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic frequency band management where the availability of each PRB changes based on satellite position. The network continuously updates which PRBs are blanked and which are available for use, allowing flexible adaptation to satellite passes. This dynamic approach maintains network adaptability by enabling the system to switch between different frequency configurations in real-time, protecting satellite communication only when necessary while maintaining full frequency band versatility at other times.
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for performing dynamic resource blanking on a cellular network are presented herein. Based on orbital data for a satellite, a cellular network can determine user equipment (UE) conducting an active call using a particular frequency band at a base station. For each of the UE a handover can be performed of on-going calls to a different frequency band. Following completion of the handovers, use of the frequency band at the base station can be temporarily disabled.