Dynamic Slot Conversion for Cross-Link Interference Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR and LTE, face challenges in managing interference between base stations, which affects the efficiency of uplink and downlink communications, leading to potential disruptions and reduced signal quality.
Innovation Solution
The method involves assessing expected interference between base stations and opportunistically converting a portion of a downlink slot to an uplink slot based on interference levels, allowing for dynamic adjustment of communication configurations to minimize interference and enhance reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If downlink slots are converted to uplink slots to increase uplink capacity, then uplink communication efficiency is improved, but interference from other base stations performing downlink increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic slot configuration where base stations can convert between downlink and uplink slots based on real-time interference conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the direction of flexible slots in response to detected cross-link interference, allowing the network to adaptively optimize uplink capacity while managing interference through real-time reconfiguration of time division duplexing patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of slot direction (downlink/uplink) based on interference assessment. When cross-link interference is detected or predicted, the base station modifies the configuration parameter of flexible slots, converting them from downlink to uplink or vice versa, thereby adjusting system behavior to maintain communication efficiency while managing harmful interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible slots are used for dynamic conversion, then adaptability to interference conditions is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments slots into three distinct types: downlink slots, uplink slots, and flexible slots. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stable configurations for downlink and uplink while providing a controlled subset (flexible slots) for dynamic adaptation. The segmentation approach manages complexity by limiting the scope of dynamic changes to only flexible slots rather than requiring reconfiguration of the entire slot structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where base stations assess interference conditions and use this information to make informed decisions about slot conversion. The interference assessment feedback loop enables adaptive conversion of flexible slots based on actual cross-link interference measurements, allowing the system to achieve adaptability through structured feedback rather than complex distributed decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects are directed to a method for wireless communication by a first base station. The method generally includes: assessing expected interference from a second base station to uplink communications on at least a portion of a first slot, the at least the portion of the first slot being configured for downlink; determining whether to convert the configuration of the at least the portion of the first slot from the downlink to uplink based on the assessment of the expected interference; and receiving signaling from a user-equipment (UE) via the at least the portion of the first slot in accordance with the determination.