Dynamic TDD Interference Management via Synchronous Buffer Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in managing interference between operators, particularly in dynamic TDD configurations, where asynchronous operations across adjacent operators lead to mixed interference, and large guard bands are needed to mitigate this, resulting in wastage of valuable spectrum.

Innovation Solution

Divide bandwidth regions into asynchronous and synchronous TDD operation regions, with synchronous regions acting as a buffer between asynchronous regions, allowing for reduced or eliminated guard bands while maintaining minimal interference, by synchronizing subframe configurations at the edges of the bandwidth regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If large guard bands are used to mitigate interference between operators, then interference is reduced, but spectrum wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between operatorsVSAvoidspectrum wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bandwidth region is segmented into multiple subband regions, where each subband can be independently configured for synchronous or asynchronous TDD operation. This segmentation allows selective application of guard bands only where necessary (at boundaries between operators) while eliminating them within operator regions, thus reducing overall spectrum wastage while maintaining interference mitigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different TDD synchronization configurations are applied to different subband regions based on local requirements. Synchronous TDD is applied in subbands requiring operator coordination to minimize interference, while asynchronous TDD is applied in subbands where flexibility is needed. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between interference reduction and spectrum utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If synchronous TDD configurations are used across operators, then interference is minimized, but flexibility in bandwidth allocation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between operatorsVSAvoidflexibility in bandwidth allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bandwidth is divided into multiple subband regions that can be independently configured. Some subbands can operate with synchronous TDD configurations for interference minimization, while others can use asynchronous configurations for greater flexibility. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of both interference reduction and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects between synchronous and asynchronous TDD configurations for different subband regions based on traffic requirements and interference conditions. This dynamic configuration allows the network to adapt to changing conditions, providing flexibility while maintaining interference management where necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If asynchronous TDD operations are used across operators, then bandwidth flexibility is improved, but mixed interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth flexibilityVSAvoidmixed interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the bandwidth into subband regions with different TDD configurations, the system can contain mixed interference to specific subbands while maintaining asynchronous operations in others. This localization of interference effects allows flexibility to be preserved in subbands where it is most needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Synchronous subband regions act as intermediary buffer zones between asynchronous operator regions. These synchronous subbands mediate the interaction between different operators' asynchronous operations, reducing mixed interference while allowing bandwidth flexibility in the asynchronous regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3482580B1Methods and apparatus for managing interference across operators
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3482580B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3482580B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3482580B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and techniques for managing interference across operators. A base station identifies a first region of a first frequency spectrum assigned to a first operator, wherein uplink and downlink subframe configurations for Time Division Duplex (TDD) communications using the first region and a first region of a second frequency spectrum assigned to a second operator are synchronized between the first and second operator. The base station further identifies a second region of the first frequency spectrum, wherein uplink and downlink subframe configurations for TDD communications using the second region and a second region of the second frequency spectrum are not synchronized between the first and second operator. The base station communicates with one or more user equipments using the first and second region of the first frequency spectrum.