Full Duplex Base Station Virtual Cell Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless networks are limited by half-duplex operations, leading to inefficient resource utilization and increased interference in full duplex scenarios, as existing systems are not designed to handle simultaneous uplink and downlink communications effectively, especially with full duplex base stations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a full duplex base station that operates in transparent or non-transparent modes by creating virtual half duplex cells, allowing mobile devices to remain in half duplex mode while the base station uses full duplex communication, with enhanced resource allocation and interference mitigation techniques such as eICIC and static resource configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a base station operates in full duplex mode for simultaneous uplink and downlink communication, then resource utilization and data rates are improved, but interference conditions and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station is divided into multiple virtual cells, each operating in half-duplex mode. This segmentation allows the overall base station to function in full-duplex mode by distributing uplink and downlink operations across different virtual cells, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining manageable complexity at the virtual cell level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Virtual cells act as intermediaries between the full-duplex base station and half-duplex user equipment. These virtual cells manage the complexity of simultaneous uplink and downlink operations by providing a simplified half-duplex interface to user equipment while enabling full-duplex functionality at the base station level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a base station operates in full duplex mode, then resource utilization and data rates are improved, but interference conditions at the UE side worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata ratesVSAvoidinterference conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the base station into multiple virtual cells operating in half-duplex mode, the system eliminates intra-cell interference that would occur with full-duplex operation. Each virtual cell operates independently without self-interference, and the base station coordinates resource allocation across virtual cells to minimize inter-cell interference at user equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of virtual cells to operate in half-duplex mode with coordinated resource allocation. By adjusting timing and frequency parameters across different virtual cells, the base station enables simultaneous uplink and downlink capacity while maintaining acceptable interference levels at user equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If virtual half duplex cells are created for full duplex operation, then resource utilization is improved, but control channel interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidcontrol channel interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base station dynamically adjusts control channel parameters such as transmission power, timing, and frequency resources across different virtual cells. By coordinating these parameters, the system enables simultaneous control channel transmissions for uplink and downlink virtual cells while minimizing mutual interference through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The base station implements dynamic resource allocation and coordination mechanisms that adapt control channel parameters in real-time based on traffic conditions and interference levels. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high resource utilization while actively managing control channel interference between virtual cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3150016B1A method for operating a wireless network, a wireless network and a base station
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 NEC CORP
  • EP3150016B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3150016B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3150016B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

For allowing a very high degree of utilization of available resources within the network by simple means a method for operating a wireless network is claimed, wherein a base station is provided for data communication in uplink, UL, and downlink, DL, direction with at least one mobile device. The method is characterized in that the base station is operated in a full duplex data communication mode during communication with the at least one mobile device. Further, a corresponding wireless network and a corresponding base station are claimed, preferably for carrying out the above mentioned method.