Inter-Cell Interference Mitigation with Network-Assisted Covariance Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR networks, physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmissions can experience interference due to differing symbol allocations and timing of neighboring cell transmissions, leading to sub-optimal interference rejection by user equipment (UE) when demodulation reference signals (DMRS) do not provide sufficient temporal information.
Innovation Solution
The UE receives network assistance information, such as time domain resource assignments and channel state information, to enhance interference and noise covariance estimation, allowing for improved interference mitigation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DMRS are used for interference mitigation, then interference rejection capability is improved, but temporal information accuracy deteriorates when DMRS do not overlap with interfering signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network assistance information as an intermediary that bridges the gap between DMRS-based interference mitigation and accurate temporal information. This intermediary provides supplementary data about interfering signal characteristics, resource allocations, and timing that DMRS alone cannot convey, enabling the UE to achieve both interference rejection and temporal accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The network performs preliminary actions by calculating and providing interference information, resource allocation details, and timing characteristics before the UE needs to perform interference mitigation. This preliminary preparation enables the UE to make more accurate interference rejection decisions without having to derive all information from DMRS alone
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible PDSCH scheduling with varying symbol allocations is implemented, then network flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but inter-cell interference increases due to timing mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network provides interference information and resource allocation details to the UE. This feedback loop enables the UE to adapt its interference mitigation strategy based on actual network conditions and scheduling decisions, allowing flexible PDSCH scheduling while compensating for the resulting inter-cell interference through informed interference rejection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter set available to the UE for interference mitigation by introducing network assistance information containing interference characteristics, resource allocations, and timing details. These parameter changes enable the UE to adjust its interference rejection algorithms to match the flexible scheduling patterns, maintaining network adaptability while reducing harmful interference effects
3Reliability
If network assistance information is provided to enhance interference mitigation, then signal quality and reception quality are improved, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing network assistance information selectively rather than continuously, and by giving the UE the specific level of processing capability needed for its conditions. The UE performs interference mitigation processing to the extent necessary based on the received assistance information and actual interference conditions, avoiding unnecessary complexity while maintaining signal quality
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques discussed herein can facilitate inter-cell interference mitigation. One example aspect is a user equipment (UE), configured to receive a network assistance indication associated with an interfering signal, where the interfering signal interferes with a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission. A time resource allocation of the interfering signal is different than a time resource allocation of the PDSCH transmission. The UE is further configured to determine an interference and noise covariance estimation mechanism based on the network assistance indication then perform interference and noise covariance estimation based on the noise covariance estimation mechanism. The UE is further configured to perform mitigation of the interfering signal using a mitigation mechanism based on the interference and noise covariance estimation.