Inter-CU Signaling for Cross-Link Interference Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing cross-link interference (CLI) between different base station central units, which affects the performance and efficiency of wireless networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing inter-central unit (inter-CU) coordination techniques where base station CUs exchange signaling information about CLI experienced by victim nodes and configure aggressor nodes to adjust their transmissions based on this information, thereby mitigating CLI.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inter-CU coordination signaling is implemented to manage CLI, then CLI mitigation effectiveness is improved, but network signaling overhead and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCLI mitigation effectivenessVSAvoidinter-CU coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism between CUs that enables indirect coordination for CLI management. Instead of direct complex interactions between CUs and downstream nodes, the intermediary signaling protocol facilitates information exchange about CLI conditions and coordination actions through standardized interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining mitigation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the CLI management function into distinct components: CLI measurement at downstream nodes, CLI reporting to CUs, and coordination signaling between CUs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the complexity of any single element while maintaining overall system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If CLI measurement and reporting is performed at downstream nodes, then CLI detection accuracy is improved, but node measurement and reporting overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCLI detection accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal CLI measurement capabilities at downstream nodes that can serve multiple purposes: CLI detection for interference management, channel quality assessment, and link adaptation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated CLI-specific signaling overhead while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Downstream nodes autonomously perform CLI measurements and generate reports based on local conditions without requiring continuous external coordination. This self-service approach improves detection accuracy by enabling continuous local monitoring while reducing signaling overhead by only reporting when CLI conditions change or thresholds are exceeded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4218329B1Inter-CU coordination for cross-link interference management
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4218329B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4218329B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4218329B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a first base station central unit (CU) may transmit, and a second base station CU may receive, first inter-CU signaling including information related to cross-link interference (CLI) experienced by or to be measured by one or more victim downstream nodes associated with the first base station CU. The second base station CU may configure one or more aggressor downstream nodes to transmit one or more signals based at least in part on the first inter-CU signaling. The second base station CU may transmit, and the first base station CU may receive, second inter-CU signaling indicating a configuration associated with the signals to be transmitted by the one or more aggressor downstream nodes based at least in part on the first inter-CU signaling. Numerous other aspects are provided.