Inter-gNB Slot Format Coordination for SBFD Cross-Link Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a solution for inter-gNB coordination to effectively handle cross-link interference (CLI) in sub-band non-overlapping full duplex (SBFD) operations, as they only support semi-static and cell-specific TDD UL-DL configurations, failing to account for dynamic slot formats and sub-band-based allocations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves exchanging multiple slot formats per cell, corresponding to each sub-band, between gNBs over Xn/F1 interfaces, allowing for dynamic and sub-band-specific coordination to manage CLI in SBFD operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If semi-static and cell-specific TDD UL-DL configurations are used, then system complexity is reduced, but inter-gNB cross-link interference handling capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency band into multiple sub-bands and assigns different slot formats to different sub-bands within the same cell. This allows different portions of the spectrum to have different transmission directions (UL/DL) simultaneously, enabling fine-grained interference management between neighboring gNBs while maintaining semi-static configuration simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic slot format indication through DCI format 2_0, allowing the network to dynamically adjust slot formats based on actual interference conditions and traffic demands. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to changing interference patterns between gNBs while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized signaling mechanisms
2Productivity
If sub-band non-overlapping full duplex (SBFD) operation is deployed, then spectral efficiency is improved, but inter-gNB cross-link interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different slot formats and transmission directions to different sub-bands based on local interference conditions. Each gNB can configure its serving cells with sub-band specific UL/DL patterns that are optimized for local traffic demands and interference scenarios, allowing SBFD operation to achieve high spectral efficiency while managing CLI through localized adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where gNBs exchange slot format information and interference measurements through Xn interface. This feedback loop enables gNBs to adjust their SBFD configurations based on actual interference levels observed from neighboring gNBs, allowing the system to maintain high spectral efficiency while dynamically managing cross-link interference
3Reliability
If multiple slot formats per cell corresponding to each sub-band are exchanged between gNBs, then CLI handling performance is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial information exchange between gNBs, where only the necessary slot format information relevant to interference management is shared through Xn interface. Rather than exchanging complete configuration details for all sub-bands, gNBs exchange only the critical slot format indicators needed for CLI handling, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining effective interference coordination
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a communication apparatus and a communication method for coordination for cross-link interference handling, the communication apparatus being a base station comprising: circuitry which, in operation, is configured to generate a signal comprising information of a plurality of sets of slot formats for one or more serving cells, wherein each set of slot formats of the plurality of sets of slot formats corresponds to a plurality of frequency segments of each serving cell of the one or more serving cells; and a transmitter which, in operation, transmits the signal to one or more second base stations.