Inter-network Beamforming via Channel Sounding for Null Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in improving spectral efficiency and reducing interference between networks, particularly due to the inability to directly acquire channel state information from unassociated stations, which hinders effective beamforming and spatial reuse.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inter-network beamforming, where access nodes establish cooperation by transmitting channel sounding signals and receiving beamforming reports from associated stations, allowing for null steering beamforming transmissions based on measured channel state information, even when stations are unassociated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beamforming is implemented within a single wireless network, then link quality is improved and interference is reduced, but channel state information cannot be acquired from unassociated stations in other networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where associated stations act as mediators to convey channel state information about unassociated stations. The access node transmits channel sounding signals, and associated stations measure these signals to generate beamforming reports that include channel state information for unassociated stations, enabling the access node to perform null steering without direct association.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having access nodes transmit channel sounding signals in advance before actual data transmission. These sounding signals allow associated stations to pre-measure and report channel state information for unassociated stations, enabling the access node to prepare null steering beamforming configurations beforehand to mitigate interference.
2Productivity
If wireless networks operate independently without inter-network cooperation, then network complexity is reduced, but spectral efficiency and spatial reuse are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming information acquisition process into distinct components: channel sounding signal transmission by the access node, measurement and report generation by associated stations, and null steering execution. This segmentation allows inter-network beamforming to be implemented through standardized message exchanges (announcement frames, beamforming reports) without requiring complete network integration, thus improving spectral efficiency while managing complexity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If null steering beamforming is performed towards unassociated stations, then interference towards other radio receivers is reduced, but requiring establishment of inter-network beamforming cooperation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where associated stations measure channel sounding signals and transmit beamforming reports containing channel state information back to the access node. This feedback loop enables the access node to identify unassociated stations causing or suffering from interference and configure null steering beamforming accordingly, reducing harmful interference through informed directional transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances link quality and reduces interference by enabling effective beamforming even across unassociated networks, thereby improving spectral efficiency and spatial reuse.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a channel sounding signal; receiving, from the at least one station of the second wireless network, a beamforming report comprising channel state information measured from the channel sounding signal
Implementation Method 2
Beamforming is a technique where a transmitter focuses radio energy towards an intended recipient and/or reduces radio energy towards an unintended recipient
Implementation Method 3
performing null steering beamforming transmission in the first wireless network on the basis of the received channel state information; steering a transmission null towards the at least one station of the second wireless network
Data Source
AI summary
This document discloses a solution for performing internetwork beamforming cooperation. According to an aspect, a method comprises: establishing, by a first access node (112) of a first wireless network, internetwork beamforming with a second access node (110) of a second wireless network, wherein the establishment indicates at least one station (102) of the second wireless network; in response to said establishing, transmitting by the first access node (112) a channel sounding signal; receiving, by the first access node (112) from the at least one station (102) of the second wireless network, a beamforming report comprising channel state information measured from the channel sounding signal; and performing, by the first access node (112), null steering beamforming transmission in the first wireless network on the basis of the received channel state information.