Inter-RAT Interference Control via Sub-Band Power Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interference between different radio access technologies (RATs) in mobile communication systems leads to dropped calls and service quality degradation due to the lack of effective interference control mechanisms, particularly between UMTS and LTE networks during coexistence periods.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for interference control between inter-RAT communication systems, where a network element determines an interfered sub-band and transmits an interference control request message to an adjacent network element, allowing for power adjustments to mitigate interference, thereby maintaining signal quality and reducing power ramp issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LTE and UMTS networks share frequency spectrum resources during coexistence period, then frequency spectrum utilization efficiency is improved, but interference between inter-RAT cells increases causing dropped calls and service quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling selective interference control on specific sub-bands where interference occurs. Instead of controlling interference across the entire frequency spectrum, the system identifies interfered sub-bands and applies power adjustment only to those specific frequency portions, allowing efficient spectrum utilization while mitigating localized interference problems between LTE and UMTS cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the transmitted power parameter of interfering cells on specific sub-bands. The interference control mechanism modifies the power parameter of LTE or UMTS cells based on detected interference levels, thereby reducing inter-RAT interference while maintaining overall spectrum sharing efficiency.
2Reliability
If LTE cells elevate transmitted power to overcome UMTS interference, then signal quality of LTE is improved, but interference for UMTS cells increases causing power ramp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by establishing an interference detection and reporting mechanism where UMTS cells monitor interference from LTE cells and report interfered sub-bands back to the LTE network. This feedback loop enables the LTE system to adjust its transmitted power on specific sub-bands, reducing interference to UMTS while maintaining adequate signal quality through targeted power control rather than blanket power elevation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively controlling interference before it causes severe degradation. The interference control mechanism preemptively adjusts power on identified interfered sub-bands, preventing the need for reactive power ramping and avoiding the vicious cycle where LTE increases power to overcome interference, which then causes further interference to UMTS.
3Reliability
If both LTE and UMTS perform intra-RAT interference control, then interference within each RAT is reduced, but inter-RAT interference control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by creating an interference control mechanism that functions across multiple RATs. The system enables both LTE and UMTS networks to participate in a unified interference control framework, allowing the same control logic to operate across different radio access technologies. This multi-functional approach extends intra-RAT interference control capabilities to inter-RAT scenarios, making the system adaptable to heterogeneous network environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the interference control message exchange between LTE and UMTS networks. The interference control request and response messages act as intermediaries that facilitate coordination between different RATs, enabling them to share interference information and cooperate on power adjustment decisions, thereby achieving inter-RAT interference control without requiring deep integration of the different network systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for interference control, and a network element device, when a first network element and a second network element are network elements in inter-RAT communication systems, the first network element determines an interfered sub-band from a bandwidth occupied by the first network element; and transmits an interference control request message which is used for requesting the second network element to perform interference control to the interfered sub-band to the second network element; when the first network element is an SRC, and the second network element is a network element in any communication system, the first network element transmits the interference control request message which is used for requesting to perform interference control to a designated sub-band occupied by the second network element to the second network element; after receiving the interference control request message, the second network element performs at least one of the following operations: adjusting, within a preset range, transmitted power of the occupied designated sub-band that has been allocated by the second network element; allocating, within a preset range, the transmitted power of the designated sub-band occupied by the second network element. A problem that there is too much interference between adjacent cells of different RATs is solved. The present invention relates to the field of mobile communications.