Interference Mitigation Tool for Cellular Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Interference from other radio sources on similar frequencies disrupts communications between user equipment (UE) and cellular network sites, leading to dropped calls, packet losses, and reduced data transfer rates, necessitating effective interference mitigation strategies to maintain network efficiency and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An interference mitigation system that detects interference in the operating band of network sites and selects appropriate mitigation actions, such as frequency shifting, block shifting, uplink blanking, or down tilting, to minimize disruptions while considering the impact on network efficiency and compliance with regulatory restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the coverage area of the network site is reduced or reshaped to avoid interference from other radio sources, then interference is mitigated, but the operating capacity and efficiency of the network site is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of network site operating parameters including coverage area, operating frequency, and transmission power. The system continuously monitors interference levels and automatically reconfigures the network site to operate in interference-free frequency blocks, allowing the coverage area to expand or contract dynamically based on real-time interference conditions rather than being statically reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters such as frequency block selection, transmission power levels, and antenna tilt angles to avoid interference. By transitioning between different frequency blocks and adjusting power parameters, the network site can maintain full coverage area while operating on frequencies that do not experience interference from other radio sources.
2Reliability
If the coverage area is reduced to avoid interference, then communications are protected from disruption, but network efficiency is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different frequency blocks based on real-time interference detection. When interference is detected in the current operating band, the system automatically transitions to an alternative frequency block without reducing coverage area, thereby maintaining both communication reliability and network efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an interference mitigation tool as an intermediary system that monitors radio frequency conditions and coordinates frequency block selection between network sites. This intermediary system enables network sites to operate at full capacity by selecting interference-free frequency blocks, thus maintaining both reliability and efficiency without requiring coverage area reduction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If frequency shifting or block shifting is implemented to avoid interference, then interference mitigation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network site incorporates an autonomous interference mitigation tool that automatically detects interference conditions, evaluates available frequency blocks, and executes reconfiguration decisions without external intervention. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems and manual configuration, thereby achieving interference mitigation with manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of interference levels and communication quality, using this feedback to automatically adjust frequency block selection and operating parameters. The feedback loop enables the system to respond adaptively to changing interference conditions, achieving effective interference mitigation through relatively simple automated control rather than complex predetermined configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Interference on an uplink between user equipment (UE) and a network site can disrupt the communications between the two. An interference mitigation tool can mitigate the effects such interference has on the communications between the UE and the network site by selecting a mitigation action for implementation at the network site. The interference mitigation tool can receive spectrum scan data from the network site to identify the presence of interference in an operating band of the network site. The interference mitigation tool can then determine possible mitigation actions and can select a mitigation action based on a variety of factors or criteria. Additionally, the interference mitigation tool can reverse previously implemented mitigation actions if the interference is no longer impacting the network site. Further, when selecting a mitigation action, the interference mitigation tool can also consider neighboring network sites and how the selected mitigation action would impact them.