Inter-link Interference Management via Coverage Enhancing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective interference management in wireless communication systems that utilize coverage enhancing devices (CEDs) to maintain reliable data links between wireless communication nodes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves communicating control messages between base stations for interference management, specifically configuring operational parameters of CEDs associated with data links to mitigate inter-link interference. This includes coordinating TDD slot configurations and adjusting settings such as transmit power, phase, and signal gain at the CED.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If coverage enhancing devices are used to extend wireless coverage area, then coverage area is increased, but inter-link interference between data links increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting operational parameters of the CED (such as phase shifts, amplitude weights, or beamforming coefficients) based on measured interference levels. The gNB receives interference measurements from UEs, determines root cause parameters, and reconfigures the CED accordingly to mitigate interference while maintaining coverage extension functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs measure interference on data links and report these measurements to the gNB. The gNB then uses this feedback information to identify the root cause of interference and reconfigure CED operational parameters, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes interference management.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If CED operational parameters are adjusted to mitigate interference, then interference levels are reduced, but communication reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing root cause analysis and determining the source of interference before reconfiguring CED parameters. The gNB identifies whether interference originates from uplink or downlink transmissions and selects appropriate remediation actions in advance, ensuring that parameter adjustments are targeted and do not inadvertently affect communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully selects and adjusts specific operational parameters of the CED based on the identified root cause, making targeted changes rather than broad adjustments. This selective parameter modification approach reduces interference while minimizing impact on the reliability of the data link.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement occasions are used to identify interference root cause, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interference measurement process into multiple distinct measurement occasions, each targeting specific hypotheses about the interference source. By dividing the overall measurement task into targeted segments (e.g., measuring with CED enabled, measuring with CED disabled, measuring different spatial directions), the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring exhaustive measurements across all possible parameters simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic measurement occasions where the CED is configured in different states (enabled/disabled, different beam configurations) at regular intervals to collect interference data. This periodic approach allows systematic gathering of measurement data over time while maintaining structured timing that optimizes the balance between measurement precision and time efficiency.
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
The solution effectively manages inter-link interference by determining the root cause of interference and reconfiguring operational parameters of CEDs and UEs, thereby improving communication reliability and reducing interference levels.
Implementation Method 1
A CED can be implemented by an array of antennas that can reflect incident electromagnetic waves/signals
Implementation Method 2
The antennas can impose a variable phase shift and typically provide no signal amplification. Thereby, a spatial filter including at least one input beam and at least one output beam can be defined. By means of the spatial filter, electromagnetic waves can be steered or generally tailored
Data Source
AI summary
Inter-link interference, e.g., cross-link interference or remote interference, is managed in presence of a coverage enhancing device on a respective data link.