LTE Subframe Bursting to Reduce WiFi Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
LTE wireless communication systems interfere with WiFi systems due to continuous downlink channel operation, preventing effective coexistence in shared RF bands as WiFi systems struggle to sense clear channels for transmission.
Innovation Solution
The LTE system employs an eNodeB to time-divide LTE frames into subframes, condensing downlink communications into a subset of subframes and burst-transmitting only the necessary subframes, thereby freeing up RF band usage and allowing coexistence with other wireless systems like WiFi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LTE downlink channels operate continuously at pre-defined power level, then LTE coverage and reliability are improved, but interference to WiFi systems increases and coexistence capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by transitioning from continuous LTE downlink transmission to periodic/burst transmission. The eNodeB transmits LTE frames in periodic bursts separated by idle periods where the channel is cleared for WiFi transmission. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining LTE reliability through regular periodic transmission while eliminating continuous interference to WiFi systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the LTE transmission pattern adaptive rather than static. The eNodeB dynamically adjusts between continuous and periodic transmission modes based on the presence and activity of WiFi systems detected through channel sensing. This allows the system to optimize LTE coverage when WiFi is absent while preventing interference when WiFi is active.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LTE operates in unlicensed RF bands shared with WiFi, then spectrum utilization is improved, but channel sensing capability of WiFi systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by creating periodic idle intervals between LTE burst transmissions. During these idle periods, the RF channel is cleared of LTE signals, allowing WiFi systems to perform channel sensing and detect clear channel conditions. This enables spectrum sharing by ensuring WiFi can detect available channels while LTE maintains periodic communication.
3Productivity
If LTE frames are transmitted continuously, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and coexistence with other systems decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by transmitting LTE data in periodic bursts rather than continuous streams. Data is condensed into essential information transmitted during active LTE frames, while periodic idle periods follow. This maintains data transmission efficiency by delivering necessary information periodically while significantly reducing energy consumption during idle periods when transmission is suspended.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies extraction by removing unnecessary continuous transmission components from the LTE frame structure. Only essential data and control information are transmitted during active frames, while redundant continuous signaling is eliminated. This extracts the core functional requirement from the continuous transmission pattern, enabling periodic operation that reduces energy loss while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods presented herein provide for an LTE wireless communication system operating in a Radio Frequency (RF) band with a conflicting wireless system. The LTE system includes an eNodeB operable to detect a plurality of UEs in the RF band, to generate LTE frames for downlink communications to the UEs, and to time-divide each LTE frame into a plurality of subframes. The eNodeB is also operable to condense the downlink communications into a first number of the subframes that frees data from a remaining number of the subframes in each LTE frame, and to burst-transmit the first number of the subframes of each LTE frame in the RF band.