LTE-U Interference Measurement via WLAN Signal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE systems face challenges in efficiently measuring interference from neighboring LTE-U cells and WLAN-based APs and STAs when operating in unlicensed bands, as existing methods struggle to distinguish and separate these interference sources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for user equipment (UE) in LTE-A systems using carrier aggregation, which involves receiving configuration for resource positions from a base station to measure interference in the unlicensed band, specifically using RF receivers to measure interference from WLAN sources while excluding interference from LTE-A sources, and reporting the measured interference back to the base station. This involves configuring Physical Resource Blocks (PRB) or sub-carrier regions within the system bandwidth and utilizing specific subframes or upper layer signaling to isolate interference measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LTE systems operate in unlicensed bands using carrier aggregation, then network capacity and traffic offloading are improved, but interference from WLAN sources and neighboring LTE-U cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments interference measurement by creating separate resource positions for measuring different interference sources. Specifically, it divides interference measurement resources into those affected by LTE-U cells and those affected by WLAN sources, allowing the UE to measure and report them separately through different reference signals and resource configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference signals as intermediary elements that enable the UE to measure interference from different sources. By configuring specific reference signal resources at different resource positions, the system creates intermediaries that carry interference information from WLAN sources and LTE-U cells separately, allowing the base station to identify and manage different interference sources.
2Ease of operation
If existing interference measurement methods are used in LTE-U, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but the ability to distinguish and separate interference sources is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interference measurement process into distinct components by configuring separate resource positions for different interference sources. The UE measures interference at specific resource positions that are configured by the base station, with some positions affected by LTE-U cells and others by WLAN sources, enabling precise differentiation while maintaining a standardized measurement procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different measurement characteristics to different resource positions. Specific resource positions are configured with different properties (affected by LTE-U vs. affected by WLAN), allowing the system to capture local interference characteristics at different locations in the frequency-time domain while using a unified measurement framework.
3Measurement precision
If resource positions for interference measurement are configured in the unlicensed band, then accurate WLAN interference measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases due to additional configuration and reporting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal reference signal structures that serve multiple functions. The same reference signal type is used for both LTE-LTE interference measurement and WLAN interference measurement, allowing the UE to use a single measurement mechanism for different interference sources. The base station configures different resource positions with the same reference signal structure, reducing UE complexity while enabling precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the UE to autonomously measure interference at configured resource positions and generate reports based on predefined configurations. The base station provides the configuration parameters, and the UE independently performs the measurements and formatting of reports, reducing the need for complex centralized control while achieving accurate interference measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in one embodiment of the present invention is a method for measuring interference with user equipment (UE) using a licensed band and an unlicensed band, through carrier aggregation (CA) according to long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A). The method comprises the steps of: receiving, from a base station, configuration on the position of a resource for measuring interference in the unlicensed band; measuring, from the position of the resource on the unlicensed band, interference from a wireless LAN (WLAN), excluding interference from the LTE-A; and reporting the measured interference to the base station.