Uplink Coverage in LTE Interference Scenarios
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, especially in LTE, uplink coverage is compromised due to interference from neighboring base stations, leading to degraded performance and potential radio link failures, particularly in scenarios where user equipment (UE) experiences high interference from stronger signal sources.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first eNodeB requests a second eNodeB to yield bundles of non-consecutive subframes, allowing the UE associated with the first eNodeB to perform uplink transmissions in these reserved subframes, thereby reducing interference and enhancing uplink coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a UE transmits uplink signals in the presence of strong interference from neighboring base stations, then network resource utilization is improved, but uplink coverage and connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time-frequency resources by dividing subframes into different types (protected, common, non-protected) and allocating them to different transmission purposes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both high resource utilization and reliable uplink coverage by directing UEs to use protected subframes for critical transmissions while allowing other subframes for general traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring protected subframes at the network level before uplink transmissions occur. The network proactively identifies and reserves interference-free time resources, then notifies UEs of these protected periods in advance, allowing UEs to plan their uplink transmissions to coincide with these favorable conditions.
2Reliability
If the network reserves specific time intervals for protected transmissions, then uplink coverage is improved, but network resource utilization and scheduling flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the protected subframe configuration adaptable rather than static. The network can dynamically adjust which subframes are designated as protected based on current interference conditions, traffic patterns, and UE requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain reliable uplink coverage while minimizing the impact on overall resource utilization through flexible reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If the network implements interference coordination by requesting neighboring base stations to yield resources, then uplink coverage is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the downlink-uplink association relationship as an intermediary mechanism to coordinate interference without requiring direct complex negotiations between neighboring base stations. The serving base station leverages its existing knowledge of downlink resource allocation to infer appropriate uplink protected subframes, and communicates this configuration to UEs through standard signaling. This intermediary approach simplifies the coordination process while achieving the desired interference mitigation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for wireless communication in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network includes transmitting a request, from a first evolved Node B (eNodeB) of the LTE network to a second eNodeB of the LTE network, for the second eNodeB to yield a bundles of non-consecutive subframes. The method also includes configuring a User Equipment (UE), which is associated with the first eNodeB and experiencing interference from the second eNodeB, for uplink transmission in the plurality of bundles of non-consecutive subframes.