LTE Wi-Fi Coexistence via Buffer Status Reporting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices operating on different protocols in proximity to each other and in overlapping frequency bands experience interference due to simultaneous transmission on long-range wireless data networks and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs, such as LTE and Wi-Fi, which affects reception quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a wireless device to establish concurrent connections with a base station on a long-range wireless data network and a WLAN, where the device selects time intervals for communication on the WLAN by reporting no data pending to the base station, thereby preventing interference by scheduling LTE transmissions outside these intervals, and uses specific communication patterns and modulation schemes to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If simultaneous connections are established on LTE and WLAN, then communication versatility is improved, but interference between the two networks worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time domain by dividing the LTE frame into sub-frames and further into slots, creating distinct time intervals for LTE transmission and WLAN transmission. This temporal segmentation allows both networks to operate simultaneously without interference by ensuring that when one network is transmitting, the other is in a listening or idle state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the repeated use of time slots and frames in a cyclic manner. The device alternates between LTE and WLAN transmission periods in a periodic pattern, where each period consists of designated time slots for each network, creating a rhythmic cycle of transmission and reception that prevents interference while maintaining continuous communication capability.
2Productivity
If time slots are allocated for both LTE and WLAN, then communication efficiency is improved, but transmission timing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the device report its buffer status to the base station before actual data transmission occurs. This preliminary buffer status report enables the base station to pre-calculate and allocate appropriate time slots for both LTE and WLAN transmissions, avoiding the need for complex real-time scheduling decisions and reducing transmission timing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the device sends buffer status reports to the base station, and the base station responds with scheduling decisions. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of time slot allocations based on actual data availability and network conditions, simplifying the transmission timing process while maintaining high communication efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communication in a wireless device (24) includes establishing a first connection with a base station (BS-28) of a long-range wireless data network, and a second connection on a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). A time interval (96) is selected in the wireless device for communicating over the second connection. In preparation for the selected time interval, the BS is caused to refrain from scheduling data transmission from the wireless device to the BS over the first connection during the time interval, by reporting to the BS prior to the time interval that no data is pending for transmission from the wireless device. The wireless device communicates over the second connection on the WLAN during the time interval.