Network Device Spectrum Availability Query Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, when a network device fails to effectively perceive a surrounding Wi-Fi access point, it may interfere with communication between the LTE base station and user equipment due to unlicensed spectrum usage, leading to communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A network device sends control information to a terminal to query a second network device about the availability of an unlicensed spectrum, allowing the first network device to determine whether the spectrum is available for use, thereby avoiding interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the LTE base station uses unlicensed spectrum to communicate with user equipment, then spectrum utilization is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to potential interference from Wi-Fi access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal query the Wi-Fi access point in advance about whether the LTE base station can use the unlicensed spectrum. The access point responds with availability information before the LTE base station actually uses the spectrum, allowing the system to prevent interference issues before they occur. This advance checking mechanism resolves the contradiction by ensuring spectrum usage only happens when it won't interfere with Wi-Fi communications.
2Reliability
If the LTE base station perceives surrounding Wi-Fi access points, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detection and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the terminal as an intermediary to perform the spectrum availability query between the LTE base station and the Wi-Fi access point. Instead of requiring the base station to directly detect and coordinate with all surrounding Wi-Fi access points, the terminal acts as a mediator that communicates with the access point and relays information back to the base station. This reduces the complexity burden on the base station while still achieving reliable communication.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the terminal queries the second network device about spectrum availability, then interference is prevented, but loss of time occurs due to additional signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Wi-Fi access point provides spectrum availability information to the terminal in response to the query. This feedback allows the LTE base station to make informed decisions about spectrum usage. The structured feedback process ensures that interference is prevented through accurate information exchange, while the time loss is minimized by using efficient signaling protocols and combining the query with existing random access procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A first network device includes: a transceiver, configured to send control information to a terminal, to instruct the terminal to access a second network device and query whether the second network device allows the first network device to use a first spectrum; and a processor, configured to: determine a query result of the terminal, and determine, according to the query result, whether the first spectrum is available, where the first spectrum is an unlicensed spectrum for the first network device.