NR TDD Duplex Direction Coordination for Cross-Link Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LTE technologies inefficiently utilize radio resources due to static or semi-static TDD, wasting resources when only one traffic direction is present, and dynamic TDD systems face cross-link interference issues.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a centralized adaptive TDD mode switch with a logical central entity for coordinated TDD mode switching among cells, using joint traffic direction scheduling and explicit signaling to manage cross-link interference, and incorporating distributed coordination for efficient resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If static or semi-static TDD is used in LTE, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates when only one traffic direction exists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidTDD coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A coordination entity is introduced as an intermediary component that receives traffic direction indications from multiple cells, determines appropriate TDD configurations, and provides coordination information back to the cells. This mediator resolves the contradiction by centralizing the complex decision-making process, thereby improving resource utilization without significantly increasing the operational complexity for individual cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts TDD configurations based on real-time traffic conditions by monitoring traffic direction indications and adapting the TDD mode (e.g., switching between DL-heavy, UL-heavy, or symmetric configurations). This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize resource utilization efficiency in response to varying traffic demands while maintaining manageable complexity through structured coordination procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If dynamic TDD is implemented to maximize resource utilization, then productivity is improved, but cross-link interference between cells increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcross-link interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coordination entity implements a feedback mechanism by receiving traffic direction indications from each cell, analyzing the collective traffic patterns, and determining coordinated TDD configurations that prevent cross-link interference. This closed-loop feedback system enables dynamic TDD operation to maximize resource utilization while actively managing and reducing harmful interference effects between cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The coordination entity acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of dynamic resource allocation and interference management. By centralizing the coordination function, it enables cells to operate dynamically without generating harmful cross-link interference, thus resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and reduced harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If centralized adaptive TDD mode switching is used, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for coordination entities and signaling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcoordination system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coordination system is segmented into distinct functional components: traffic direction indication reception, TDD configuration determination, and coordination information provision. This segmentation allows the complex centralized adaptive TDD mode switching to be managed through modular, well-defined interfaces, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency while keeping the coordination system complexity manageable through structured functional division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If TDD configurations are changed frequently to adapt to traffic conditions, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidTDD configuration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coordination entity implements periodic evaluation of traffic direction indications and TDD configuration adjustments rather than continuous or arbitrary changes. This periodic action pattern allows the system to adapt to traffic conditions and improve resource utilization efficiency while maintaining stability by avoiding excessive or erratic configuration changes, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3566486B1Coordination of duplex directions in NR TDD system
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3566486B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3566486B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3566486B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method performed in a system comprising a joint traffic direction scheduler configured to coordinate time-division-duplexing (TDD) transmissions for multiple cells comprises obtaining TDD operation information from each of the cells, determining, based on the obtained TDD operation information, a transmission direction to be used by each of the cells during one or more transmission time intervals (TTIs), and indicating to the cells the determined transmission direction.