PRB Power Control for Adjacent Operator Spectrum Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network operators face interference issues due to non-contiguous spectrum blocks, creating buffer zones where spectrum is not fully utilized, as they need to avoid interference with adjacent operators' frequencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network operator-controlled power updates on a per PRB basis, reducing power levels for frequency blocks that are adjacent or co-channel to prevent interference, allowing for more efficient spectrum use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network operators use all allotted spectrum blocks, then spectrum utilization is improved, but interference with adjacent operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing operator-specific power adjustments on specific PRBs rather than uniform power reduction across all frequency blocks. Each operator's base station identifies adjacent PRBs belonging to other operators and applies targeted power reduction only to those specific resource blocks, allowing full power usage on non-adjacent PRBs while preventing interference on boundary PRBs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter dynamically based on PRB adjacency and operator identification. The base station receives operator ID information, identifies adjacent PRBs belonging to other operators, and adjusts power levels accordingly - using normal power for non-adjacent PRBs and reduced power for adjacent PRBs. This parameter change enables full spectrum utilization while preventing interference through selective power adjustment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If power levels are reduced on adjacent frequency blocks, then interference is prevented, but spectrum efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into individual PRBs and applies different power levels to different segments based on operator adjacency. Instead of reducing power across entire frequency blocks, the system identifies specific adjacent PRBs belonging to other operators and applies power reduction only to those segmented units. This segmentation allows maximum spectrum utilization on non-adjacent PRBs while preventing interference only where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by reducing power only on the specific PRBs that are adjacent to other operators' frequency blocks, rather than applying uniform power reduction across all blocks. This partial power adjustment prevents interference exactly where needed while maintaining full power transmission on non-adjacent PRBs, thereby maximizing overall spectrum efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If buffer zones are created around spectrum blocks, then interference is avoided, but spectrum utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the buffer zone concept from the traditional approach by removing the need for complete frequency block buffer zones. Instead of creating geographic or frequency buffer zones around entire spectrum blocks, the system extracts and applies power reduction only to the specific boundary PRBs that would otherwise require buffer zones. This extraction eliminates unnecessary spectrum waste while maintaining interference protection at the actual boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of adjacent frequency blocks into a beneficial identification mechanism. By receiving operator ID information and identifying which PRBs belong to adjacent operators, the system uses what would traditionally be a source of interference (adjacent frequency blocks) as a means to enable precise power adjustment. This conversion allows the system to eliminate buffer zones entirely while maintaining interference protection through intelligent power management on identified adjacent PRBs.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for network operator controlled power update per PRB for new radio (NR) are provided. A method begins with determining that at least one frequency block controlled by a first network operator is adjacent or co-channel with at least one frequency block controlled by a second network operator. Next, it is determined that a second frequency block controlled by the first network operator is adjacent or co-channel with the at least one frequency block controlled by the first network operator. The power level assigned to the first network operator's frequency block is updated to reduce interference. To prevent interference, the power level of the second frequency block controlled by the first network operator uses a lower power level. This lower power level may be assigned on a resource block basis, such as PRBs and RBGs.