Point-to-Multipoint Device Beam Switching for CCI Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless networks face challenges in reducing Co-Channel Interference (CCI) due to the limitations of traditional smart antenna systems, which often result in varying signal quality and reduced system throughput, especially when using steered beam systems that introduce complex and unpredictable interference patterns.

Innovation Solution

A point-to-multipoint device employing multiple sets of orthogonal beams, where each set is randomly generated with respect to other sets, and synchronized across the network to minimize CCI by switching beams in a cyclostationary manner, ensuring consistent interference patterns and exploiting multi-user diversity for improved throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If steered beam systems are used to reduce CCI, then signal quality improves, but interference patterns become complex and unpredictable, reducing system throughput

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidsystem throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing cyclostationary beam switching where beams are switched in a synchronized, periodic manner across the network. This creates predictable, repeating interference patterns that allow receivers to effectively manage interference, thereby maintaining signal quality while improving system throughput compared to unpredictable steered beam systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of beam switching from asynchronous/random to synchronized/periodic. By modifying the temporal parameter of beam switching to be cyclostationary and synchronized across the network, the interference patterns become predictable, resolving the contradiction between signal quality and system throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If highly directional antennas are used for cell sectorisation, then system capacity increases, but device complexity and interference management become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidinterference management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces interference management complexity by implementing periodic beam switching that creates predictable interference patterns. This allows receivers to anticipate and manage interference from directional beams more easily, maintaining high system capacity while reducing the complexity of interference management compared to static highly directional antenna systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics by switching between multiple beam sets periodically rather than using fixed highly directional antennas. This dynamic beam switching maintains the capacity benefits of directional antennas while simplifying interference management through predictable, periodic patterns that receivers can track and manage more easily.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If data repetition is implemented to maintain QoS, then acceptable Quality of Service is ensured, but overall system throughput is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQuality of ServiceVSAvoidsystem throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of CCI into a beneficial pattern by implementing cyclostationary beam switching. This creates predictable interference patterns that allow receivers to anticipate and compensate for interference, reducing the need for data repetition while maintaining QoS, thereby improving system throughput without sacrificing service quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP1958348B1Point to multipoint device for communication with a plurality of telecommunications units
Publication Date: 2013.03.27 AIRSPAN NETWORKS INC
  • EP1958348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1958348B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1958348B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A point to multipoint device being operable to employ multiple sets of beams, at any point in time one set being used. The point to multipoint device comprises beam set generation logic for generating the multiple sets of beams arranged into one or more groups, each group comprising one beam from each set . Within each group the beams of that group are orthogonal with respect to each other, and each beam within each set is generated randomly with respect to other beams in that set. An interface is provided for receiving a synchronisation signal issued to all point to multipoint devices in the wireless network. Beam switching logic is then used to determine, having regard to the synchronisation signal, switch times at which the point to multipoint device switches from one set of beams to another set of beams, the switch times being the same for all point to multipoint devices in the wireless network.