Radio Channel Coordination for Interference Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face interference issues between licensed and unlicensed bands, such as 2.3 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, leading to signal quality loss and data loss, with current solutions like robust modulation or filtering either reducing system capacity or increasing costs, and existing interference mitigation schemes causing widespread disruption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for coordinating the use of a radio channel between Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) and IEEE 802.11 communication radios, involving a controller module that sends notifications to compute and transmit channel clear messages based on Received Signal Strength Indication, allowing interfering radios to halt activity and avoid interference, using Clear to Send Frame (CTS) Network Allocation Vector (NAV) parameters and pre-defined signal strength levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust modulation or coding scheme is used for licensed bands, then interference is reduced, but system capacity drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the licensed radio (e.g., BWA) send a notification message to unlicensed radios (e.g., Wi-Fi) before transmitting. This advance notification allows unlicensed radios to clear the channel or adjust their transmission, preventing interference before it occurs. This approach maintains high-capacity modulation schemes while ensuring signal quality through proactive coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where unlicensed radios send acknowledgment messages back to the licensed radio after receiving notifications. This feedback loop ensures that the licensed radio can verify whether the channel is clear before proceeding with high-capacity transmissions, thereby maintaining both system capacity and signal quality through coordinated communication.
2Reliability
If filters are added to filter out interfering signals, then interference is reduced, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical filtering mechanisms (hardware filters) with a communication-based coordination system. Instead of using complex and expensive RF filters to separate licensed and unlicensed band signals, the system uses software-controlled notification and acknowledgment messages to coordinate channel usage. This substitution reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining signal quality through intelligent resource management.
3Reliability
If control signal is transmitted over the air to make interfering radio back off, then interference is reduced, but non-interfering network communications are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the interference mitigation mechanism targeted and selective. The notification message is specifically addressed to the interfering unlicensed radio based on its identification, and the back-off requirement is localized only to that specific radio during the notification period. Other non-interfering networks continue their operations without disruption, as the coordination is confined to the specific licensed-unlicensed radio pair involved.
4Reliability
If time division multiplexing is used for communication signals, then interference is reduced, but communication flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the time division multiplexing arrangement flexible and adaptive rather than rigid. The notification message specifies a notification period during which the unlicensed radio should clear the channel, but this arrangement can be dynamically adjusted based on actual channel conditions, traffic requirements, and negotiation between radios. This allows the system to maintain signal quality through coordinated timing while preserving communication flexibility through adaptive parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to wireless communications, and more particularly to reducing interference in wireless communications. The principal object of this invention is to co-ordinate between two or more communication radios, present within the same device or a plurality of devices present close to each other, without interfering with other non-interfering devices. Embodiments disclosed herein disclose a scheme for reducing interference between any licensed and/or unlicensed radio.