Radio Head Interference Detection via Signal Cross-Correlation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In modern radio access networks, detecting and managing interference between spatially distant radio heads is challenging, as existing methods require complex procedures and high signaling overhead, making it difficult to determine whether a signal received by one radio head is from a terminal device or another radio head, leading to potential interference and degraded reception.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for a network node that acquires equalized signals from multiple radio heads, cross-correlates them to determine if the signal from a non-serving radio head includes a terminal device's signal, and executes interference management actions, such as beamforming adjustments or power control, to mitigate interference without requiring power measurements or complex procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex procedures and power measurements are used to detect interference, then detection accuracy improves, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential interference detection function from complex measurement procedures by using cross-correlation of equalized signals. Instead of implementing full power measurement and complex detection algorithms, the system extracts only the necessary correlation information between signals from different radio heads, significantly reducing procedural complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional power measurement mechanisms with a signal processing approach using cross-correlation. Instead of using power meters and complex measurement circuits, the system uses mathematical cross-correlation operations on equalized signals, substituting mechanical/electrical measurement systems with computational methods that reduce overhead.
2Reliability
If traditional interference detection methods are used, then interference can be identified, but spectral efficiency and reception quality degrade due to high signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing equalized signals that are already being processed for normal reception purposes. These signals serve dual functions: both for decoding the received data and for interference detection through cross-correlation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated interference measurement signals, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining reliable interference identification.
3Device complexity
If spatially distant radio heads operate independently, then system simplicity is maintained, but interference management capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection capabilities of spatially distant radio heads by cross-correlating their equalized signals. Although the radio heads remain independently configured and operate autonomously, their detection functions are combined through the cross-correlation process, enabling the system to identify interference that would be invisible to any single radio head operating alone.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient detection and management of interference, improving spectral efficiency and reception quality by identifying and isolating interfering signals without increasing signaling overhead, allowing for better resource allocation and reduced interference across the network.
Implementation Method 1
cross-correlating the first equalized signal with the second equalized signal and determining, on the basis of said cross-correlating, whether or not the second equalized signal also comprises a signal received from the terminal device
Data Source
AI summary
This document discloses a solution for detecting interference in a radio access network. According to an aspect, a method includes as performed by a network node of the radio access network: acquiring a first equalized signal representing a signal received by a first radio head serving a terminal device, the first equalized signal including a signal received by the first radio head from the terminal device; acquiring a second equalized signal representing a signal received by a second radio head not serving the terminal device, wherein the second radio head is spatially distant from the first radio head; cross-correlating the first equalized signal with the second equalized signal and determining, on the basis of said cross-correlating, whether or not the second equalized signal also includes a signal received from the terminal device; and as a result of the second equalized signal being determined to include the signal received from the terminal device, causing execution of an interference management action.