Radio Interference Detection via Transmitter Cessation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, identifying and isolating interfering transmitters is challenging due to the complexity of radio signal propagation and the difficulty in determining whether interference is caused by a transmitter within or outside the network, especially with increased spectrum band usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize data processing hardware to receive interference indications, cease all transmitter operations temporarily, and perform interference assessments to determine if the interference stops, thereby identifying the interfering transmitter within the network, and executing an interference isolation routine to pinpoint the source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direction finding (DF) antennas are used to identify rogue transmitters, then the location of interfering transmitters can be determined, but the system complexity increases and the method becomes difficult to use due to signal reflection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interfering transmitter from the network by sequentially isolating each transmitter's signal. The SAS separates the interference source identification from the complex DF antenna system, using a simpler method where transmitters are individually activated or deactivated to determine which one causes interference, thereby avoiding the complexity of DF antenna arrays while maintaining identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The Spectrum Access System (SAS) acts as an intermediary between the transmitters and the interference detection process. Rather than using complex DF antennas directly at receiver locations, the SAS coordinates transmitter operations and analyzes interference patterns centrally, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining accurate interference source identification
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the radio spectrum is carved up into different portions and allocated to multiple services, then interference between services is avoided, but the spectrum utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum sharing where the SAS can allocate frequency bands to different transmitters based on real-time conditions. Instead of static frequency allocation, the system dynamically adjusts which transmitters can operate in which bands, allowing spectrum portions to be reused by different services at different times and locations, thereby increasing utilization efficiency while managing interference through coordinated access
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where transmitters report their operational status and interference levels to the SAS. The SAS analyzes this feedback and adjusts spectrum allocation accordingly, allowing services to share frequencies when interference is not present and preventing access when interference would occur, thus achieving both high utilization and interference avoidance
3Measurement precision
If all transmitters in the network cease transmitting operations for interference assessment, then the interfering transmitter can be identified, but the loss of communication service during the threshold period increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into individual transmitter units for interference assessment. Rather than requiring all transmitters to cease operations simultaneously, the system isolates and assesses each transmitter's contribution to interference separately. This allows interference identification to proceed by evaluating individual transmitters' impact without completely shutting down the entire network, thereby reducing service interruption time while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by having only the specific transmitter suspected of causing interference cease operations during assessment, rather than requiring all transmitters to stop. The SAS identifies candidate interfering transmitters through signal analysis and then selectively isolates only those specific units for assessment, minimizing the impact on overall network service while still achieving accurate interference source identification
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying an interfering transmitter in a network is disclosed. The method includes receiving an interference indication indicating interference between transmitters in the network. The method includes ceasing transmitting operations of all of the transmitters in the network for a threshold period of time. The method includes soliciting an interference assessment of the network for the threshold period of time when all of the transmitters in the network ceased the transmitting operations. When the interference assessment indicates cessation of the interference between the transmitters in the network, the method includes determining that the interfering transmitter resides inside of the network; and executing an interference isolation routine configured to identify the interfering transmitter.