RAN Node Coordination for Unsynchronized TDD Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unsynchronized TDD operation between radio access network nodes of different mobile network operators leads to interference, blocking, increased costs, and limited flexibility in frequency band usage, necessitating improved handling to mitigate these issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for identifying performance degradation caused by one radio access network node to another, involving direction-specific indication and adjustment of beamforming gains to reduce interference and blocking, with central network node orchestration for synchronized or semi-synchronized operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If synchronized TDD operation is implemented between different mobile network operators, then interference and blocking are reduced, but flexibility for independent traffic adaptations is limited and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performance stabilityVSAvoidtraffic adaptation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TDD configuration where each operator can independently adjust uplink-downlink slot ratios based on traffic demands. The system transitions from static synchronized operation to dynamic adaptive operation, allowing real-time modification of TDD parameters while maintaining interference coordination through continuous information exchange between operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters from fixed synchronized TDD configuration to variable independent configuration. Each operator can modify TDD parameters such as slot allocation, frame structure, and timing advance values independently, enabling flexible adaptation to changing traffic patterns while managing interference through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If unsynchronized TDD operation is allowed for independent traffic adaptations, then flexibility is improved, but interference and blocking increase causing performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic adaptation flexibilityVSAvoidinterference and blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where operators monitor interference levels and exchange information about their TDD configurations. Based on received feedback regarding interference conditions and neighbor operator configurations, each operator adjusts its TDD parameters to minimize harmful effects while maintaining independent traffic adaptation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary coordination actions by exchanging TDD configuration information and interference measurements before performance degradation occurs. Operators proactively adjust their configurations based on predicted interference scenarios, preventing blocking and sensitivity degradation before they impact network performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If unsynchronized TDD operation is implemented without coordination, then operational complexity is reduced, but receiver sensitivity degrades and link loss occurs due to blocking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization complexityVSAvoidreceiver sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary coordination mechanism where operators exchange TDD configuration information and interference measurements through a standardized interface. This intermediary layer enables automated interference management without requiring complex manual synchronization, maintaining receiver sensitivity through coordinated parameter adjustment while keeping operational complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12604218B2Performance degradation handling between radio access network nodes

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for performance degradation handling between a first radio access network node that operates in a first frequency band and provides network access for subscribers of a first mobile network operator and a second radio access network node that operates in a second frequency band and provides network access for subscribers of a second mobile network operator. A method is performed by the first radio access network node. The method comprises identifying performance degradation impacting the network access for the subscribers of the first mobile network operator. The performance degradation is identified as originating from a particular direction relative the first radio access network node and as caused by the second radio access network node. The method comprises providing, towards the second radio access network node, an indication of the performance degradation. The indication specifies the particular direction and identifies the second radio access network node as causing the performance degradation.