RAN Uplink Interference Identification Using DU and SRS Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR networks, uplink interference between user equipment (UEs) served by different base stations is challenging due to the lack of coordinated scheduling, leading to signal interference and reduced network performance, particularly for UEs at the cell edge.
Innovation Solution
A distributed unit (DU) in the radio access network (RAN) identifies and mitigates uplink interference by centralizing information on base stations and UEs within communication range, using sounding reference signals (SRS) to schedule transmissions and apply modulation and coding schemes (MCS) to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If frequency reuse factor of one is implemented to meet 5G traffic demands, then network capacity and signal density are improved, but uplink interference between user equipment is heightened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Distributed Unit (DU) as an intermediary component that centralizes information about base stations and user equipment within communication range. The DU receives sounding reference signals from multiple base stations, processes interference information, and coordinates scheduling decisions across the network, enabling interference mitigation while maintaining frequency reuse factor of one
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where user equipment transmits sounding reference signals that provide information about received signal power from neighboring base stations. This feedback enables the DU to identify interfering users and adjust scheduling decisions to minimize uplink interference while maintaining high network capacity
2Measurement precision
If centralized information about base stations and user equipment is implemented, then interference identification capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio access network into distributed units (DU) and base station components. The DU is assigned the specific function of centralizing and processing interference information, while base stations focus on local signal transmission and reception. This segmentation allows precise interference identification without requiring all system components to handle complex processing
Solution Approach 2:
The Distributed Unit serves multiple functions: it centralizes information about base stations and user equipment, processes sounding reference signals from multiple sources, identifies interfering users, and coordinates scheduling decisions. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single component rather than distributing it across multiple base stations
Data Source
AI summary
The described technology is generally directed towards identifying and mitigating interference in a radio access network (RAN) network. Various embodiments are presented to identify first uplink signals generated by a first user equipment (UE) causing interference of second uplink signals generated by a second UE. The first UE is being served by a first base station while the second UE is served by a second base station, however, the first uplink signals from the first UE are also being received at the second base station. Reference signals can be transmitted by the various base stations across the RAN to determine which UEs are in transmission and reception range of the respective base stations. A list of base stations seen by an interfering UE can be subsequently utilized to control transmission of a sounding reference signal(s) and based thereon, determination of which frequency sub-bands are affected by the interfering UE.