Remote Interference Detection Using Reference Signals for Uplink Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in identifying and mitigating remote interference caused by atmospheric ducts, which lead to severe network coverage deterioration and connection failures due to downlink transmissions from remote network devices.

Innovation Solution

Local gNBs identify remote interference by measuring uplink interference levels and analyzing time- and frequency-domain characteristics, using reference signals to determine affected resources, and triggering remote interference management mechanisms to mitigate the interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If downlink transmissions are increased to improve network capacity, then spectral efficiency is improved, but remote interference with uplink transmissions worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidremote interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of remote interference by detecting reference signals from remote gNBs before the interference severely degrades uplink transmissions. This early detection allows the network to take preventive measures such as adjusting power levels or resource allocation to avoid the harmful effects of remote interference while maintaining high downlink capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the affected gNB detects remote interference through reference signals and reports this information back to the network controller. The network then adjusts transmission parameters of remote gNBs based on this feedback, enabling dynamic optimization of downlink capacity while mitigating the resulting remote interference on uplink transmissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If remote interference management mechanisms are implemented to mitigate interference, then uplink transmission reliability is improved, but system complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reference signal as an intermediary element that enables remote interference detection without requiring complex direct measurement between gNBs. The reference signal acts as a mediator that carries identification information, allowing the affected gNB to detect and report remote interference through a standardized, relatively simple mechanism while maintaining high uplink transmission reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3841777B1Remote interference identification and mitigation
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 ZTE CORP
  • EP3841777B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3841777B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3841777B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Method, systems and devices for identifying and mitigating remote interference, e.g. a downlink transmission from a remote network device interfering with uplink transmissions of another network device, are described. One example method for identifying remote interference includes determining that an interference type is a remote interference, and transmitting, in response to the determining, a reference signal indicative of a resource that was affected by the remote interference. Another example method for identifying remote interference includes detecting a reference signal in a frame, and determining a resource that was affected by a remote interference based on a position of the reference signal in the frame.