Sub-Network Band Selection for Low-Interference 6G Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in determining sub-network bands for short-range sub-networks in 6G scenarios, particularly in scenarios with extreme performance requirements, where channel access failures due to other radio access technologies and self-interference issues are prevalent, leading to unpredictable performance and limited hardware utilization.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device determines common and available bands based on hardware capabilities and interference conditions to establish sub-networks with minimal co-existence and self-interference impacts, using a method that involves identifying compatible bands, checking for interference, and selecting optimal frequency allocations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal device uses available bands for sub-network communication, then the sub-network can be established with minimal interference, but the device must perform complex band determination procedures to identify suitable frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel access success rateVSAvoidband determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs preliminary band determination by identifying common bands between itself, the network node, and sub-network devices before establishing sub-network communication. The device determines available bands by excluding bands actively used by the network node, and selects candidate bands based on hardware capabilities, thereby preparing suitable frequency allocations in advance to avoid channel access failures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device receives supported operating bands information from the network node and uses this feedback to determine common bands. The device continuously monitors band availability and adjusts sub-network band selection based on network node's active cell information, ensuring reliable communication by adapting to changing spectral conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the terminal device selects bands with least co-existence and self-interference impacts, then sub-network performance is improved, but the device must evaluate multiple interference conditions and hardware capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesub-network performanceVSAvoidinterference evaluation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device evaluates candidate bands by analyzing multiple parameters including co-existence interference from other radio access technologies, self-interference between different bands, and hardware capability constraints. The device selects bands that minimize these interference parameters, thereby improving sub-network performance through systematic parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The band determination process is segmented into distinct evaluation stages: identifying common bands between devices, filtering out bands actively used by the network node to determine available bands, and finally selecting candidate bands based on hardware capabilities and interference conditions. This segmentation simplifies the complex evaluation process into manageable steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4580234A1Sub-network bands determination
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4580234A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4580234A1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP4580234A1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a terminal device, a method, an apparatus, and a medium for determining sub-network bands. In an aspect, a terminal device determines one or more common bands among supported operating bands received from a network node and at least one sub-network device. The terminal device determines one or more available bands from the one or more common bands. The terminal device determines one or more candidate bands to be used for creating the at least one sub-network. With the embodiments in the present disclosure, the terminal device can avoid bands which may cause or suffer channel access failures due to operation of other radio access technologies, and the terminal device can select the sub-network spectrum based on least co-existence and least self-interference impacts and establish the sub-network at this spectrum location.