SRS Resource Coordination for Inter-Operator SDM-CoMP Spectrum Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Interference and communication inefficiencies arise in wireless communication networks due to shared spectrum access by multiple network operators, particularly in 5G networks, leading to increased signaling overhead and latency, especially when using medium-sensing procedures like listen-before-talk (LBT) for unlicensed frequency spectrum.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a coordinated resource partitioning scheme that allocates exclusive, prioritized, and opportunistic time intervals within a superframe for different network operators, using a combination of static and dynamic resource allocation to minimize interference and reduce the need for medium-sensing procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple network operators share the same spectrum resources, then spectrum utilization is improved, but interference between operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments shared spectrum resources into operator-specific resource pools using virtual resource blocks (VRBs) and physical resource blocks (PRBs). Each operator is assigned dedicated VRBs that are dynamically mapped to PRBs, creating logical separation while maintaining physical spectrum sharing. This segmentation allows multiple operators to utilize the same spectrum simultaneously with reduced interference through coordinated resource allocation.
2Ease of operation
If medium-sensing procedures like LBT are used for unlicensed spectrum access, then fair spectrum access is improved, but signaling overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary resource allocation through configured grant Type 1 and Type 2 mechanisms, where resources are pre-assigned to UEs before actual transmission needs arise. This preliminary configuration reduces the need for real-time medium sensing and LBT procedures, as UEs can directly access pre-allocated resources, thereby reducing latency while maintaining fair access through network-controlled allocation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If coordinated resource partitioning is implemented, then interference reduction is improved, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coordinated scheduling entities and resource allocation modules as intermediaries that manage resource partitioning between operators. These intermediaries implement standardized algorithms for VRB-to-PRB mapping, grant configuration, and interference coordination, reducing the complexity burden on individual base stations and UEs while achieving effective interference reduction through centralized coordination.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Inter-operator sounding reference signal (SRS) resource coordination is discussed in spatial divisional multiplex (SDM) coordinated multipoint (CoMP) operations. The higher priority operator conveys SRS resource reservation information identifying the fraction of resources it intends to use. The lower priority operator observes this resource reservation information and selects to reserve SRS resources from the remaining fraction of resources, if any, for scheduling its own users'SRS. The lower priority operator will transmit its own resource reservation information identifying the amount of SRS resources that it has identified for the non-priority use.