TDD Frame Alignment for Multi-Technology Wireless Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless network operators face challenges in deploying new wireless communication technologies due to large infrastructure investments and the risk of being surpassed by newer technologies, while also needing to manage the coexistence of multiple wireless access technologies on the same network, which is complicated by heterogeneity in access technologies.
Innovation Solution
The system supports multiple wireless communication technologies like WiMAX and 3G LTE by aligning or time-interlacing their TDD frames to prevent interference and allow efficient coexistence on the same network, using techniques such as sleep modes and signaling protocols to manage idle periods and frame overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless network operators deploy new wireless communication technologies, then network capacity and data capacity are improved, but infrastructure investment costs increase and risk of technology obsolescence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-radio access technology system where a single network infrastructure supports multiple wireless communication technologies (2G, 3G, 4G) simultaneously. The base station is designed with multiple radio transceivers that can operate different access technologies on the same or different carrier frequencies, making the infrastructure universal and adaptable to various technology generations without requiring separate dedicated systems for each technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates radio resources and manages frame structures for different access technologies based on real-time network conditions and service requirements. The base station can flexibly switch between supporting different technologies on the same frequency or different frequencies, and can dynamically adjust frame alignment and idle periods to optimize performance for coexisting technologies, providing adaptability rather than static configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless access technologies coexist on the same network, then technology versatility is improved, but interference between technologies increases and network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network operation into distinct time frames and frequency resources for different access technologies. Each access technology is assigned specific time slots and frequency bands, with frame structures that are aligned to prevent overlapping transmissions. This segmentation allows multiple technologies to coexist on the same network infrastructure while minimizing mutual interference through resource isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary that manages and coordinates transmissions between different access technologies and mobile stations. It implements frame alignment mechanisms, controls idle periods, and manages resource allocation to prevent downlink transmissions from one technology from colliding with uplink transmissions of another technology, thereby mediating potential interference before it occurs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If TDD frames of different access technologies are aligned to prevent interference, then interference reduction is achieved, but frame structure flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key frame structure parameters such as idle period durations, frame lengths, and time slot allocations to achieve alignment between different access technologies. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains frame synchronization that prevents interference while preserving the essential operational characteristics of each technology. The base station can modify these parameters dynamically based on the specific technology combination and network conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for supporting multiple wireless communications technologies are provided. When a first and second base station operate according to different wireless communication technologies on the same carrier frequency in different cells or on different carrier frequencies in the same cell the frame structure of each base station is controlled in such a way that idle periods of transmissions from one base station are aligned with idle periods of the other base station. When the first and second base stations are located in the same cell and operate on the same carrier frequency the frames of the first and second base stations are time-interlaced.