TDD Base Station Guard Period Control for UL Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In time division duplex (TDD) wireless communication systems, interference from downlink signals of neighboring cells can degrade uplink communication quality due to propagation delays, which existing technologies struggle to effectively measure and manage.
Innovation Solution
A base station apparatus and method that includes a transceiver and processor for measuring downlink-to-uplink interference by preventing uplink signals during specific symbols, adjusting guard periods, and controlling interference through signaling and dummy data generation to accurately assess and mitigate time of flight interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If guard period is extended to prevent interference, then interference protection is improved, but uplink transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic guard period adjustment where the base station adapts the guard period length based on measured propagation delays and interference levels from neighboring cells. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to extend the guard period only when and where interference is detected, rather than using a fixed conservative guard period across all cells, thus protecting against interference while minimizing impact on uplink transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the guard period parameter adaptively based on measured signal strength and propagation delay characteristics. By monitoring the actual interference conditions and adjusting the guard period duration accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between interference protection and transmission efficiency, extending the guard period only to the extent necessary to prevent downlink-to-uplink interference.
2Area of stationary object
If propagation delay is increased due to distant cell signals, then coverage area is improved, but interference measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary interference measurement and characterization during system setup and ongoing operation. The base station proactively measures propagation delays and signal strengths from neighboring cells before they cause interference problems, building a database of interference characteristics. This preliminary action allows the system to compensate for measurement inaccuracies caused by propagation delays and to predict when interference will occur, maintaining measurement accuracy despite varying propagation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors received signal strength indicators (RSSI) and other interference metrics, using this feedback to refine interference measurements and adjust guard period settings. The feedback mechanism allows the base station to account for propagation delay effects by comparing expected signal arrivals with actual measurements, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy even when signals traverse varying distances from neighboring cells.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of a base station in a wireless communication system supporting time division duplex (TDD) and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus includes at least one transceiver, and at least one processor operatively connected with the at least one transceiver. The at least one processor may be configured to perform signaling for preventing transmission of an uplink (UL) signal in a cell, and measure a strength of a downlink (DL) signal received from at least one base station during at least one symbol in a UL subframe. The apparatus relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE).