TDD Interference Identification via Signal Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile networks using time division duplex (TDD) configurations, interference issues arise due to neighboring cells having different uplink and downlink configurations, leading to eNB-to-eNB and UE-to-UE inter-cell interference, which degrades system performance, especially near cell edges and in scenarios with varying traffic patterns.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method at the evolved Node B (eNB) to identify potential eNB-to-eNB and UE-to-UE interference by correlating received signals with locally generated cell-specific reference signals and determining interference based on thresholds, along with interference mitigation strategies such as power reduction and frequency reuse plans, to address the interference effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If TDD systems use different uplink and downlink configurations in neighboring cells to adapt to varying traffic patterns, then adaptability is improved, but interference increases due to eNB-to-eNB and UE-to-UE inter-cell interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to traffic patternsVSAvoidinter-cell interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes TDD configuration parameters (uplink-downlink subframe assignments) to adapt to varying traffic patterns. Each cell can independently adjust its configuration based on local traffic conditions, achieving adaptability while the interference identification and mitigation mechanisms manage the resulting interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where eNBs identify interference types by correlating received signals with reference signals, then use this information to adjust power levels and configurations. The interference identification results feed back into the configuration decision process, enabling adaptive interference mitigation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If TDD systems allow independent configuration of uplink and downlink subframes to improve flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to interference degradation near cell edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in configurationVSAvoidsystem performance near cell edges
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows flexible configuration of TDD parameters (uplink-downlink assignments) for ease of operation, while simultaneously using interference identification and power adjustment mechanisms to maintain reliability. The configuration flexibility is managed through dynamic parameter changes based on interference conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different quality levels of interference mitigation to different spatial locations. Cell edge users experience enhanced protection through interference identification and power reduction mechanisms, while cell center users benefit from full configuration flexibility. This local differentiation maintains both flexibility and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If neighboring cells use synchronized TDD configurations to reduce interference, then interference is reduced, but adaptability to varying traffic patterns is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interferenceVSAvoidadaptability to traffic patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static synchronized configurations to dynamic independent configurations. Each cell can dynamically adjust its TDD configuration based on local traffic patterns, while the interference identification and mitigation mechanisms dynamically adjust to manage the resulting interference, achieving both adaptability and interference control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each cell independently identifies and manages its own interference conditions through signal correlation and power adjustment. The system enables cells to self-adapt to local traffic patterns and self-mitigate interference without requiring centralized coordination, achieving adaptability while maintaining interference control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly reduces interference, enhancing system performance by allowing dynamic and flexible reconfiguration of uplink and downlink allocations, improving data throughput, and adapting to changing traffic conditions without requiring synchronized TDD configurations among neighboring cells.

Implementation Method 1

correlating a received signal with a locally generated cell specific reference signal according to an identifier for the neighbor cell eNB

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorrelation:

Implementation Method 2

calculating a first negative acknowledgment (NAK) rate base on a percentage of NAKs received from a user equipment in a first set of subframes; calculating a second NAK rate base on a percentage of NAKs received from the user equipment in a second set of subframes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectError rate measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS9768929B2Method and apparatus for identifying interference type in time division duplex systems
Publication Date: 2017.09.19 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD
  • US9768929B2 patent drawing
  • US9768929B2 patent drawing
  • US9768929B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatus at an evolved Node B (eNB) and user equipment (UE) in cells operating in time division duplex with a first configuration and having a neighbor cell eNB operating in time division duplex with a second configuration, the methods and apparatus: identifying potential eNB-to-eNB; UE-to-UE; eNB-to-UE; and UE-to-eNB interference. Further methods and apparatus to report interference including enumerated interference types to neighbor cell eNBs. Further, methods and apparatus for interference mitigation.