UE Cross-Link Interference Detection for Inter-Operator TDD Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively detecting and mitigating inter-operator inter-user-equipment cross-link interference (CLI), which affects communication quality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing methods and apparatuses in user equipment (UE) and network entities to detect CLI and transmit UE assistance information (UAI) or medium access control (MAC) control elements (CE) to facilitate interference mitigation, including layer 1 indications and processor-based operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wireless communication systems operate multiple operators on adjacent channels, then spectrum utilization is improved, but inter-operator inter-UE cross-link interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidinter-operator inter-UE cross-link interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having UEs detect and report CLI conditions before they severely impact communication. The UE monitors CLI on adjacent channels and sends early warnings to the network entity, enabling proactive mitigation measures such as adjusting TDD uplink-downlink configurations before interference degrades service quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the network entity that coordinates between operators. The network entity receives CLI reports from UEs and facilitates inter-operator coordination to resolve interference, acting as a mediator that enables spectrum sharing while managing harmful interactions between operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If TDD uplink-downlink configurations are dynamically adjusted, then network flexibility is improved, but inter-operator inter-UE cross-link interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidinter-operator inter-UE cross-link interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having UEs continuously monitor for CLI on adjacent channels and report back to the network entity. This feedback loop enables the network to dynamically adjust TDD configurations in response to actual interference conditions, balancing flexibility with interference management by only changing configurations when necessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible TDD uplink-downlink configurations that can be adjusted based on traffic demands and interference conditions. The system dynamically adapts slot formats and transmission directions while incorporating CLI detection and reporting mechanisms to manage inter-operator interference in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If UE detects and reports CLI information, then interference mitigation capability is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference mitigation capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by having UEs report only when CLI detection thresholds are exceeded, rather than continuously reporting all CLI measurements. This selective reporting reduces signaling overhead while maintaining reliable interference mitigation capability by focusing resources on significant interference events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12574779B2Detection and reporting of inter-operator inter-user-equipment cross-link interference

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may detect, during operation on a first channel associated with a first operator, cross-link interference (CLI) from a second channel associated with a second operator. The UE may transmit information associated with the CLI from the second channel Numerous other aspects are described.