Unlicensed Band Operation Mode Classification for Cellular-WLAN Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The scarcity of wireless resources and increasing traffic on current wireless networks lead to interference between cellular networks and WLANs using unlicensed bands, as WLAN devices are unlicensed and cannot be regulated by operators, hindering simultaneous operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that classifies mobile terminals as primary or secondary users based on interfered ratio reports, allowing them to operate in primary, secondary, or idle modes on unlicensed frequency bands, thereby managing interference and enabling coexistence of cellular and WLAN networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cellular networks operate on unlicensed bands to increase wireless resources, then network capacity is improved, but interference with WLAN networks occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that allow mobile terminals to switch between primary mode (normal operation), secondary mode (cooperative operation with WLAN), and idle mode (no transmission) based on real-time interference conditions. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling cellular networks to utilize unlicensed bands for increased capacity while dynamically reducing interference to WLAN networks when detected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by classifying mobile terminals as primary or secondary users based on interfered ratio reports, and adjusting transmission behavior accordingly. Secondary users modify their transmission parameters to cooperate with WLAN, thereby increasing overall network capacity utilization while controlling interference levels
2Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN devices operate on unlicensed bands to provide wireless access, then connectivity is improved, but interference to cellular networks occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification mechanism that identifies WLAN devices as secondary users based on interfered ratio analysis. This intermediary classification enables WLAN devices to operate on unlicensed bands for improved connectivity while coordinating their transmission to minimize interference generation toward cellular networks
3Productivity
If mobile terminals operate in primary mode without interference coordination to maintain normal performance, then transmission efficiency is improved, but interference to other unlicensed band users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching where mobile terminals transition from primary mode (high transmission efficiency, no coordination) to secondary mode (cooperative operation) based on detected interference conditions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high transmission efficiency when interference is low while reducing interference when other users are present
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in order to enable operation of both cellular and WLAN on a shared unlicensed band. In this regard, a method is provided that includes causing a primary transmission mode period of operation, a secondary transmission mode period of operation, and an idle mode period of operation on an unlicensed frequency band to be transmitted to a mobile terminal. The method further includes receiving an interfered ratio report from the mobile terminal. The method also includes causing the mobile terminal to be classified as at least one of a primary user or a secondary user based on the interfered ratio report. The method also includes causing the classification to be transmitted to the mobile terminal.