Unlicensed Band Channel Grouping for Wi-Fi and LAA Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interference occurs between radio signals with different maximum frequency bandwidths when using an unlicensed band, particularly between Wi-Fi signals and radio signals with wider bandwidths, due to the inability of existing methods to effectively manage channel usage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting specific channels in the unlicensed band that encompass the maximum frequency bandwidth of the radio signal and applying the license-assisted access (LAA) scheme to these channels, allowing concurrent or nonconcurrent determination of channel availability to avoid narrowband interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the license-assisted access (LAA) method is applied to mobile communication signals with bandwidth wider than Wi-Fi signals in the unlicensed band, then the bandwidth utilization is improved, but narrowband interference occurs between Wi-Fi and mobile communication signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unlicensed band into multiple channels, each with different bandwidth characteristics. By dividing the frequency spectrum into channel groups (first channel group with narrower bandwidth and second channel group with wider bandwidth), the system can apply different access methods to different segments, thereby utilizing wider bandwidth for mobile communication while avoiding interference with Wi-Fi in narrower bandwidth channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different channel access qualities to different channel groups. The LAA method is applied to the second channel group (wider bandwidth) where high-speed mobile communication is prioritized, while the first channel group (narrower bandwidth) maintains compatibility with Wi-Fi's CSMA method. This local differentiation allows each channel group to operate with optimal characteristics for its intended use.
2Reliability
If the listen before talk (LBT) scheme is applied to mobile communication signals, then coexistence with Wi-Fi is improved, but the transmission efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments channels into two groups with different access control mechanisms. The first channel group applies LBT/CSMA for Wi-Fi compatibility, while the second channel group uses LAA for efficient mobile communication. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both Wi-Fi coexistence and high transmission efficiency simultaneously by directing different traffic types to appropriate channel groups.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying LBT to all channels (which would reduce overall efficiency), the patent applies it only partially to the first channel group where Wi-Fi coexistence is critical. The second channel group operates with excessive transmission efficiency by using LAA without full LBT procedures, thereby achieving optimal overall system performance.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple channels are used to transmit mobile communication signals in the unlicensed band, then the frequency bandwidth utilization is improved, but channel management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments multiple channels into two distinct groups with clearly defined characteristics and access methods. This segmentation simplifies channel management by providing clear rules for channel selection and access: use the first channel group for Wi-Fi-compatible operations and the second channel group for high-efficiency mobile communication. The segmented structure makes the management of multiple channels more systematic and less complex.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of managing all channels uniformly with a single access method, the patent inverts the approach by creating distinct channel groups with different access methodologies. This inversion allows the system to leverage the strengths of both LBT and LAA methods while managing channel complexity through clear group-based differentiation rather than individual channel configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure in some embodiments selects some channels that may include the maximum frequency bandwidth of a radio signal, from a plurality of channels of an unlicensed band, and applies a license-assisted access method to some channels. Some embodiments provide a radio signal transmission apparatus and method for effectively avoiding narrowband interference between a Wi-Fi signal and a radio signal having a maximum frequency bandwidth wider than that of the Wi-Fi signal.