Muting Pattern Signaling for Uplink Interference Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling uplink signals in LTE networks lack flexibility and efficiency, particularly when refarming the GSM band, leading to interference issues and limitations in dynamic scheduling, especially for periodic and semi-statically configured signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for temporarily muting higher layer configured uplink signals by defining a muting pattern and signaling it to user equipment using a specific physical downlink control channel, allowing for cell-specific, user equipment-specific, or user equipment group-specific identification and triggering muting based on a muting pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher layer configured uplink signals are used for LTE deployment in GSM band, then spectrum efficiency and capacity are improved, but interference towards neighboring bands and co-interference between base stations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic muting of uplink signals by defining a muting pattern with specific periodicity. The network apparatus signals this pattern to user equipment, which then mutes higher layer configured uplink signals at predetermined intervals and time resources, reducing interference while maintaining overall system productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and mutes specific higher layer configured uplink signals at designated time resources according to the signaled muting pattern. This selective extraction and temporary removal of problematic signals reduces interference towards neighboring bands and between base stations while preserving the functionality of essential uplink signals
2Reliability
If PUCCH blanking or partitioning is achieved by higher layer signalling, then interference coordination is improved, but flexibility and dynamic scheduling capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic muting control by allowing the network apparatus to signal muting patterns that can be adjusted in real-time. The muting pattern includes parameters such as periodicity, time resources, and target signals, which can be dynamically modified based on network conditions, thereby maintaining flexibility while achieving reliable interference coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of uplink signal transmission by introducing a muting pattern that modifies the time resources and periodicity of higher layer configured uplink signals. This parameter modification enables dynamic adjustment of signal characteristics to coordinate interference while maintaining scheduling flexibility
3Ease of operation
If muting pattern is signaled to user equipment, then control over uplink signals is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific higher layer configured uplink signals for muting rather than applying blanket muting to all uplink signals. The muting pattern specifies particular signal types and time resources, enabling precise control where needed while minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead for other signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling radio resource usage in a communications system is described. The method comprises defining (601), in a network apparatus (401), a muting pattern regarding uplink signals that are to be temporarily muted, wherein said uplink signals comprise higher layer configured uplink signals that are outside the control of a dynamic scheduler of the network apparatus (401). The defined muting pattern or a part of it is signalled (602) from the network apparatus (401) to one or more user equipment (402) in order to control the user equipment (402) to mute (604) the respective uplink signals according to the signalled muting pattern.