VLC AP Coordination Node for Interference Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density user equipment environments, existing wireless communication systems face challenges with bandwidth scarcity and interference, particularly in Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems where overlapping coverage areas of Access Points (APs) can lead to interference and mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A coordination node is employed to identify events affecting VLC APs with overlapping coverage areas, controlling them to avoid interference by transferring communication responsibility from smaller to larger coverage area APs, thereby enhancing mobility and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple VLC APs with overlapping coverage areas are deployed to increase wireless bandwidth, then the available communication coverage is improved, but interference between APs occurs leading to communication reliability degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of VLC APs where the coordination node continuously monitors events and adjusts AP operation states in real-time. When a UE moves between coverage areas or when interference is detected, the system dynamically switches which AP serves the UE, ensuring continuous reliable communication while utilizing overlapping coverage areas for load distribution and redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination node acts as an intermediary between multiple VLC APs and UEs. It receives events from APs, determines interference conditions by analyzing coverage area overlaps, and controls AP operations to prevent interference. This intermediary manages the complex interactions between overlapping APs, enabling dense deployment while maintaining communication reliability through centralized coordination
2Reliability
If smaller coverage area VLC APs operate independently in overlapping regions, then localized communication quality is improved, but power consumption increases and mobility management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operational control of multiple smaller coverage area VLC APs under a single coordination node. Instead of each AP operating independently, the coordination node consolidates control, allowing smaller APs to be turned off or have reduced operation when their coverage is superseded by a larger coverage area AP. This combining of control functions reduces overall power consumption while maintaining localized communication quality where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of VLC APs dynamically based on UE position and coverage area analysis. When a UE is served by a smaller coverage area AP, the system can adjust that AP's transmission power, modulation scheme, or operational state based on events and interference conditions. This parameter adjustment optimizes power consumption while maintaining communication quality, allowing smaller APs to operate efficiently only when necessary
Data Source
AI summary
A coordination node can be configured to control communications between Visible Light Communication, VLC, Access Points, APs, and user equipments, UEs. The coordination node can: identify occurrence of an event relating to operation of a first VLC AP; determine that a second VLC AP and a third VLC AP each have communication coverage areas that are at least partially within a communication coverage area of the first VLC AP; control the second VLC AP to avoid it interfering with communications between the first VLC AP and a UE while it is within a common communication coverage area of the first VLC AP and the second VLC AP; and control the third VLC AP to avoid it interfering with communications between the first VLC AP and the UE while it is within a common communication coverage area of the first VLC AP and the second VLC AP.