WiFi LTE Coexistence via CTS2Self Control Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communications devices experience interference between different radio access technologies (RATs) such as WiFi and LTE, leading to dropped data rates and coexistence challenges due to simultaneous operation on multiple interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communications device with a wireless module and controller module that transmits a control message prior to the uplink transmission period of one technology to occupy that period, allowing simultaneous transmission of signals from another technology, and rearranges transmissions to end before the downlink period of the first technology, ensuring minimal interference and maintaining data rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE operates multiple wireless interfaces (WiFi and LTE) simultaneously, then the device can support multiple communication standards and maintain connectivity, but interference occurs between the interfaces causing dropped data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending control messages (CTS2Self) before LTE uplink transmissions to reserve the WiFi medium, and by scheduling WiFi transmissions to complete before LTE downlink receptions begin. This advance planning prevents interference before it occurs, allowing both interfaces to operate reliably simultaneously
2Reliability
If LTE uplink transmission occurs, then LTE communication is maintained, but WiFi reception is blocked due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the transmission periods by creating distinct time windows: WiFi transmission occurs during LTE uplink, and WiFi reception occurs during LTE downlink. This temporal segmentation allows both technologies to coexist without interference, maintaining LTE reliability while preserving WiFi productivity
3Productivity
If WiFi transmission aligns with LTE downlink period, then WiFi throughput is maximized, but interference occurs during LTE reception
Solution Approach 1:
The system schedules WiFi transmissions to complete before LTE downlink periods begin, using preliminary timing adjustments and control messages to ensure WiFi activity ends prior to LTE reception. This prevents harmful interference while maintaining WiFi throughput efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communications device supporting operation on a first wireless technology and a second wireless technology is provided. The device includes a wireless module performing wireless transceiving to and from a first station of a first wireless technology and a second station of a second wireless technology, and a controller module, transmitting a control message prior to the starting of a uplink transmission period of the first wireless technology via the wireless module to occupy the uplink transmission period of the first wireless technology so as to allow transmission of signals of the second wireless technology during the uplink transmission period of the first wireless technology. In operation, the controller module further rearranges the transmission of signals of the second wireless technology to end the transmission of signals of the second wireless technology prior to the starting of a downlink transmission period of the first wireless technology.