Wireless Node Interference Characterization via Particle Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks, particularly in small cell deployments and unlicensed frequency bands, face challenges in managing external interference sources, which can lead to connectivity outages and require complex calculations that are often impractical due to their multi-dimensional nature, and may fail catastrophically with inappropriate initial choices.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided where a subset of nodes in the wireless network participate in an external interference sampling process to estimate the location and characterize interference sources using particle filter algorithms, allowing for the calculation of source power, beam width, antenna bearing, and front-to-back transmission ratio, enabling configuration adjustments to mitigate interference without user equipment cooperation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex multi-dimensional calculations are used to characterize external interference sources, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and catastrophic failure risk increases with inappropriate initial choices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex multi-dimensional interference characterization problem into a two-stage process: first estimating location parameters (position, velocity), then characterizing interference properties (power, beam width, antenna bearing, front-to-back ratio) based on the location estimates. This segmentation reduces computational complexity by breaking down the intractable multi-dimensional calculation into manageable sequential steps, avoiding catastrophic failures from inappropriate initial choices while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If nodes continuously monitor and adapt to external interference sources, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic interference sampling at configured time intervals rather than continuous monitoring. Nodes periodically estimate interference source locations and update their beamforming configurations based on these periodic measurements. This periodic action maintains network reliability by detecting and adapting to interference sources while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as nodes can enter low-power states between sampling intervals.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If beamforming configurations are dynamically adjusted to mitigate interference, then harmful factors affecting the object are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where nodes measure received signal strength indicators (RSSI) and angle of arrival (AOA) of interference sources, then use this feedback to dynamically adjust beamforming configurations. The system characterizes interference sources by estimating location and calculating parameters such as source power, beam width, antenna bearing, and front-to-back ratio, then configures nulls in beamforming patterns toward identified interference sources. This feedback-driven approach reduces harmful interference effects while managing device complexity through systematic parameter estimation and configuration updates.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and corresponding apparatus are provided for configuring a wireless network comprising a plurality of nodes to mitigate effects of an external interference source. A subset of nodes of the plurality of nodes are configured to simultaneously participate in an external interference sampling process in which each node of the subset of nodes samples signals received by an antenna array of that node. A measurement report, comprising a signal source angle and a received signal strength, is received from a node. A location of the external interference source is firstly estimated using the measurement report received from the node. The external interference source is then characterised using the estimated location of the external interference source and the received signal strength to calculate for the external interference source at least one of: a source power; a beam width; an antenna bearing; and a front-to-back transmission ratio. Finally the plurality of nodes are configured to mitigate the effects of the external interference source in dependence on a result of the characterising step.