Wireless Terminal Interference Cancellation via Common Control Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous wireless communication networks, the introduction of Low Power Nodes (LPNs) improves average sector throughput but increases interference complexity, leading to performance loss for wireless terminals due to macro node interference, especially in co-channel and combined cell deployments.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that assist wireless terminals in canceling interfering signals by providing configuration information and scheduling or identity information about the interfering signal through a common control channel order, allowing the terminal to reconstruct and subtract the interfering signal, thereby improving link throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Low Power Nodes (LPNs) are introduced to improve average sector throughput, then network capacity and coverage are enhanced, but interference complexity increases leading to performance loss for wireless terminals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaverage sector throughputVSAvoidinterference from macro nodes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful macro node interference into a beneficial signal by providing the wireless terminal with configuration information and scheduling information about the interfering signal. The terminal uses this information to reconstruct and cancel the macro node signal, transforming the harmful interference into a useful component that can be removed through signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary information channel (common control channel orders) that carries configuration information and scheduling information about the interfering macro node signals. This intermediary provides the wireless terminal with the knowledge needed to identify and cancel the interference, acting as a mediator between the network nodes and the affected terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If LPNs are deployed in co-channel or combined cell deployments, then coverage holes are eliminated and capacity in hot-spots is improved, but interference complexity and performance loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage continuityVSAvoidinterference management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network node provides configuration information and scheduling information to the wireless terminal about the interfering signals. This feedback enables the terminal to adaptively cancel interference from macro nodes, allowing the system to maintain reliable coverage while managing the complexity of interference in co-channel and combined cell deployments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If configuration information and scheduling information are provided through common control channel orders, then interference cancellation is enabled, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterfering signal impactVSAvoidcontrol channel signaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the common control channel orders serve multiple functions: they continue to provide standard control information to wireless terminals while simultaneously carrying configuration information and scheduling information about interfering macro node signals. This multi-functionality enables interference cancellation without requiring separate dedicated signaling channels, thus reducing overall signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2951939B1A network node, a wireless terminal and methods therein

Publication Date: 2018.06.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

A method in a network node for assisting a first wireless terminal in cancelling an interfering signal from a received signal in a wireless communication network. The first wireless terminal is located in a first coverage area of a first base station. The interfering signal originates from a second base station and is intended for a second wireless terminal located in a second coverage area of the second base station in the wireless communication network. The network node provides(601) the first wireless terminal with a configuration information related to a common control channel associated with the second base station. The network node further assists(602) the first wireless terminal in cancelling the interfering signal by providing information to the first wireless terminal about one or more out of: a scheduling of the interfering signal and an identity of the second wireless terminal. The information is provided through an order related to said common control channel.