WLAN Rate Adaptation for LTE Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coexistence of WLAN and LTE communication technologies is hindered by interference due to overlapping frequency bands, which affects the resilience of data rates in WLAN communication modules when operating as a mobile hotspot.
Innovation Solution
The WLAN communication module refrains from advertising support for data rates that are not resilient against interference from LTE transmissions by setting a fixed or dynamic rate threshold based on predicted SINR, limiting advertised data rates to those that can maintain a predetermined quality, thereby reducing interference impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the WLAN communication module advertises support for high data rates, then the potential throughput is improved, but the reliability of communication deteriorates due to interference from LTE transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the advertised data rates based on predicted SINR values and interference conditions. The system changes the parameter of advertised data rates from a static set to a dynamic subset that adapts to current interference conditions, allowing the WLAN module to advertise only those rates that are resilient to predicted LTE interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of predicted SINR values and identifies resilient data rates before advertising support to client devices. By pre-assessing the interference conditions and determining which data rates will remain resilient, the system avoids advertising rates that would fail under predicted interference conditions.
2Reliability
If the WLAN communication module advertises only low data rates to ensure resilience, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic approach where the set of advertised data rates changes based on predicted interference conditions. Rather than statically advertising only low rates or all rates, the system dynamically determines which subset of rates to advertise based on calculated SINR values and predicted LTE transmission patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of advertised data rates from a fixed low-rate subset to a dynamically determined subset that adapts to interference conditions. This allows the system to advertise higher rates when conditions permit while maintaining resilience when interference is predicted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the WLAN communication module advertises all permitted data rates, then the adaptability is improved, but the harmful effects increase due to interference vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of LTE interference into a useful parameter for rate selection. By calculating predicted SINR values that incorporate expected LTE interference, the system uses the interference itself as a basis for determining which data rates will remain resilient, effectively transforming the harmful interference into a criterion for selecting safe operating rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces predicted SINR calculation as an intermediary mechanism between LTE interference and WLAN data rate selection. Rather than directly responding to interference, the system uses predicted SINR values as an intermediate parameter that translates interference conditions into actionable rate selection decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a first communication module and a second communication module. The first communication module is compatible with a first wireless communication technology, and the second communication module is compatible with a second wireless communication technology that differs from the first wireless communication technology. Transmissions by the second communication module may contribute to interference at the first communication module. The first communication module refrains from advertising support for any data rate that is not expected to be sufficiently resilient in the face of interference caused by transmissions from the second communication module.