GB2498878A

GB2498878A - An Interference control mechanism using frequency carrier deactivation in an in-device co-existence scenario

Info

Publication number: GB2498878A
Application number: GB1302500.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Antti Oskari Immonen; Jouni Kristian Kaukovuori; Jari Isokangas; Jukka Tapio Ranta
Original assignee: Renesas Mobile Corp
Current assignee: Renesas Electronics Corp
Priority date: 2012-01-30
Filing date: 2012-01-30
Publication date: 2013-07-31
Also published as: GB201302500D0

Abstract

Controlling communications conducted in multiple frequency bands so as to decrease an interference level between the communications. When an interference situation caused between a first set of communications (e.g. Uplink (UL)) performed on at least two different frequency bands (e.g. used for cellular wireless) and a communication (e.g. Downlink (DL)) performed on another frequency band (Industrial, Scientific and medical (ISM)) is determined, a frequency carrier deactivation processing is conducted so as to deactivate either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the set of (e.g. UL) communications. The deactivation processing may comprise an autonomous denial (inhibiting a transmission on the selected carrier for a predetermined time) on the UE side or an interference reporting with deactivation on the eNB side. Aspects of the invention include the UE sending an interference report message to the eNB in which the interference causing frequencies (e.g. pair of frequencies of the UL1 and UL2 connections (carriers)) are reported. On the basis of this interference report, the eNB 20 conducts deactivation processing for stopping a communication on one of the UL communications.

Description

Control Mechanism

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a mechanism for controlling communications conducted in multiple frequency bands. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to apparatuses, methods, computer software and computer program products providing interference control mechanisms by means of which communications conducted, for example in an in-device co-existence scenario, suffer less interferences from each other, in particular when using carrier aggregation.

Background

Prior art which is related to this technical field can e.g. be found in technical specifications according to 3GPP TR 36.816 (e.g. version 11.2.0).

The following mcanings for the abbreviations used in this specification apply: BS: base station BT: Bluctooth CA: carrier aggregation CC: component carrier CPU: central processing unit CSI: channel state information DL: downlink DRX: discontinuous reception eNB: evolved node B GNSS: global navigation satellite system UPS: global positioning system H3: 3th order harmonic distortion IDC: in-device co-existence IMD: intermodulation distortion ISM: industrial, scientific, medical LTE: Long Term Evolution LTE-A: LTE Advanced PSD: power spectral density PUCCH: physical uplink control channel PUSCH: physical uplink shared channel RAT: radio access technology RB: resource block RE: radio frequency SRS: sounding reference signal SW: software TX: transmission, transmitter TIE: user equipment TilL: uplink In recent years, an increasing extension of communication networks, e.g. of wire based communication networks, such as the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), DSL, or wireless communication networks, such as the edma2000 (code division multiple access) system, cellular 3rd generation (3G) communication networks like the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), enhanced communication networks based e.g. on LTE, cellular 2nd generation (2G) communication networks such as the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), the General Packet Radio System (GPRS), the Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolutions (EDGE), or other wireless communication systems, such as the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), BluetoothTM or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), has taken place all over the world. Various organizations, such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Telecoms & Internet converged Services & Protocols for Advanced Networks (TISPAN), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), the WiMAX Forum and the like are working on standards for telecommunication network and access environments.

Generally, for properly establishing and handling a communication connection between communication elements such as a UE and another communication element or LiE, a database, a server, etc., one or more intermediate network elements such as communication network control elements, support nodes or service nodes are involved which may belong to different communication networks.

In order to allow users to access various networks and services ubiquitously, an increasing number of UEs are equipped with multiple radio transceivers. For example, a UE may be equipped with Lit, WiFi, and Bluetooth' transceivers, as well as GNSS receivers.

However, such a configuration may result in more complicated interference situations due to coexistence interference between those collocated radio transceivers.

For examplc, due to extreme proximity of multiplc radio transccivcrs within thc same HE, the transmit power of one transmitter may be much higher than the received power level of another receiver.

Conventionally, attempts have been made to avoid significant interference resulting flm a transmit signal by using filter technologies and sufficient frequency separation. However, for some coexistence scenarios, e.g. different radio technologies within the same tIE operating on adjacent frequencies, current state-of-the-art ifiter technologies might not provide sufficicnt rejcction. Thercibre, solving the interference problem by single generic RF design may not always be possible so that alternative methods have to be considered.

Summary

Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus, method, computer software and computer program product by means of which communications conducted in multiple different frequency bands can be controlled so as to decrease an interference level between the communications. In particular, embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses, methods, computer software and computer program products providing interference control mechanisms by means of which communications conducted for example in an in-device co-existence scenario suffer less interference from each other, in particular when using carrier aggregation.

This is achicvcdby the measures defined in the attachcd claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for use in controlling communications conducted in multiple frequency bands, the apparatus comprising: an interference situation report processing portion arranged to receive and process an interference report indicating an interference situation caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands and another communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications, wherein the interference report comprises frequency information identifying carriers of the at least two diffcrcnt frequency bands of the first set of communications; and a carrier transmission deactivation portion arranged to deactivate transmission on either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications on the basis of the frequency information comprised in the interference report.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling communications conducted in multiple frequency bands, the method comprising: receiving and processing an interference report indicating an interference situation caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands and another communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications, wherein the interference report comprises frequency information identi'ing carriers of the at least two different frequency bands of the first set of communications; and deactivating transmission on either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications on the basis of the frequency information comprised in the interference report.

According to a third aspcct of thc prcscnt invcntion thcrc is providcd computcr software adapted to perform the method of the second aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, the computer readable instructions being executable by a computerized device to cause the computerized dcvice to pcrform a mcthod of controHing communications conductcd in multiple frequency bands according to the second aspect of the present invention.

According to first embodiments there is provided an apparatus for use in controlling communications conducted in multiple frequency bands, the apparatus comprising: an interference determination portion arranged to determine an interference situation caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands and a second communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications; and a frequency carrier deactivation processing portion arranged to conduct a deactivation procedure to deactivate either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications when said interference situation is determined.

According to second embodiments there is provided a method of controlling communications conducted in multiple frequency bands, the method comprising: determining an interference situation caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands and a second communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications; and conducting a deactivation procedure to deactivate either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications when said interference situation is determined.

According to embodiments, there is provided computer software adapted to perform the method of the second embodiments.

According to embodiments, there is provided computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, the computer readable instructions being executable by a computerized device to cause the computerized device to perform a method of controlling communications conducted in multipc frequency bands according to the second embodiments.

In embodiments, there is provided, for example, a computer program product for a computer, comprising software code portions for performing the steps of the abovc defined methods, when said product is run on the computer. The computer program product may comprise a computer-readable medium on which said software code portions arc stored. Furthermore, the computer program product may be directly loadablc into the internal memory of the computer and/or transmittable via a network by means of at least one of upload, download and push procedures.

By virtue of the proposed solutions, it is possible to provide an apparatus, method, computer software and computer program product by means of which communications conducted in multiple different frequency bands (for example in an IDC application where two or more communications or radio transmissions in IJL direction may cause interference on some DL communication(s) via plural frequency bands used for a respective communication (for instance, LTE B7/B40 band and ISM band co-existence), wherein also carrier aggregation (CA) is possible) can be controlled in such a manner that interference on victim communications, for example the DL communication having a weaker power level, is avoided. Thus, it is possible to achieve a more consistent throughput in the communication, for example for communications via the ISM band or other (non-3GPP) RAT, whilst a TX datarate in the first communication (e.g. LTE-A in CA mode) is kept at a sufficient level.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in existing network configurations, for example by means of a software or firmware update.

The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon referring to the description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a diagram illustrating a communication network structure in which embodiments of the invention are applicable.

Fig. 2 shows a block circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication element where interference caused by different communications is illustrated.

Fig. 3 shows a diagram illustrating examples of interferences caused by communications via different frequency bands.

Fig. 4 shows a diagram illustrating examples of interferences caused by communications via different frequency bands.

Fig. 5 shows flow chart illustrating a procedure conducted by a communication element according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a block circuit diagram of a communication element including processing portions conducting functions according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows flow chart illustrating a procedure conducted by a communication element according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows flow chart illustrating a procedure conducted by a communication network control element according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a block circuit diagram of a communication element including processing portions conducting functions according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 10 shows a block circuit diagram of a communication network control element including processing portions conducting functions according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. II shows a diagram illustrating a scenario of interference in an IDC communication example.

Fig. 12 shows a diagram illustrating a scenario of interference in an IDC communication example according to embodiments of thc invcntion.

Fig. 13 shows a diagram illustrating a scenario of interference in an IDC communication example according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 14 shows a diagram illustrating a scenario of interference in an IDC communication example according to embodiments of the invention.

Dctaflcd Description

In the following, embodiments of the present invention arc described with reference to the drawings. For illustrating the present invention, the embodiments will be described in connection with a cellular communication network based on a 3GPP LTE or LTE-A system wherein at least one further communication network is provided with which a UE can conduct a conmiunication, such as an ISM network or a GSNN system. However, it is to bc noted that the present invention is not limited to an application using such types of communication systems, but is also applicable in other types of communication systems and the like as long as interferences between communications may occur.

A basic system architecture of a communication network where embodiments of the invention are applicable may comprise a commonly known architecture of one or more communication systems comprising a wired or wireless access network subsystem and a core network. Such an architecture may comprise one or more access network control elements, radio access network elements, access service network gateways or base transceiver stations, such as a base station (BS) or eNB, which control a coverage area also referred to as a cell and with which a communication element or device such as a UE or another device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a tiE or attached as a separate element to a tiE, or the like, is capable of communicating via one or more channels for transmitting several types of data. Furthermore, core network elements such as gateway network elements, policy and charging control network elements, mobility management entities and the like may be comprised.

The general functions and interconnections of the described elements, which also depend on the actual network type, are known to those skilled in the art and described in corresponding specifications, so that a detailed description thereof is omitted herein. 1-lowever, it is to be noted that several additional network elements and signaling links may be employed for a communication to or from a communication element such as a TIE or a communication network control element such as an eNB or a server etc., besides those described ill detail herein below.

Furthermore, the described network elements, for example communication elements such as liEs, communication network control elements such as BSs, eNBs, servers and the like, as well as corresponding functions as described herein may be implemented by software, e.g. by a computer program product for a computer, and/or by hardware. In any case, for executing their respective functions, correspondingly used devices, ilodes or network elements may comprise several means and components (not shown) which are required for control, proccssing and communicationisignaling functionality. Such means may comprisc, for examplc, one or more processor units or systems including one or more processing portions for executing instructions, programs and for processing data, memory means for storing instructions, programs and data, for serving as a work area of the processor or processing portion and the like (c.g. ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and the like), input means for inputting data and instructions by software (e.g. floppy disc, CD-ROM, EEPROM, and the like), user interface means for providing monitor and manipulation possibilities to a user (e.g. a screen, a keyboard and the like), interface means for establishing links and/or connections under the control of the processor unit or portion (e.g. wired and wireless interface means, an antenna, etc.) and the like. It is to be noted that in the present specification processing portions should not only be considered to represent physical portions of one or more processors, but may also be considered as a logical division of the referred processing tasks performed by one or more processors.

With regard to Fig. 1, a diagram illustrating a general configuration of a communication network is shown where examples of embodiments of the invention are applicable. It is to be noted that the structure indicated in Fig. 1 shows only those devices, network elements and parts which are useful for understanding principles underlying the examples of embodiments of the invention. As also known by those skilled in the art there may be several other network elements or devices involved in a connection between the communication element (tiE) and the respective networks which are omitted here for the sake of simplicity.

In Fig. 1, reference sign 10 denotes a communication element such as a TJE or the like which is capable of communicating with different kinds of communication networks or devices, for example via carriers belonging to different frequency bands.

Reference sign 20 denotes a communication network control element such as a base station or eNB controlling a communication area or cell (indicated by a dashed line). It is to be noted that there may be several cells in the communication network which are controlled, for example, by the eNB 20 or by their own (not shown) communication network control element, which belong together with the cell of cNB to an overlaying communication area.

In addition, communication networks or systems are present with which the lIE 10 can communicate in parallel to the communications conducted with the eNB 20. For example, a communication system 30 using an ISM band, such as a BT or WLAN/WiFi system is provided, e.g. in the form of a corresponding server and transceiver. Another example for an alternative communication system is a GNSS (or other positioning) system 35 having plural transmitters e.g. in satellites which send signals for conducting a positioning operation.

As indicated above, in order to allow the tiE 10 to ubiquitously access the various networks or communication systems and services as indicated in Fig. 1, the lIE 10 is equipped with multiple radio transceivers. For example, in the configuration example as shown in Fig. 1, it is assumed that the tiE 10 has a configuration as depicted, for example, in Fig. 2.

As indicated in Fig. 2, the UE 10 is equipped with plural transceiver/antenna configurations, for example a transceiver/antenna configuration connected to ANT#1 used for communications with the eNB 20 (referred to as LTE-A based communications), a receiver/antenna configuration conncctcd to ANT#2 used for communications with the GNSS or GPS system 35 (referred to as GPS based communications), and a transceiver/antenna configuration connected to ANT#3 used for communications with the ISM based server 30 (referred to as WLAN/BT based communication).

In Fig. 2, examples for coexistence interference which may be generated bctwccn thosc collocated radio transceivcrs arc indicated by dashed arrows. That is, duc to the proximity of the multiple radio transceivcrs within UE 10, as indicated in Fig. 2, a situation may arise in which the transmit power of one transmitter may be much higher than the received power level of another transceiver/receiver. Hence, intcrfcrcncc from thc LTE-A bascd communications to thc GPS bascd communication and/or the WLANJBT based communication may arise, whilst on the other hand interference from thc WLAN/BT communication to the LTE-A bascd communication may also occur.

It has been observed that the above situation may become worse when the communications with the eNB i.e. the LTE-A based communication carrier aggregation mode is used where CCs of different frequency bands are used for communication. Onc CA modc is thc inter-band CA whcrc e.g. two or morc UL connections using different and separated carriers on different frequency bands are used. This is depicted in Fig. I by the two arrows from liE 10 to eNB 20.

However, active IlL communications produce intermodulation products at certain frequencies. With some band combinations, the intermodulation product may be produced on top of some other 3GPP and/or non 3GPP band, like the ISM band. In addition, in certain inter-band CA cases, either of the IlL communications may produce third order harmonic distortion (H3) which overlaps with other nctwork's or RAT's DL communications (indicatcd in Fig. I by dashcd arrows from the ISM server 30 or the GSNN system 35 to the UE 10).

Fig. 3 shows a diagram illustrating examples of interferences caused by communications via different frequency bands in a communication network configuration as indicated, for example, in Fig. 1. Specifically, Fig. 3 illustrates the behavior of H3 and 2 order intermodulation.

Tn the upper diagram of Fig. 3, the two frequency bands B17 (from e.g. 704 to 716 MHz) and B4 (from e.g. 2110 to 2155 MHz) are indicated wherein it is assumed that the B17 band is used for transmission (TX) and the B4 band is used for reception (RX. As indicated, a 3rd order harmonic distortion range of the B17 TX band is caused in the B4 band having a bandwidth 3 times that of the B17 band.

Tn the lower diagram of Fig. 3, two frequency bands B12 and B4 arc assumed to be used for transmission (TX). Furthermore, another frequency band such as an TSM band (here in 2.4 GHz range, from 240T MHz to 2483 MHz) is assumed to be used for communication. Tt is to be noted that there exist several definitions or regulations regarding the frequency ranges of ISM bands which may be used instead of the range indicated here. For example, ITU defines ISM bands from 2.4 to 2.5 0Hz, wherein BT operates from 2.4 to 2.484 0Hz and WLAN operates in a similar frequency range. A 2nd order intcrmodulation range of a 2nd order intcrmodulation of bandwidths B12 and B4 is caused in the ISM band having a bandwidth from 2409 to 2471 MHz.

Fig. 4 shows a further diagram illustrating examples of interferences caused by communications via different frcqucncy bands in a communication network configuration as indicated, for example, in Fig. 1. In detail, Fig. 4 illustrates examples of 3GPP CA scenarios causing F13 and 2 order intermodulation interferences in non- 3GPP bands (here, TSM-band of 2.4 and S GHz, or the like).

Specifically, different frequency bands providing frequency ranges used for FL communications, that is two UI. communications UL1 and UL2 with frequencies FIJL1, and for DL communications, that is two DL communications DL1 and DL2 with frequencies FDII, FDJ1, arc shown which arc used e.g. for LTE-A based communications between the liE 10 and the cNB 20 as shown in Fig. I, wherein the power of the UL communications is assumed to be higher than that of the DL communications (indicated by the height of the frequency range blocks). Furthermore, ISM and WLAN bands at 2.4 GHz and 5 0Hz ranges are shown. As indicated by the arrows, a 2nd order intermodulation distortion (IMD2) is caused by the two UL communications at the 2.4 0Hz ISM-band, and a 3rd order harmonic distortion EU is caused by either or both of the UL communications (here Ut communication UL2) at the 5 0Hz band. That is, when referring back to the bands indicated in Fig. 3, for example, this would lead to a result where in the case of B4+B12 band usage, the 2nd order intermodulation distortion (due to ULI+UL2) would cause desensitization (or desense') on the 2.4-0Hz ISM band and 3rd order harmonic of UL2 (B4) would be produced within the 5-0Hz WLAN band.

In table 1, examples of CA band combinations are listed which represent aggressors causing interferences in other band(s), i.e. victim bands/frequency areas, in accordance with the general illustration of Fig. 4.

Table 1: Example of 3GPP CA scenarios causing IMD2 or F13 to non-cellular RATs Aggressors ______________ Victims _______________ UL1 UL2 UL1+UL2 UL1 UL2 Band #1 Band #2 IMD2 H3 H3 12 4 2.4 GHz -5-GHz

ISM WLAN

17 4 24GHz --

ISM

12 GPS --(GNSS) 12 -2.4GHz -

ISM

4 -2.4 GHz 5-GHz

ISM WLAIN

3 20 -5-GHz -

WLAN

3 5 -5-GHz 2.4 GHz

WLAIN ISM

4 7 -5-GHz -

WLAN

For example, respective component carriers allocated to the respective UL bands, e.g. a combination of component carriers of respective of lit bands B 17 and B4 causes an IMD2 interference situation in the 2.4 GHz ISM-band, while a combination of UL bands B12 and B4 may cause an IMD2 interference situation in the 2.4 GHz band and the band B4 may cause an F13 interference situation in the 5 GHz band. It is to be noted that the effect of IMD2 depends on the actual frequency relation of the component carriers on the UL communications and victim DL communications. Furthermore, it is to be noted that the above list is not complete and that there are further combinations of IJL frequency bands, CA band combinations and scenarios which cause further interference situations.

According to embodiments of the invention, mechanisms for controlling the communications conducted in a network configuration according to e.g. Fig. I with a liE having multiple transceivers as shown e.g. in Fig. 2 are provided, by means of which interferences caused in an IDC case (3.g. 3GPP RAT+ non-3GPP RAT) are decreased, in particular in the case of the tiE operating in a CA mode, such as an inter-band CA mode, with two or more UL communications as indicated in Figs. 1 and 4.

That is, according to embodiments of the invention, in order to decrease the interferences caused by communications such as tiLl and UL2 communications on other communications such as those via the ISM band or WLAN band, as indicated in Fig. 4, either one of the at least two communications, i.e. carriers or the like on the respective frequency band causing the above described IDC interference through intermodulation (IMD2), is deactivated for at least a predetermined time or in intervals, or the like.

According to one set of embodiments of the invention, the deactivation of at least one of the two communications (carriers) for at least a predetermined time or in intervals is executed within the communication element, such as TiE 10.

For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, an autonomous denial operation is executed in the TiE 10 for either one of the two UL communications. That is, according to an embodiment of the invention, autonomous denial in an IDC case with inter-band CA and a non-3GPP RAT (like WLAN) is used, wherein the TiE 10 is configured to use the autonomous denial on either of the LTE-A UL communications in case it is determined that they would cause an unacceptable desensitization to another RAT, such as a WLAN communication (as indicated in Fig. 4). In the autonomous denial according to embodiments of the invention, the TiE 10 conducts a deactivation processing in which either of the LTE-A UL communications is not transmitted during times when data is received via the other radio communication (WLAN).

According to further embodiments of the invention, triggers are provided that are used in order to maximize an UL throughput or to prioritize one of the UL communications etc, i.e. a selection process is executed in order to select that of the IJL communications (carricrs) for dcactivation which causcs a minimal impact on thc communication performance in the LTE-A communication, for example.

A procedure for conducting the autonomous denial on the IJE side according to embodiments of the invention comprises the following processing.

First, it is determined whether an interference situation like that illustrated in connection with Fig. 4 is going to occur. For example, this determination may be bascd on a comparison bctwccn transmitting timcs and rcccption timcs via the diffcrcnt communication conncctions (LTE-A bascd connections, WLAN connection, etc.). In LTE and LTE-A, for example, the transmission and reception time is known some time in advance (e.g. -4ms or the like). Also reception timing for a non-3GPP communication such as WLAN is known somc timc in advancc. For cxamplc, in WLAN power save mode, only the beacons need to be received at a certain time, all othcr data can bc buffcrcd in a hotspot and transmitted to thc UE whcn it is possiblc.

Thus, bascd for cxamplc on UL allocation grants rcccivcd from thc cNB 20 in configuration signaling, it can be determined that that transmissions via the IJL connections to the eNB 20 (in inter-band CA mode, for example) would occur concurrently with a scheduled reception which leads e.g. to the IMD2 as shown in Fig. 4. In othcr words, thc ISM DL connection is dctcrmincd to bc dcscnsitizcd at thc times of concurrent communications on these IJL and DL communication paths.

It is to be noted that the determination of whether or not an interference situation is possibly present may also be based on other mechanisms. For example, a probability of a reception via the DL connection may be estimated and used as a basis for a determination of a concurrent communication. Alternatively, some priority level may be assigned to the non-3GPP communication (e.g. in case of high data transfer ratcs via a WLAN conncction indicating that thc uscr is currcntly intcrcstcd in a propcr rcccption) which may Icad to the dccision that thc non-3GPP conncction may not be interfered at any time.

After having determined that an interference situation is possible, the UE 10 conducts an autonomous denial process so as to deactivate either one of the at least two UL communications (i.e. carriers thereon). According to embodiments of the invention, this deactivation may be done arbitrarily, or under a selection control.

In this selection control, it is determined which of the UL communications is preferably deactivated (for at least some time). The selection of the corresponding IJL communication may be based, for example, on at least one of a determination that there is no control channel such as PUCCH included, a comparison which of the UL communications has less RBs allocated (if the communication with the lower number of RBs is selected for the deactivation, inter-band throughput can be maximized), and/or an estimation which of the UL communications causes more interference, for example (in addition to the IMD2 interference) an H3 distortion (see e.g. table 1). On the basis of this processing, the UL communication (carrier) to be deactivated (temporarily) is determined. In other words, criteria for a selection of an UL communication to be deactivated may be based on a determination as to which CC does not have PUCCH, and/or which CC has less allocated RBs, and the like.

Additionally or alternatively, according to further embodiments of the invention, a selection can also be based for active antenna performance. That is, within the UE, it is possible that there are different antennas for Low and High bands. Then, there may be different antenna isolation between low/high band cellular and connectivity radio antennas due to different directivity, orientation etc. It is to be noted that an interference level caused by the UL communications, such as the intermodulation distortion level, is actually low enough that the DL communication, such as that via the ISM band, is not desensitized in a critical manner. In other words, for example, even though the frequency relationship as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4 is valid, a transmission power on the UL communications (i.e. LTE-A TX power level) is low enough so that the interference is not critical.

Thus, according to embodiments of the invention, it is determined whether the interference caused in the interference situation determined as described above is higher than a predetermined threshold or the like. If it is determined that the interference level is not critical (e.g. below the threshold) it is decided that there is no need to deny transmissions, and the deactivation of the canier is stopped or not continued (for example, the determination of the interference level is conducted continuously or periodically when the deactivation is conducted so as to be able to react to changing communication properties such as decreasing TX power level required for the UL communications).

According to embodiments of the present invention, the transmission mode control (i.e. conduct deactivation procedure or not) at the communication element (device/terminal) may comprise a hysteresis management functionality being configured to avoid excessive hysteresis between the transmission modes. In such hysteresis management, the communication element may base its decision for the applicability of a mode switching e.g. on network conditions, any available output power restriction value or values, battery capacity, whether there is a connection to power supply, which applications/scrvices arc active, movement of the device, CA band combination, TX resources, RX resources, or the like.

For example, according to embodiments of the invention, a trigger for determining that it is not necessary to deactivate either one of the UL communications even if a (potential) interference situation is determined is based on a comparison of a preset threshold power level and the LTE-A TX output power value(s) on the UL communications. In case the threshold power level is not exceeded by the TX power value(s), then it is decided that the deactivation is not necessary and the autonomous denial procedure is stopped, even if for example IJL allocation grants indicate concurrent transmissions with ISM reception, or the like. On the other hand, in case the preset threshold is exceeded, then the autonomous denial for the selected UL communication (carrier) is executed. In other words, according to embodiments of the invention, the UE 10 (or a processor portion thereof) checks Pcmax (maximum per canier transmit power) values against predefined TX power threshold values. It is to be noted that the preset power threshold value may be set according to configuration settings given by an operator, or may be adjusted or learned during operation of the system.

It is to be noted that the deactivation or denial of either one of the IJL communications is carried out, for example, for a predetermined time, for instance on a per subframe basis (subframe duration in LTE or LTE-A is ims, for example). That is, a decision regarding deactivation is carried out for each subframc. However, it is to be noted that also another time unit for the duration of a deactivation phase for an UL communication may be set.

Furthermore, it is to be noted that embodiments of the invention may be implemented in a communication element such as a liE, a UE memory/application engine/processor or equivalent.

Fig. 5 shows a flow chart iHustrating a procedure conducted by a communication element, such as an UE 10 as shown in Fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention.

In step SI 00, it is determined that an interference situation (e.g. IMD2 being produced at Icast partially on top of for instance used ISM channel) causcd between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands (e.g. the UL 1 and UIL2 communications) and a second communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications (e.g. the DL communication on WLAN band). The interference situation is determined, for example, on the basis of a comparison between scheduled or estimated timings for transmissions in the first set of communications (e.g. the UL allocation grants) and scheduled or estimated timings for a transmission in the second communication (e.g. expected or known reception time in DL WLAN communication).

Then, in step 5110, an interference level estimation is conducted so as to determine whether the determined interference situation is critical or not. That is, for example, a level of interference caused by the determined interference situation (IMD2 or the like) is compared with a predetermined threshold, for example on the basis of a comparison of TX power levels and a preset threshold, wherein on the basis of the comparison in step S120 a decision is made as to whether the deactivation procedure is conducted (e.g. in the case of the estimated level of interference being equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold; YES branch in Fig. 5), or the deactivation procedure is stopped (e.g. in the case of the estimated level of interference being lower than the predetermined threshold; NO branch in Fig. 5).

It is to be noted that steps 5110 and S120 may also be omitted in embodiments of the invention, i.e. the deactivation is executed as soon as an interference situation is determined (step S130 follows to step S100).

In step S130, a deactivation procedure is conducted so as to deactivate either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications, in case the interference situation is determined. According to embodiments of the invention, the deactivation procedure to deactivate either one of carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications comprises an autonomous denial operation comprising a selection process for selecting either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands (based e.g. on the above described criteria), and a denial process for inhibiting a transmission on the selected carrier for a predetermined time based on the determined interference situation.

In Fig. 6, a block circuit diagram illustrating a circuitry indicating a configuration of a communication element, such as IJE 10, is shown, which is configured to implement the processing for controlling communications as described in connection with the examples of embodiments of the invention. That is, a circuitry or proccssing system is shown which comprises at least one proccssor and at Icast onc memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the UE 10 to perform functions described below, for example by executing a corresponding algorithm. It is to be noted that the communication element or UE 10 shown in Fig. 6 may comprise several further elements or functions besides those described herein below, which are omitted herein for the sake of simplicity as they are not essential for understanding the invention. Furthermore, even though reference is made to an IJE, the communication clement may also comprise another device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a device such as a UE or attached as a separate element to a UE, or the like.

The communication element or UE 10 may comprise a processing function, proccssing system or proccssor 11, such as a CPU or thc likc, which cxccutcs instructions given by programs or the like related to the control signal transmission control. The processor 11 may comprise one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors or processing portions, such as in onc physical proccssor likc a CPU or in scvcral physical entitics, for examplc. Refercncc sign 12 dcnotcs transccivcr or input/output (I/O) units connectcd to the processor 11. The I/O units 12 may be used for communicating with a communication network control element such as eNB 20 and a communication network or systcm such as ISM scrvcr 30 or GNSS systcm 35. The I/O unit 12 may bc a combined unit comprising communication equipment towards several network clemcnts, or may comprisc a distributcd structure with a plurality of differcnt intcrfaccs for diffcrcnt network elcments (scc e.g. Fig. 2). Reference sign 13 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor 11 and/or as a working storage of the processor 11.

The processor 11 is configured to execute processing related to the above described mechanism for controlling communications. In particular, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 111 as a processing portion which is usable for determining an interference situation. The portion 111 may be configured to perform processing according to step S100 according to Fig. 5, for example. Furthermore, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 112 usable as a portion for estimating an interference level. The portion 112 may be configured to perform processing according to steps 5110 and S120 according to Fig. 5, for example. In addition, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 113 as a processing portion which is usable for selecting a carrier (i.e. UL communication) for deactivation. Furthermore, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 114 as a processing portion which is usable for conducting the autonomous denial operation for the selected carrier. The portions 113 and 114 maybe configured to perform processing according to step S130 according to Fig. 5,

for example.

In the following, a further embodiment of the invention is described.

In the preceding embodiments of the invention, the UE 10 is arranged to conduct the autonomous denial as the deactivation procedure. However, due to the autonomous denial, a communication network control element, such as the eNB 20, with which the deactivated communication is conducted (e.g. ULI, LL2) may be not sufficiently involved in this deactivation procedure.

Therefore, in order to ensure that the operation of the communication network control element is not distorted by the deactivation procedure, for example with regard to an estimation of the link adaptation parameters, or in cases where usage of an autonomous denial is restricted by the network operator, further embodiments of the invention are discussed which provide an alternative communication control using another deactivation procedure.

According to embodiments of the invention, the communication network control element with which the UE 10 conducts the communications of which either one is to be deactivated performs substantial parts of the deactivation procedure. That is, when the UB 10 determines that there is a (potential) interference situation, which may or may not be followed by a determination of whether the interference level is critical or not in the UE 10, then the deactivation procedure comprises a signaling from the liE 10 to the eNB 20 which indicates that there is an interference situation to be considered. In other words, according to embodiments of the invention, instead of conducting the autonomous denial, the TilE 10 sends an interference report message to the eNB 20 in which the interference causing frequencies (e.g. pairs of frequencies of the ULI and UL2 connections (carriers)) are reported.

On the basis of this interference report, the eNB 20 conducts a deactivation processing for stopping a communication on one of the IJL communications. In other words, the reported interference situation, such as the intermodulation interference, is solved by deactivating for example one of the carriers, wherein it is to be noted that either one of the carriers is deactivated.

According to further embodiments, the selection of the UL communication to bc dcactiyatcd may be based on similar criteria as in the preceding examples according to Fig. 5, for example, i.e. based on at least one of a determination that there is no control channel such as PIJCCI-1 included, a comparison as to which of the IJL communications has less RBs allocated (if the communication with the lower number of RBs is selected for the deactivation, inter-band throughput can be maximized), and/or an estimation of which of the Ut communications causes (in addition to the IMD2 interference) an H3 distortion (see e.g. table 1). Such determinations may be conducted by the cNB 20, or by the 1./F 10, wherein in the latter case, a corresponding indication of a preferred deactivation target may be included in the interference report.

According to further cmbodimcnts, whcn thc interference report is rcccivcd and processed by the eNB 20 (resulting in a deactivation of an UL communication), the cNB 20 sends a corresponding indication to the TIE 10 for informing UE 10 about the deactivation.

For the deactivation of the I/iL communication, the eNB 20 may use at least one of the following mechanisms. A first option is to instruct a scheduler portion of the eNB 20 to stop providing UL grants to the interfering carriers simultaneously, so that they do not carry transmissions at the same time. This means that the UL communication is still in use on both carriers. As a further option, the eNB 20 may configure or schedule transmissions of report from the UE 10 to the eNB in a suitable maimer. For example, a CSI reporting and/or SRS transmissions on the interfering carriers are configured in such a manner that they are not transmitted simultaneously on the two problematic carriers.

Fig. 7 shows a flow chart illustrating a procedure conducted by a communication element, such as UE 10 as shown in Fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention.

It is to be noted that steps 5200 to 5220 are similar to steps 5100 to 5120 according to preceding embodiments described in connection with Fig. 5. That is, in step 5200, an interference situation (e.g. IMD2 being produced at least partially of top of for instance used ISM channel) caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands (e.g. the UL1 and UL2 communications) and a second communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications (e.g. the DL conmiunication on WLAIN band) is determined, for example on the basis of a comparison between scheduled or estimated timings for transmissions in the first set of communications (e.g. the UL allocation grants) and scheduled or estimated timings for a transmission in the second communication (e.g. expected or known reception time in DL WLAN communication).

In step 5210, an interference level estimation is conducted as described in conncction with step SilO, wherein on the basis of the interference level estimation (threshold comparison) in step 5220, a decision is made as to whether the (alternative) deactivation procedure should be conducted (YES in S220) or whether the deactivation procedure should be stopped (NO in step S220).

Similar to the procedure according to Fig. 5, it is to be noted that steps S210 and S220 may also be omitted in further embodiments of the invention, i.e. the deactivation is executed as soon as an interference situation is determined (step S230 follows to step S200).

In step S230, the alternative deactivation procedure described above is started.

That is, according to embodiments of the invention, an interference report is transmitted to the eNB 20 informing the eNB about the interference situation and indicating the pair of frequencies related to the carriers of the IJL communications causing the interference (IMD2, for example).

In step S240, in response to the signaling in step S230, a message from the eNB 20 is received in which information regarding the deactivation of either of the carriers is provided.

Fig. 8 shows a flow chart illustrating a procedure conducted by a communication network control element, such as eNB 20 as shown in Fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention. The procedure according to Fig. 8 is the counterpart of the UF procedure according to Fig. 7, for example.

In step S300, an interference report is received and processed. The interference report indicates an interference situation (e.g. IMD2) caused between a first set of communications (e.g. tiLl and UL2 communications) performed on at least two different frequency bands and another communication performed on another frequency band (e.g. a WLAN band, but this information is not necessarily provided in the interference report when not being of particular relevance for the deactivation procedure) different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications. Furthermore, the interference report comprises frequency information identifying carriers of the at least two different frequency bands of the first set of communications.

In step S310, the eNB 20 conducts a deactivation processing by deactivating transmission on either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications which arc indicated in the interference report. For example, a transmission time scheduler is caused to provide only such UL grants on one of the carriers for times different from times of UL grants for a transmission on the other carrier in order to inhibit simultaneous transmission on each carrier.

Furthermore, a communication configuration is sct such that a report signaling such as CSI reporting or SRS signaling is not carried out simultaneously on the carriers.

In step 8320, a response to the interference report is transmitted informing the UE 10 about the deactivation of either carrier of the carriers indicated in the interference report.

In Fig. 9, a block circuit diagram illustrating a circuitry indicating a configuration of a communication element, such as UE 10, is shown, which is configured to implement the alternative processing for controlling communications as described in connection with embodiments of the invention. That is, a circuitry or processing system is shown which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the UE 10 to perform functions described below, for example by executing a conesponding algorithm. It is to be noted that the communication element or UE 10 shown in Fig. 9 may comprise several further elements or functions besides those described herein below, which are omitted herein for the sake of simplicity as they are not essential for understanding the invention. Furthermore, even though reference is made to an IJE, the communication element may also comprise another device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a device such as a UE or attached as a separate element to a TIE, or the like.

It is to be noted that parts of the configuration of the communication element according to Fig. 9 are similar to respective parts of the configuration of the communication element according to Fig. 6 so that the same reference signs are used.

The communication clement or UE 10 may comprise a processing function, processing system or processor 11, such as a CPU or the like, which executes instructions given by programs or the like related to the control signal transmission control. The processor 11 may comprise one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor. Portions for executing such specific processing may also be provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors or processing portions, such as in one physical processor such as a CPU or in several physical entities, for example. Reference sign 12 denotes transceiver or input/output (I/O) units connected to the processor 11. The I/O units 12 may be used for communicating with a communication network control element such as eNB 20 and a communication network or system like ISM server 30 or GNSS system 35. The I/O unit 12 may be a combined unit comprising communication equipment towards several network elements, or may comprise a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for different network elements (see e.g. Fig. 2). Reference sign 13 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor 11 and/or as a working storage of the processor 11.

The processor II is configured to execute processing related to the above described mechanism for controlling communications. In particular, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 111 as a processing portion which is usable for determining an interference situation. The portion Ill may be configured to perform processing according to step S200 according to Fig. 7, for example. Furthermore, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 112 usable as a portion for estimating an interference level. The portion 112 may be configured to perform processing according to steps S210 and S220 according to Fig. 7, for example. In addition, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 115 as a processing portion which is usable for processing or generating an interference report. The portion 115 may be configured to perform processing according to step S230 according to Fig. 7, for example. Furthermore, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 116 as a processing portion which is usable for receiving and processing a deactivation response. The portion 116 may be configured to perform processing according to step S240 according to Fig. 7, for example.

In Fig. 10, a block circuit diagram illustrating a circuitry indicating a configuration of a communication network control element, such as of the eNB 20 shown in Fig. 1, is shown, which is configured to implement the processing for controlling communications as described in connection with embodiments of the invention. That is, a circuitry is shown which comprises a processing system and/or at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the eNB 20 to perform functions described below, for example by executing a corresponding algorithm. It is to be noted that the communication network control element or eNB 20 shown in Fig. 10 may comprise several further elements or functions besides those described herein below, which are omitted herein for the sake of simplicity as they are not essential for understanding the invention. Furthermore, even though reference is made to an eNB, the communication network control clement may be also another device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a base station or eNB or attached as a separate element to a base station or eNB, or the like.

The communication network control element or eNB 20 may comprise a processing function or processor 21, such as a CPU or the like, which executes instructions given by programs or the like related to the control signal transmission control. The processor 21 may comprise one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors or processing portions, such as in one physical processor like a CPU or in several physic& entities, for example. Reference sign 22 denotes transceiver or input/output (I/O) units connected to the processor 21. The I/O units 22 may be used for communicating with one or more communication elements, such as liE 10. The I/O units 22 may be a combined unit comprising communication equipment towards several of the network elements in question, or may comprise a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for each network clement in question. Reference sign 23 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor 21 and/or as a working storage of the processor 21.

The processor 21 is configured to execute processing related to the above described mechanism for controlling communications, for example. In particular, the processor 21 comprises a sub-portion 211 as a processing portion which is usable for processing an interference report. The portion 211 may be configured to perform processing according to step S300 according to Fig. 8, for example. Furthermore, the processor 21 comprises a sub-portion 212 as a processing portion which is usable as a portion for conducting a communication or carrier deactivation processing. The portion 212 may be configured to perform a processing according to step S3 10 according to Fig. 8, for example. Moreover, the processor 21 comprises a sub-portion 213 as a processing portion which is usable as a portion for informing the tiE about the deactivation. The portion 213 may be configured to perform processing according to step S320 according to Fig. 8, for example.

Next, application examples of different mechanisms for controlling communications according to embodiments of the invention and according to a comparative example are described with regard to Figs. 11 to 14.

Specifically, Figs. 11 to 14 illustrate different scenarios of communications where tilL communications in LTE-A using inter-band CA co-exists with DL communication on an ISM band. In all of these examples it is assumed that intermodulation distortion caused by the UL communications would be produced on top of the ISM channel/band, for instance WLAN, as described in connection with Fig. 4. In the diagrams according to Figs. 11 to 14, the ordinate indicates different frequency ranges, i.e. FDI TSM for the DL communication on the ISM band, Fur.i and Frjr2 for the UL communications in the LTE-A frequency range, whilst the abscissa indicates time. That is, the communications conducted on the respective TJL and DL bands as well as the distortions (IMD2, H3) are shown in a time-based manner.

In Fig. 11, a comparative cxample is shown where it is assumed that none of the deactivation procedures described above are conducted. That is, as shown in Fig. 11, both UL communications and the DL communication arc active simultaneously, causing corresponding distortion and dcsensc at the DL communication. In other words, in the comparative example, the ISM DL communication suffers from desense.

In Fig. 12, a further comparative example is shown where a deactivation procedure according to embodiments of the invention is conducted. Here, when the ISM DL communication is not active all the time, during these times, there is still intermodulation distortion on ISM DL frequency, but there is no desense since there is no ISM signal to be received.

In Fig. 13, a case is shown where embodiments of the invention are implemented. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 13, there are times where the UL communication on UL1 is deactivated (e.g. ULI is denied or TX grant is not allocated). During that time there is neither distortion nor desense on ISM DL communication, even if ISM DL communication and UL2 communication are active.

In Fig. 14, a case is shorn where embodiments of the invention are implemented. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, there are times where the UL communication on IJLI is deactivated (e.g. IJLI is denied or TX grant is not allocated), and times where the UL communication on UL2 is deactivated (e.g. Ut2 is denied or TX grant is not allocated). In other words, the denied/not allocated Ut communication changes in such a way that the IJL communications are not active concurrently. As a result, in times where either of the UL communications is deactivated, there is neither distortion or desense on ISM DL, even if the ISM DL communication and the other UL communication are active.

It is to be noted that in embodiments of the invention, autonomous denial is used as an IDC mechanisms for deactivating UL communication. However, it is also possiNe to apply other mechanisms for deactivating either one of the carriers of the UL communications causing the interference situation, such as IMD2 being produced at least partially of top of for instance a used ISM channel. An example of such an alternative mechanism for deactivating is selective suppression of channel status indication transmissions.

Furthermore, as described above, embodiments of the invention are described to be implemented in UEs and eNBs. However, the invention is not limited to these.

For example, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in a wireless modem or the like.

In addition, it is to be noted that a communication element or UB may be configured to comprise elements and/or to conduct functions corresponding to all of the above described embodiments of the invention being related to a communication element, i.e. may be configured to conduct an autonomous denial and an interference reporting processing. In other words, all processing portions according to Figs. 6 and 9 may be combined in one communication element, for example.

According to further embodiments of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising interference determination means for determining an interference situation caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands and a second communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications, and frequency carrier deactivation processing means for conducting a deactivation procedure to deactivate either one of carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications in case the interference situation is determined.

According to further embodiments of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising interference situation report processing means for receiving and processing an interference report indicating an interference situation caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands and another communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications, wherein the interference report comprises frequency information identifring carriers of the at least two different frequency bands of the first set of communications, and carrier transmission deactivation means for deactivating transmission on either one of carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications on the basis of the frequency information comprised in the interference report.

For the purpose of the present invention as described herein above, it should bc noted that: -an acccss technology via which signaling is transfcrrcd to and from a network element may be any technology by means of which a network element or sensor node can access another network element or node (e.g. via a base station or generally an access node). Any present or future technology, such as WLAN (Wireless Local Access Network), WiMAX (Worldwide Intcropcrability for Microwavc Access), LTE, LTE-A, Bluetooth'TM, Infrared, and the like may be used; although the above technologies are mostly wireless access technologies, e.g. in different radio spectra, access technology in the sense of the present invention implies also wired technologies, e.g. IP based access technologies like cable networks or fixed lines but also circuit switched access technologies; access technologies may be distinguishable in at least two categories or access domains such as packet switched and circuit switched, but the existence of more than two access domains does not impede the invention being applied thereto, -usable communication networks and transmission nodes may be or comprise any device, apparatus, unit or means by which a station, entity or other user equipment may connect to and/or utilize services offered by the access network; such services include, amongst others, data and/or (audio-) visual communication, data download etc.; -a user equipment or communication network element may be any device, apparatus, unit or means which is usable as a user communication device and by which a system user or subscriber may experience services from an access network, such as a mobile phone, a wireless mobile terminal, a personal digital assistant PDA, a smart phone, a pcrson& computcr (PC), a laptop computer, a desktop computcr or a device having a corrcsponding functionality, such as a modem chipsct, a chip, a module ctc., which can also be pan of a TJE or attached as a separate element to a TJE, or the like, wherein corresponding devices or terminals may be, for example, an LTE, an LTE-A, a TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio), an UMTS, a OSM/EDGE etc. smart mobilc terminal or the like; -method steps likely to be implemented as software code portions and being run using a processor at a network clcment or terminal (as examplcs of devices, apparatuses and/or modules thereof, or as examples of entities including apparatuses and/or modules for it), are software code independent and can be specified using any known or future developed programming language as long as the functionality dcfincd by thc mcthod steps is prcscrvcd; -generally, any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the invention in terms of the functionality implemented; -method steps and/or devices, apparatuses, units or means likely to be implemented as hardware components at a terminal or network element, or any module(s) thereof, are hardware independent and can be implemented using any known or future developed hardware technology or any hybrids of these, such as a microprocessor or CPU (Central Processing Unit), MOS (Metal Oxidc Semiconductor), CMOS (Complcmcntary MOS), BiMOS (Bipolar MOS), BiCMOS (Bipolar CMOS), ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic), TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic), etc., using for example ASIC (Application Specific IC (Integrated Circuit)) components, FPGA (Field-programmable Gate Arrays) components, CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) components or DSP (Digital Signal Processor) components; in addition, any method steps andior devices, units or means likely to be implemented as software components may for example be based on any security architecture capable e.g. of authentication, authorization, keying andlor traffic protection; -devices, apparatuses, units or means can be implemented as individual devices, apparatuses, units or means, but this does not exclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughout the system, as long as the functionality of the device, apparatus, unit or means is preserved; for example, for executing operations and functions according to embodiments of the invention, one or more processors may be used or shared in the processing, or one or more processing sections or processing portions may be used and shared in the processing, wherein one physical processor or more than one physical proccssor may be used for implementing one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described, -an apparatus may be represented by a semiconductor chip, a chipsct, or a (hardware) module comprising such chip or chipsct; this, however, does not exclude the possibility that a functionality of an apparatus or module, instead of being hardware implemented, be implemented as software in a (software) module such as a computer program or a computer program product comprising executable software code portions for execution/being run on a processor; -a device may be regarded as an apparatus or as an assembly of more than one apparatus, whether functionally in cooperation with each other or functionally independently of each other but in a same device housing, for example.

Furthermore, as used in this application, the terms,device' or,circuitry' refer to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(or memories) working together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor (or plural microprocessors) or a portion of a microprocessor (or plural microprocessors), that requires/require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other network device As described above, there is provided a mechanism for controlling communications conducted in multiple frequency bands so as to decrease an interference level between the communications. When an interference situation caused between a first set IlL communications performed on at least two different frequency bands and a DL communication performed on another frequency band is determined, a frequency carrier deactivation processing is conducted so as to deactivate either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the set of IlL communications. The deactivation processing comprises for example an autonomous denial on the UE side or an interference reporting with deactivation on the cNB side.

The following numbered clauses set forth various embodiments of the invention: 1. An apparatus for use in controlling communications conducted in multiple frequency bands, the apparatus comprising: an interference determination portion arranged to determine an interference situation caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands and a second communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications; and a frequency carrier deactivation processing portion arranged to conduct a deactivation procedure to deactivate either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications when said interference situation is determined.

2. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the interference determination portion is arranged to determine an interference situation on the basis of a comparison between scheduled or estimated timings for transmissions in the first set of communications and scheduled or estimated timings for a transmission in the second communication.

3. The apparatus according to dause I or 2, wherein the first set of communications comprises at least two uplink communications using carrier aggregation, and the second communication is a downlink communication, wherein the interference situation comprises an interference through intermodulation.

4. The apparatus according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first set of communications is conducted on frequency bands used for a cellular wireless communication system, and the second communication is conducted on a frequency band used for at least one industrial, scientific and medical communication, and a global navigation satellite system communication.

5. The apparatus according to any of clauses Ito 4, further comprising: an interference level estimation portion arranged to estimate a level of interference caused by a determined interference situation, to compare the estimated level of interference with a predetermined threshold, and to decide to cause the frequency carrier deactivation processing portion to conduct the deactivation procedure in the case of the estimated level of interference being equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, or to cause the frequency carrier deactivation processing portion to stop the deactivation procedure in the case of the estimated level of interference being lower than the predetermined threshold.

6. The apparatus according to clause 5, wherein the interference level estimation portion is further arranged to estimate the level of interference by comparing a transmission output power level for communications of the first set of communications with a preset power threshold.

7. The apparatus according to any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus is comprised in a communication element including plural transceivers capable of conducting in-device co-existence operation by communicating on different frequency bands.

8. The apparatus according to clause 7, wherein said communication element comprises a user equipment.

9. The apparatus according to any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the frequency carrier deactivation processing portion is further arranged to conduct as the deactivation procedure to deactivate either one of carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications an autonomous denial operation comprising: a sclcction process for sclccting cithcr onc of thc carriers of thc at least two frequency bands; and a denial process for inhibiting a transmission on the selected carrier for a predetermined time based on the determined interference situation.

10. The apparatus according to clause 9, wherein the frequency carrier deactivation processing portion is further arranged to conduct the selection process on the basis of at least one of: a determination as to which communication of the first sct of communications performed on the at least two different frequency bands does not comprise a control channel, a determination as to which communication of the first set of communications performed on the at least two different frequency bands has less resource blocks, and which communication of the first set of communications performed on the at least two different frequency bands causes more interference.

11. The apparatus according to any of clauses I to 8, further comprising an interference situation reporting portion arranged to cause sending of an interference report indicating the interference situation and comprising frequency information identifying carriers of the at least two different frequency bands of the first set of communications.

12. The apparatus according to clause 11, further comprising a deactivation information receiving portion arranged to receive information indicating a deactivation of either carrier of the carriers indicated in the interference report.

13. A method of controlling communications conducted in multiple frequency bands, the method comprising: determining an interference situation caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequellcy bands and a second communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications; and conducting a deactivation procedure to deactivate either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications when said intcrfcrcncc situation is dctcrmincd.

14. The method according to clause 13, wherein the interference situation is dctermined on thc basis of a comparison bctwccn schcduled or cstimatcd timings for transmissions in thc first set of communications and scheduled or estimatcd timings for a transmission in the second communication.

15. The method according to clause 13 or 14, wherein the first set of communications comprises at least two uplink communications using carrier aggregation, and the sccond communication is a downlink communication, whcrein the interference situation comprises an interference through intermodulation.

16. The method according to any of clauses 13 to 15, wherein the first set of communications is conducted Oil frequency bands used for a cellular wireless communication system, and the second communication is conducted on a frequency band used for at least one industrial, scientific and medical communication, and a global navigation satellite system communication.

17. The method according to any of clauses 13 to 16, further comprising: estimating a level of interference caused by the determined interference situation; comparing the estimated level of interference with a predetermined threshold; and deciding to conduct the deactivation procedure in the case of the estimated level of interference being equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, or to stop the deactivation procedure in the case of the estimated level of interference being lower than the predetermined threshold.

18. The method according to clause 17, further comprising estimating the level of interference by comparing a transmission output power level for communications of the first set of communications with a preset power threshold.

19. The method according to any of clauses 13 to 18, wherein the method is implemented in a communication element including plural transceivers capable of conducting in-device co-existence operation by communicating on different frequency bands.

20. The method according to clause 19, wherein said communication element comprises a user equipment.

21. The method according to any of clauses 13 to 20, further comprising conducting as the deactivation procedure to deactivate either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications an autonomous denial operation comprising: a selection process for selecting either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands; and a denial process for inhibiting a transmission on the selected carrier for a predetermined time based on the determined interference situation.

22. The method according to clause 21, wherein the selection process is based on at least one of: a determination as to which communication of the first set of communications performed on the at least two different frequency bands does not comprise a control channel, a determination as to which communication of the first set of communications performed on the at least two different frequency bands has less resource blocks, and which communication of the first set of communications performed on the at least two different frequency bands causes more interference.

23. The method according to any of clauses 13 to 20, further comprising causing sending of an interference report indicating the interference situation and comprising frequency information identifying carriers of the at least two different frequency bands of the first set of communications.

24. The method according to clause 23, further comprising receiving and processing information indicating a deactivation of either carrier of the carriers indicated in the interference report.

Although the present invention has been described herein before with reference to particular embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications can be made thereto.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. Apparatus for use in controlling communications conducted in multiple S frequency bands, the apparatus comprising: an interference situation report processing portion arranged to receive and process an interference report indicating an interference situation caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands and another communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications, wherein the interference report comprises frequency information identifying carriers of the at least two different frequency bands of the first set of communications; and a carrier transmission deactivation portion arranged to deactivate transmission on either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications on the basis of the frequency information comprised in the interference rcport.</claim-text> <claim-text>
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a deactivation informing portion arranged to cause transmittal of a response to the interference report, the response comprising information indicating a deactivation of either carrier of the carriers indicated in the interference report.</claim-text> <claim-text>
3. Apparatus according to claim I or 2, wherein the first set of communications comprises at least two uplink communications using carrier aggregation and the interference situation comprises an interference through intermodidation.</claim-text> <claim-text>
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first set of communications is conducted on frequency bands used for a cellular wireless communication system, and the another communication is conducted on a frequency band used for at least one industrial, scientific and medical communication, and a global navigation satellite system communication.</claim-text> <claim-text>
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrier transmission deactivation portion is further arranged to cause a transmission time scheduler to provide grants for transmission on one of the carriers of the at least two S frequency bands of the first set of communications for a time different from a time of grants for transmission on another one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications in order to inhibit simultaneous transmission on each of the carriers.</claim-text> <claim-text>
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrier transmission deactivation portion is further arranged to cause a communication configuration portion arranged to configure a signaling on the first set of communications to set a configuration in which at least one of a channel state reporting and a reference signal transmission is scheduled for each of the first set of communications so as to inhibit a simultaneous transmission via thc at least two frcqucncy bands.</claim-text> <claim-text>
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is comprised in a communication network control element, wherein the interference report is received from a user equipment controlled by the communication network control element, the user equipment including plural transceivers capable of conducting in-device co-existence operation by communicating on different frequency bands.</claim-text> <claim-text>
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the communication network control element comprises an enhanced Node B.
9. A method of controlling communications conducted in multiple frequency bands, the method comprising: receiving and processing an interference report indicating an interference situation caused between a first set of communications performed on at least two different frequency bands and another communication performed on another frequency band different from the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications, wherein the interference report comprises frequency infomiation identifying carriers of the at least two different frequency bands of the first set of communications; and deactivating transmission on either one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications on the basis of the frequency S information comprised in the interference report.
10. A method according to claim 9, comprising causing transmittal of a response to the interference report, the response comprising information indicating a deactivation of either carrier of the carriers indicated in the interference report.
11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first set of communications comprises at least two uplink communications using carrier aggregation and the interference situation comprises an interference through intermodulation.
12. A mcthod according to any of claims 9 to 11, whcrcin thc first sct of communications is conducted on frequency bands used for a cellular wireless communication system, and the another communication is conducted on a frequency band used for at least one industrial, scientific and medical communication, and a global navigation satellite system communication.
13. A method according to any of claims 9 to 12, comprising causing a transmission time scheduler to provide grants for transmission on one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications for a time different from a time of grants for transmission on another one of the carriers of the at least two frequency bands of the first set of communications in order to inhibit simultaneous transmission on each of the carriers.
14. A method according to any of claims 9 to 13, comprising causing a communication configuration portion arranged to configure a signaling on the first set of communications to set a configuration in which at least one of a channel state reporting and a reference signal transmission is scheduled for each of the first set of communications so as to inhibit a simultaneous transmission via the at least two frequency bands.
15. A method according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the method is S implemented in a communication network control element, wherein the interference report is received from a user equipment controlled by the communication network control element, the user equipment including plural transceivers capable of conducting in-device co-existence operation by communicating on different frequency bands.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the communication network control clement compriscs an enhanced Node B.
17. Computer software adapted to perform the method of any of claims 9 to 16.
18. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-rcadable storagc mcdium having computer rcadable instructions storcd thercon, thc computcr readabic instructions bcing cxecutable by a computcrizcd devicc to causc thc computerized device to perform a method of controlling communications coilducted in multiple frequency bands according to any of claims 9 to 16.</claim-text>