WO2013185279A1

WO2013185279A1 - Method and apparatus for interference coordination

Info

Publication number: WO2013185279A1
Application number: PCT/CN2012/076722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lili Zhang; Chunyan Gao; Haiming Wang; Pengfei Sun; Xinying Gao
Original assignee: Renesas Mobile Corporation
Priority date: 2012-06-11
Filing date: 2012-06-11
Publication date: 2013-12-19

Abstract

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for interference coordination. In this regard, a method is provided that includes determining an interference area based on location information received from one or more victim cells. The method of this embodiment may also include receiving an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing an interference condition within the interference area. The method of this embodiment may also include determining one or more interference sources that are causing the interference condition in the interference area. The method of this embodiment may also include causing the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERFERENCE COORDINATION

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to communications technology and, more particularly, to example interference coordination.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Increasing network density is a trend in both network deployments and third Generation P rtnership Project (3 GPP™) standardization efforts. The main driver for the need for increased network density includes the ever increasing communications device density and the increasing need for networks to provide better coverage and capacity. In some examples, increasing the network density through the addition of macro sites or small cells (e.g. in the context of heterogeneous network (HetNet) deployments) may lead to increased interference conditions and thus may result in the degradation in the quality of service.

[0003] Example long term evolution (LTE™) implementations may allow for asymmetric uplink (UL) - downlink (DL) allocations. In particular, different time division duplex (TDD) time configuration modes, such as flexible TDD time

configurations, may be applied to an example macro-cell and an example pico-cell in a HetNet as a means to adapt to various traffic loads. TDD time configuration modes, for example, may provide improved spectral utilization, power saving or the like.

[0004] Examples methods to address interference may include, for example, basic inter-cell interference coordination mechanisms (ICIC), based on exchanging some interference/load information between access points over the X2 interface. By way of a further example, enhanced ICIC (elCIC) is configured to protect certain subframes from interference. In some examples, elCIC is configured for a scenario in which there is one aggressor (e.g. interferer) heavily interfering another cell (e.g. victim cell). Enhanced ICIC also operates, for example, on subfxame level where the protected subframes are, for example, set semi-statically. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] In some example embodiments, a method is provided that comprises determining an interference area based on location information received from one or more victim cells. The method of this embodiment may also include receiving an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing an interference condition within the interference area. The method of this embodiment may also include determining one or more interference sources that are causing the interference condition in the interference area. The method of this embodiment may also include causing the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources.

[0006] In further example embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code with the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least determine an interference area based on location information received from one or more victim cells. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing an interference condition within the interference area. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine one or more interference sources that are causing the interference condition in the interference area. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources.

[0007] In yet further example embodiments, a computer program product may be provided that includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions stored therein with the computer-readable program instructions including program instructions configured to determine an interference area based on location information received from one or more victim cells. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to receive an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing an interference condition within the interference area. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to determine one or more interference sources that are causing the interference condition in the interference area. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to cause the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources.

[0008] In yet further example embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes means for determining an interference area based on location information received from one or more victim cells. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for receiving an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing an interference condition within the interference area. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for determining one or more interference sources that are causing the interference condition in the interference area. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for causing the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources.

[0009] In some example embodiments, a method is provided that comprises causing location information of one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition to be transmitted to an aggressor cell. The method of this embodiment may also include causing an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition to be transmitted to the aggressor cell. The method of this embodiment may also include receiving an indication of resource scheduling from the aggressor cell, such that the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the

interference area are scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for one or more interference sources,

[0010] In further example embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code with the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least cause location information of one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition to be transmitted to an aggressor cell. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition to be transmitted to the aggressor cell. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive an indication of resource scheduling from the aggressor cell, such that the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area are scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for one or more interference sources.

[0011] In yet further example embodiments, a computer program product may be provided that includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions stored therein with the computer-readable program instructions including program instructions configured to cause location information of one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition to be transmitted to an aggressor cell. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to cause an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition to be transmitted to the aggressor cell. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to receive an indication of resource scheduling from the aggressor cell, such that the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area are scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for one or more interference sources.

[0012] In yet further example embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes means for causing location information of one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition to be transmitted to an aggressor cell. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for causing an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition to be transmitted to the aggressor cell. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for receiving an indication of resource scheduling from the aggressor cell, such that the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area are scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for one or more interference sources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Having thus described the example embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a system that may benefit from some exam le embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be embodied by a communication device and/or access point in accordance with some example

embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 show an example HetNet deployment that may benefit from some example embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by an example access point, such as for example a macro-access point, in accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention; and

[0018] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating example operations performed by an example access point, such as for example a pico-access point, in accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal

requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0020] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the

following: (a)hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of

processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessors), that require

software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not

physically present.

[0021] 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 application specific integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

[0022] The systems and methods described herein are configured, in some example embodiments, to provide an interference coordination scheme that is configured to enable an access point to conduct resource scheduling and utilization based on a determined interference area. In some example embodiments, the systems and methods described herein enable the signaling (e.g. messages, information elements or the like), to an access point, of a location of one or more effected communication devices as well as an indication of the resource (e.g. subframes) that are experiencing interference. The access point may then use this information to determine the interfering source and the interfering source's interference area so as to enable inference coordination for those cells that are in the interference area. Advantageously and by way of example, such identification of an interference source and a corresponding interference area as well as the coordination of resources by an access point based on the identification, enables reduced restrictions on other communication devices that are not causing interference, thus enabling, for example, improved utilization of spectral resources. [0023] Although the method, apparatus and computer program product as described herein may be implemented in a variety of different systems, one example of such a system is shown in Figure 1, which includes a first access point 14, such as a base station, a macro-cell, a Node B, an enhanced Node B (eNB), a macro eNB, a coordination unit, a macro base station or other access point, and a second access point 16, such as a base station, a pico/femto cell, a secondary cell, a pico/femto eNB, a home eNB, an RRH, a LA cell, a closed subscriber group (CSG), a coordination unit, a micro base station, a mobile terminal, user equipment or other access point. The first access point 14 and the second access point 16, in some example embodiments, form at least a portion of a HetNet. As such, in some examples described herein, the first access point 14 may be described as an aggressor cell and the second access point 16 as a victim cell. In some example embodiments, a macro-communication device 10 may be configured to connect to a network via the first access point 14 and a pico-communication device 12 may be configured to connect to the network 18 via the second access point 16.

[0024] When referred to herein, a serving cell includes, but is not limited to a primary serving cell (PCell) and other serving cells such as secondary serving cells (SCell) that may be operating on an access point, such as the first access point 14 or the second access point 16. A PCell, which may be embodied by an access point, generally includes, but is not limited to, a cell that is configured to perform initial establishment procedures, security procedures, system information (SI) acquisition and change monitoring procedures on the broadcast channel (BCCH) or data channel (PDCCH), and paging. The SCell, which may be embodied by a remote radio head (RRH) and is configured to provide additional radio resources to the PCell.

[0025] While the network 18 may be configured in accordance with LTE™ or LTE- Advanced (LTE- A™), other networks may support the method, apparatus and computer program product of embodiments of the present invention including those configured in accordance with wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA™), CDMA2000, global system for mobile communications (GSM™), general packet radio service (GPRS™), IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless fidelity (WiFi™), wireless local access network (WLAN™) Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX™) protocols, and/or the like. [0026] The network 18 may include a collection of various different nodes, devices or functions that may be in communication with each other via corresponding wired and/or wireless interfaces. For example, the network may include one or more cells, including the first access point 14 which may serve a respective coverage area and a second access point 16 that may serve a subset of the first access point's 12 respective coverage area. The second access point 16 may be further configured to serve an area outside of the coverage area of the first access point 14. The first access point 14 and/or second access point 16 could be, for example, part of one or more cellular or mobile networks or public land mobile networks (PLMNs).

[0027] A communication device, such as the macro-communication device 10 (also known as user equipment (UE), a mobile terminal or the like) or the pico- communication device 12, may be in communication with other communication devices or other devices via the first access point 14 and/or the second access point 16, in turn, the network 18. In some cases, the macro-communication device 10 and/or the pico-communication device 12 may include an antenna for transmitting signals to and for receiving signals from the first access point 14 and/or the second access point 16. In some example cases, the macro-communication device 10 may cause an interference condition with respect to the pico-access point 16.

[0028] In some example embodiments, the macro-communication device 10 and/or the pico-communication device 12 may be a mobile communication device such as, for example, UE, a mobile telephone, portable digital assistant (PDA), pager, laptop computer, STA, or any of numerous other hand held or portable communication devices, computation devices, content generation devices, content consumption devices, or combinations thereof.

[0029] In one example of the system shown in a Figure 1 , deployment of a first access point 14, such as macro-cell, and a second access point 16, such as a small cell (e.g., pico-cell, relay cell, femto cell or LA cell), may include different link directions that are configured based on flexible time configuration modes, such as a flexible TDD configuration mode. When operating in a flexible configuration modes, example cases of interference may include an instance in which DL transmission occurs in a pico-cell, such as a pico-communication device 12, and UL transmission occurs in macro cell, such as a macro-communication device 10, and/or an instance in which DL transmission occurs in the macro-cell and UL occurs in the pico-cell. Such examples may result in an example inter-cell UL->DL interference condition, such that a resource in the macro-cell interferes with a resource of the pico-cell.

[0030] For example, a macro-communication device 10, even if a significant distance away from a pico-communication device 12, may still cause the same level of UL interference as a macro-communication device 10 in close proximity to the pico- communication device 12. Even though, for example, relative narrowband transmission power (R TP) may be exchanged to enable DL reception at the pico-communication devices 12, the RNTP exchange may, for example, not address the actual interference condition, but instead only address situations in which a modification of transmission power may reduce interference, which as explained above, for example, may be a rare case when operating in a HetNet environment.

[0031] As such, to enable example DL data reception at the victim cells, such as the pico-communication device 12 or the like, an interfering source may be caused not be scheduled in the interfering resources, such as subframes or physical resource blocks (PRB), that are scheduled for the victim cells. Alternatively or additionally, the aggressor cell may also be caused to limit transmission power in the identified resources.

[0032] In some example embodiments, in order to identify the interference source and in order to perform scheduling in a defined interference area, the victim cells are caused to be identified, such as via signaling from the second access point 16, and the interference area is caused to be defined, such as by the first access point 14. In some examples, the interference area may be modeled by a geometric area where the difference of the path loss is larger than a predefined threshold, which can be further translated to a distance ratio that exceeds a predetermined threshold. The interference area may then be, for example, depicted as a circled area, the center of which is on the extension line from the first access point 14 to a second access point 16 (e.g. as is described in 3gpp specification 36.814 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.)

Additionally, the interference area can, for example, be much larger than pico-cells coverage area due to, for example, UL/DL asymmetry. [0033] By way of further example and in an instance in which flexible TDD operation is enabled in a HetNet, various reception points in range of the second access point 16 may cause the interference area to shift depending on the location of pico- communi cations devices relative to the second access point 16. As such, the system and methods as described herein may cause an aggressor cell, such as the first access point 14, to receive location information for a cell that is experiencing interference as well as additional information relating to the resource that is interfered with so as to enable the first access point to schedule the one or more resources to reduce interfere while maintaining spectral optimization.

[0034] In one embodiment, for example, the macro-communication device 10, the pico -communication device 12, the first access point 14 and/or the second access point 16 may be embodied as or otherwise include an apparatus 20 as generically represented by the block diagram of Figure 2. While the apparatus 20 may be employed, for example, by a macro-communication device 10, a pi co-communication device 12, a first access point 14 and/or the second access point 16, it should be noted that the com onents, devices or elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. Additionally, some embodiments may include further or different components, devices or elements beyond those shown and described herein.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 20 may include or otherwise be in communication with processing circuitry 22 that is configurable to perform actions in accordance with example embodiments described herein. The processing circuitry may be configured to perform data processing, application execution, extension carrier configuration, ABS pattern configuration, and/or other processing and management services according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus or the processing circuitry may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip." As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein. Alternatively or additionally, a processing system may be embodied by or have similar functionality to the processing circuitry 22.

[0036] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 22 may include a processor 24 and memory 26 that may be in communication with or otherwise control a communication interface 29 and, in some cases, a user interface 28. As such, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g., with hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software) to perform operations described herein. However, in some embodiments taken in the context of the macro-communication device 10 and/or the pico-communication device 12, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a portion of a mobile computing device or other mobile terminal.

[0037] The user interface 28 (if implemented) may be in communication with the processing circuitry 22 to receive an indication of a user input at the user interface and/or to provide an audible, visual, mechanical or other output to the user. As such, the user interface may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a display, a touch screen, a microphone, a speaker, and/or other input/output mechanisms. The apparatus 20 need not always include a user interface.

[0038] The communication interface 29 may include one or more interface mechanisms for enabling communication with other devices and/or networks. In some cases, the communication interface may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware, or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network 18 and/or any other device or module in communication with the processing circuitry 22, such as between the first access point 14 and the second access point 16. In this regard, the communication interface 29 may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network and/or a communication modem or other hardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or other methods. [0039] In an example embodiment, the memory 26 may include one or more non- transitory memory devices such as, for example, volatile and/or non- volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. The memory may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions or the like for enabling the apparatus 20 to carry out various functions in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. For example, the memory may be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor 24. Additionally or alternatively, the memory could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor. As yet another alternative, the memory may include one of a plurality of databases that may store a variety of files, contents or data sets. Among the contents of the memory, applications may be stored for execution by the processor in order to carry out the functionality associated with each respective application. In some cases, the memory may be in communication with the processor 24 via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus.

[0040] The processor 24 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor 24 may be embodied as various processing means such as one or more of a microprocessor or other processing element, a coprocessor, a controller or various other computing or processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 26 or otherwise accessible to the processor. As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry - in the form of processing circuitry 22) capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the operations described herein.

[0041] In some example embodiments and in an instance of a HetNet deployment as described with reference to Figure 1 having a flexible TDD configuration enabled, the systems and methods as described herein are configured to enable inter access point coordination and related signaling to facilitate uplink and or downlink interference source identification and thus enable flexible TDD operation without or with reduced levels of interference. For example, an interfering source may be determined and based on the determination, a geographical area effected by the interference source may be defined (e.g. interference area), such that an aggressor cell, such as the first access point 14, may cause, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 29 or the like, the one or more victim cells, such as a pico-communication device 12 or the like, experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources.

[0042] In some example embodiments, and in order to provide location information for the one or more victim cells, such as the one or more pico-communication devices, or like, that suffer from UL and/or DL interference, the second access point 16 may cause, such as via the communications interface 29, interference location information (ILI), such as a new interference location information (NILI), to be signaled to an aggressor cell, such as the first access point 14. The NILI, may, in some example embodiments, be resource specific (e.g. separate NILI for each subframe). In some examples, the UL and/or DL interference may be caused by flexible TDD operation.

[0043] In some example embodiments, in order to provide an indication of a resource (e.g. a subband, a set of time-frequency resources, a high interference indication (HII) type bitmap, a physical resource block, a subframe or a set of subframes) that is experiencing an interference condition, the second access point 16 may cause, such as via the communications interface 29, an interference resource indication (IRI), such as a new interference resource indication (NIRI), to be signaled to an aggressor cell, such as the first access point 14. The NIRI may further indicate a corresponding sensitivity level as well as, in some example embodiments, the NIRI may be resource specific (e.g. separate NIRI for each subframe). In some examples, the UL and/or DL interference may be caused by flexible TDD operation.

[0044] In some example embodiments, the IRI or the NIRI may also indicate parameters such as subframe index and PRB index as well as interference sensitivity level, or the like. In some example embodiments, the IRI or NIRI may further indicate subframes that may be designated as UL subframes or DL subframes, as well as the indicated subframes in a certain pattern within the corresponding period (for example, an Almost Blank Subframe (ABS) pattern) for some traffic, such as, for example, semi persistent scheduling (SPS) scheduling. Alternatively or additionally, indicated frequency resources, such as a physical resource block (PRB), may take the form of a bitmap (e.g. HII bitmap).

[0045] In some example embodiments and in an instance in which the NILI and/or NIRI, is caused to be transmitted, such as by the second access point 16 via the communication interface 29, to indicate that in a flexible TDD operation a resource is experiencing UL and/or DL interference, the first access point 14 is configured, such as via the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, to schedule the one or more resources such that the interference may be reduced. The first access point 14, such as via the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, may be configured to determine an interference area based on the received NILI. As is described herein, the interference area is generally circular defined geographical area having a center on the extension line originating from the first access point 14 to the location indicated in the NILI. The first access point 14 may then determine and/or derive, such as via the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 29 or like, the interfering source. In some example embodiments, the first access point 14 may determine the interfering source based on an Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP) and/or Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ) measurement report received from one communication devices currently served by the first access point 14. Then, based on the resources identified in the NIRI, such as the subframes and PRBs, the first access point 14 may avoid scheduling the interfering source in those resources and/or the one or more victim cells, such as a pico-communication device 12 or the like, experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources.

[0046] By way of example and using a 10ms radio frame to illustrate an example signaling exchange with flexible TDD operation enabled, a time configuration mode 2 of DSUDDDSUDD at pico-communication device and TDD time configuration mode 1 of DSUUDDSUUD at first access point may result UL->DL interference in subframe 3 and 8 for the pico-communication device. As such, in an instance in which a pico- communication device is scheduled in subframe 3 and 8 respectively, the second access point 16 may indicate the interference condition, such as via ILI and NIRI signaling to the first access point 14, the NIRI indicating the sensitive PRBs in subframe 3 and 8 respectively. In some example embodiments, NILI and NIRI signaling may be in the form of a message, an information element, a signal or the like.

[0047] In an instance in which NILI and NIRI are caused to be transmitted in an IE, the example IE may, for example, provide for the involved subframes and/or per PRB, an acceptable interference level for the one or more communication devices with the corresponding location information for interference coordination. For example, a first pico-communication device may be scheduled in PRB 4 and PRB 6 with a certain interference sensitivity and a second Pico-communication device may be scheduled in PRB 3 and PRB 5 with a certain interference sensitivity. An example IE, may include but is not limited to:

Example IE/Group Name Example Example Example IE type Example Semantics

Presenc Range and reference description e

Message Type M 9.2.13

Cell Information

>Cell Information Item 1 to

maxCellineNB

»Cell ID M ECGI Example, Id of the source

9.2.14 cell

»UL Interference Overload 0 9.2.17

Indication

»UL High Interference O to

Information maxCellineNB

»>Target Cell ID M ECGI Id of the cell for which the

9.2.14 HII is meant

»>UL High Interference M 9.2.18

Indication

» Relative Narrowband Tx O 9.2.19

Power (RNTP)

»New Interference Location O 9.2.x Example Location Information information of UE that suffer from UL->DL interference due to flexible TDD operation

»New Interference 0 9.2.x

Resource Indication

»>Starting Subframe Index 0 INTEGER(0..102 The example beginning

7) index of subframe with UL- >DL interference

>»Allocated Subframe 0 INTEGER(0..10) The example number of Counting continuous subframes that are allocated to a certain location UE with the same PRBs

>»High Interference o BIT STRING For example, each position Sensitivity Indication (1..110, ...) in the bitmap represents a

PRB (first bit=PRB 0 and so on), for which value "Ί" indicates 'high interference sensitivity' and value "0" indicates 'low interference sensitivity'.

»> Interference sensitivity 0 ENUMERATED The example interference level level that UE suffering from

UL->DL interference is sensible to

[0048) As is shown in Figure 3 and based on the example described with respect to subframes 3 and 8, a macro-access point 30, such as the first access point 14, may have a signaling area 32 that comprises one or more pico-access points, such the second access point 16, one or more macro-communication devices, such as macro-communication device 10, and/or one or more pico-communication devices, such as pico-communication device 12. An interference area 36 illustrates an interference area caused by the pico- access point 31, such as the second access point 16, an interference area 34 defines an interference area for a pico-communication device 42 and an interference area 38 defines an interference are for a pico-communication device 44. As such, macro-communication device 46 is located in interference area 34. Macro-communication device 48 is located in interference area 34 and is also located in interference area 36. Macro-communication device 50 is located in interfering area 36 and also in interference area 38. Macro- communication device 52 is located in interference area 38. Using the example where subframe 3 and 8 are experiencing an interference condition, the following scheduling configuration may be in use and as such may be causing an interference condition:

[0049] By way of this example and as a result of the interference condition, the pico- access point 31 may then cause a NIRI and NILI to be transmitted to the macro-access point 30. Based on the NIRI, the macro-access point 30 is configured, for example, to determine that addressed PRBs in subframe 3 and 8 are experiencing an interference condition. As such, the macro-access point 30 may be configured to avoid the scheduling of the interfering source in the same PRBs with the corresponding interference sensitivity level. Based on the received NILI, the macro-access point 30 is configured, for example to determine the corresponding interference area and filters the uplink interfering source based on the RSRP RSRQ measurement report. Thus, identifying the location of each of the communication devices affected by the interference and based on the defined interference areas shown with respect to Figure 3, the macro-access point 30 may schedule resources to reduce and/or eliminate interference. As a result, and by way of example the following scheduling may be implemented;

[0050] The scheduling identified in the table above may then be further modified based on the systems and methods described herein, such that the macro -communication device 50 may not be restricted to utilize PRB4 and PRB6, and macro-communication device 48 may not be restricted to utilize PRB3 and PRB5. As such, the scheduling may advantageously, for example, improve spectral utilization. Alternatively or additionally, macro-communication device 46 may not be configured to utilize PRB4 and PRB6, and macro-communication device 52 may not be configured to utilize PRB3 and P B5, because such a use may cause severe UL and/or DL interference to pico-communication device 42 and pico-communication device 44 respectively that are both in DL reception in subframe 3 and 8 due to flexible TDD operation. As such, advantageously the scheduling, for exam le provides effective interference coordination.

[0051] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate example operations performed by a method, apparatus and computer program product, such as apparatus 20 of Figure 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry and/or other device associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory 26 of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor 24 in the apparatus. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus provides for implementation of the functions specified in the flowcharts' block(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non- transitory computer-readable storage memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowcharts' block(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowcharts' block(s). As such, the operations of Figures 4 and 5, when executed, convert a computer or processing circuitry into a particular machine configured to perform an example embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, the operations of Figures 4 and 5 define an algorithm for configuring a computer or processing circuitry 22, e.g., processor, to perform an example embodiment. In some cases, a general purpose computer may be provided with an instance of the processor which performs the algorithm of Figures 4 and 5 to transform the general purpose computer into a particular machine configured to perform an example embodiment.

[0052] Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or

combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0053] In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may be modified or further amplified as described below. Moreover, in some embodiments additional optional operations may also be included. It should be appreciated that each of the modifications, optional additions or amplifications below may be included with the operations above either alone or in combination with any others among the features described herein.

[0054] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by a macro-access point, such as the first access point 14, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 29 or the like, in accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention. In operation 402, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by a macro -access point, such as the first access point 14, may include means, such as the processmg circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communications interface 29 or the like, for receiving location information for one or more

communication devices experiencing an interference condition. In some example embodiments the location information at least partially defines a geographic area in which the interference condition is present. In operation 404, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by a macro-access point, such as the first access point 14, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, or the like, for determining an interference area based on location information received for one or more victim cells.

[0055] In operation 406, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by a macro-access point, such as the first access point 14, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communications interface 29 or the like, for receiving an identific tion of one or more resources that are experiencing an interference condition within the interference area. In some example embodiments, the identification of the one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition are received in an interference resource indication signal and the location information is received in an interference location information signal. In operation 408, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by a macro-access point, such as the first access point 14, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, or the like, for determining one or more interference sources that are causing the interference condition in the interference area.

[0056] In operation 410, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by a macro-access point, such as the first access point 14, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communications interface 29 or the like, for causing the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources. Alternatively or additionally, the aggressor cells may be scheduled in different resources.

[0057] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by an example pico- access point, such as the second access point 16, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 29 or the like, in accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention. In operation 502, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by an example pico-access point, such as the second access point 16, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, for determining a presence of an interference condition in one or more victim cells.

[0058] In operation 504, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by an example pico-access point, such as the second access point 16, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 29 or the like, for causing location information of one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition to be transmitted to an aggressor cell (e.g. a macro-access point, such as the first access point 14). In operation 506, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by an example pico-access point, such as the second access point 16, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 29 or the like, for causing an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition to be transmitted to the aggressor cell.

[0059] In operation 508, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by an example pico-access point, such as the second access point 16, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 29 or the like, for receiving an indication of resource scheduling from the aggressor cell, such that the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area are scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for one or more interference sources.

[0060] Advantageously and by way of example, the systems and methods described herein, in some example embodiments describe an interference coordination scheme and related signaling that are configured to enable an access points to perform resource utilization based on the derived interference area. Further and according to some examples described herein, unnecessary restriction of communication device scheduling is, for example, reduced, resulting in an improved utilization of spectral resource.

Alternatively or additionally, the systems and methods of some example embodiments described herein are configured to identify an interference source to reduce interference and ensure the reliable reception of a victim cell, such as a communication device, which, for example, contributes to the system capability improvement.

[0061] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A method comprising:

determining an interference area based on location information received from one or more victim cells;

receiving an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing an interference condition within the interference area;

determining one or more interference sources that are causing the interference condition in the interference area; and

causing the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources.

2. A method according to Claim 1 further comprising:

receiving location information for one or more communication devices experiencing an interference condition, wherein the location information at least partially defines a geographic area in which the interference condition is present.

3. A method according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the identification of the one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition are received in an interference resource indication signal and the location information is received in an interference location information signal.

4. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more resources are at least one of a subband, a set of time-frequency resources, a high interference indication type bitmap, a physical resource block, a subframe or a set of subframes.

5. A method according to any one of Claims 3 or 4, further comprising:

receiving one or more parameters in the interference resource indication signal.

6. A method according to Claim 5, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least one of a subframe index, a physical reference block index or an interference sensitivity level.

7. A method according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is received as an information element.

8. A method according to any one of Claims 4 to 7, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is received for each subframe in the set of subframes.

9. A method according to any one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein a subframe of the set of subframes comprises at least one of an uplink subframe, downlink subframe or a subframe in a pattern in a corresponding period.

10. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the interference condition is due to at least one of a flexible time division duplex operation or an interference sensitivity level.

11. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

determine an interference area based on location information received from one or more victim cells;

receive an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing an interference condition within the interference area;

determine one or more interference sources that are causing the interference condition in the interference area; and

cause the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources.

12. An apparatus according to Claim 11 wherein the at least one memory including the computer program code is further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive location information for one or more communication devices experiencing an interference condition, wherein the location information at least partially defines a geographic area in which the interference condition is present.

13. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 11 or 12, wherein the identification of the one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition are received in an interference resource indication signal and the location information is received in an interference location information signal.

14. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the one or more resources are at least one of a subband, a set of time-frequency resources, a high interference indication type bitmap, a physical resource block, a subframe or a set of subframes.

15. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 13 or 14, wherein the at least one memory including the computer program code is further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive one or more parameters in the interference resource indication signal.

16. An apparatus according to Claim 1 , wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least one of a subframe index, a physical reference block index or an interference sensitivity level.

17. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 14 to 16, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is received as an information element.

18. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 14 to 17, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is received for each subframe in the set of subframes.

19. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 14 to 18, wherein a subframe of the set of subframes comprises at least one of an uplink subframe, downlink subframe or a subframe in a pattern in a corresponding period.

20. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 11 to 1 , wherein the interference condition is due to at least one of a flexible time division duplex operation or an interference sensitivity level.

21. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 11 to 20, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of an access point, user equipment or a communications device.

22. An apparatus according any one of Claims 11 to 21, wherein the apparatus is configured for use in at least one of a wideband code division multiple access, time division synchronous code division multiple access, a long term evolution or long term evolution advanced system.

23. A computer program product comprising:

at least one computer readable non-transitory memory medium having program code stored thereon, the program code which when executed by an apparatus cause the apparatus at least to:

24. A computer program product according to Claim 23, further comprising program code instructions configured to:

25. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 23 or 24, wherein the identification of the one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition are received in an interference resource indication signal and the location information is received in an interference location information signal.

26. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 23 to 25, wherein the one or more resources are at least one of a subband, a set of time-frequency resources, a high interference indication type bitmap, a physical resource block, a subframe or a set of subframes.

27. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 25 or 26, further comprising program code instructions configured to:

receive one or more parameters in the interference resource indication signal.

28. A computer program product according to Claim 27, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least one of a subframe index, a physical reference block index or an interference sensitivity level.

29. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 26 to 28, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is received as an information element.

30. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 26 to 29, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is received for each subframe in the set of subframes.

31. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 26 to 30, wherein a subframe of the set of subframes comprises at least one of an uplink subframe, downlink subframe or a subframe in a pattern in a corresponding period.

32. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 23 to 31, wherein the interference condition is due to at least one of a flexible time division duplex operation or an interference sensitivity level.

33. An apparatus comprising:

means for determining an interference area based on location information received from one or more victim cells;

means for receiving an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing an interference condition within the interference area;

means for determining one or more interference sources that are causing the interference condition in the interference area; and

means for causing the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area to be scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for the one or more interference sources.

34. An apparatus according to Claim 33 further comprising:

means for receiving location information for one or more communication devices experiencing an interference condition, wherein the location information at least partially defines a geographic area in which the interference condition is present.

35. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 33 or 34, wherein the identification of the one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition are received in an interference resource indication signal and the location information is received in an interference location information signal.

36. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 34 to 35, wherein the one or more resources are at least one of a subband, a set of time-frequency resources, a high interference indication type bitmap, a physical resource block, a subframe or a set of subframes.

37. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 35 or 36, further comprising: means for receiving one or more parameters in the interference resource indication signal.

38. An apparatus according to Claim 37, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least one of a subframe index, a physical reference block index or an interference sensitivity level.

39. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 36 to 38, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is received as an information element.

40. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 36 to 39, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is received for each subframe in the set of subframes.

41. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 36 to 40, wherein a subframe of the set of subframes comprises at least one of an uplink subframe, downlink subframe or a subframe in a pattern in a corresponding period.

42. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 33 to 41, wherein the interference condition is due to at least one of a flexible time division duplex operation or an interference sensitivity level.

43. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 33 to 42, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of an access point, user equipment or a communications device.

44. An apparatus according any one of Claims 33 to 43, wherein the apparatus is configured for use in at least one of a wideband code division multiple access, time division synchronous code division multiple access, a long term evolution or long term evolution advanced system.

45. A method comprising:

causing location information of one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition to be transmitted to an aggressor cell; causing an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition to be transmitted to the aggressor cell; and receiving an indication of resource scheduling from the aggressor cell, such that the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area are scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for one or more interference sources.

46. A method according to Claim 45, further comprising:

determining a presence of an interference condition in one or more victim cells.

47. A method according to any one of Claims 45 or 46, wherein the identification of the one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition are caused to be transmitted in an interference resource indication signal and the location information is caused to be transmitted in an interference location information signal.

48. A method according to any one of Claims 45 to 47, wherein the one or more resources are at least one of a subband, a set of time-frequency resources, a high interference indication type bitmap, a subframe or a set of subframes.

49. A method according to any one of Claims 46 to 48, further comprising:

causing one or more parameters to be transmitted in the interference resource indication signal.

50. A method according to Claim 49, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least one of a subframe index, a physical reference block index, or interference sensitivity level.

51. A method according to any one of Claims 46 to 50, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is transmitted as an information element.

52. A method according to any one of Claims 46 to 51, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is provided for each subframe in the set of subframes.

53. A method according to any one of Claims 46 to 52, wherein a subframe of the set of subframes comprise at least one of an uplink subframe, downlink subframe or a subframe in a pattern in a corresponding period.

54. A method according to any one of Claims 45 to 53, wherein the interference condition is due to at least one of a flexible time division duplex operation or an interference sensitivity level.

55. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least;

cause location information of one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition to be transmitted to an aggressor cell;

cause an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition to be transmitted to the aggressor cell; and

receive an indication of resource scheduling from the aggressor cell, such that the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area are scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for one or more interference sources.

56. An apparatus according to Claim 55, wherein the at least one memory including the computer program code is further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

determine a presence of an interference condition in one or more victim cells.

57. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 55 or 56, wherein the identification of the one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition are caused to be transmitted in an interference resource indication signal and the location information is caused to be transmitted in an interference location information signal.

58. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 55 to 57, wherein the one or more resources are at least one of a subband, a set of time-frequency resources, a high interference indication type bitmap, a subframe or a set of subframes.

59. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 56 to 58, wherein the at least one memory including the computer program code is further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

cause one or more parameters to be transmitted in the interference resource indication signal.

60. An apparatus according to Claim 59, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least one of a subframe index, a physical reference block index, or interference sensitivity level.

61. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 56 to 60, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is transmitted as an information element.

62. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 56 to 61, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is provided for each subframe in the set of subframes.

63. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 56 to 62, wherein a subframe of the set of subframes comprise at least one of an uplink subframe, downlink subframe or a subframe in a pattern in a corresponding period.

64. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 55 to 63, wherein the interference condition is due to at least one of a flexible time division duplex operation or an interference sensitivity level.

65. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 55 to 64, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of an access point, user equipment or a communications device.

66. An apparatus according any one of Claims 55 to 65, wherein the apparatus is configured for use in at least one of a wideband code division multiple access, time division synchronous code division multiple access, a long term evolution or long term evolution advanced system.

67. A computer program product comprising;

68. A computer program product according to Claim 67, further comprising program code instructions configured to:

determine a presence of an interference condition in one or more victim cells.

69. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 67 or 68, wherein the identification of the one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition are caused to be transmitted in an interference resource indication signal and the location information is caused to be transmitted in an interference location information signal.

70. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 67 to 69, wherein the one or more resources are at least one of a subband, a set of time-frequency resources, a high interference indication type bitmap, a subframe or a set of subframes.

71. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 68 to 70, further comprising program code instructions configured to:

72. A computer program product according to Claim 71, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least one of a subframe index, a physical reference block index, or interference sensitivity level.

73. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 68 to 72, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is transmitted as an information element.

74. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 68 to 73 wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is provided for each subframe in the set of subframes.

75. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 68 to 74, wherein a subframe of the set of subframes comprise at least one of an uplink subframe, downlink subframe or a subframe in a pattern in a corresponding period.

76. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 67 to 75, wherein the interference condition is due to at least one of a flexible time division duplex operation or an interference sensitivity level.

77. An apparatus comprising:

means for causing location information of one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition to be transmitted to an aggressor cell;

means for causing an identification of one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition to be transmitted to the aggressor cell; and

means for receiving an indication of resource scheduling from the aggressor cell, such that the one or more victim cells experiencing an interference condition in the interference area are scheduled in different resources of the one or more resources than those resources scheduled for one or more interference sources.

78. An apparatus according to Claim 77, further comprising:

means for determining a presence of an interference condition in one or more victim cells.

79. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 77 or 78, wherein the identification of the one or more resources that are experiencing the interference condition are caused to be transmitted in an interference resource indication signal and the location information is caused to be transmitted in an interference location information signal.

80. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 77 to 79, wherein the one or more resources are at least one of a subband, a set of time-frequency resources, a high interference indication type bitmap, a subframe or a set of subframes.

81. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 78 to 80, further comprising: means for causing one or more parameters to be transmitted in the interference resource indication signal.

82. An apparatus according to Claim 81, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least one of a subframe index, a physical reference block index, or interference sensitivity level.

83. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 78 to 82, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is transmitted as an information element.

84. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 78 to 83, wherein at least one of the interference location information signal or the interference resource indication signal is provided for each subframe in the set of subframes.

85. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 78 to 84, wherein a subframe of the set of subframes comprise at least one of an uplink subframe, downlink subframe or a subframe in a pattern in a corresponding period.

86. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 77 to 85, wherein the interference condition is due to at least one of a flexible time division duplex operation or an interference sensitivity level.

87. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 77 to 86, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of an access point, user equipment or a communications device.

88. An apparatus according any one of Claims 77 to 87, wherein the apparatus is configured for use in at least one of a wideband code division multiple access, time division synchronous code division multiple access, a long term evolution or long term evolution advanced system.