RF chain usage in a dual network architecture

Abstract

An apparatus and method for using a radio frequency (RF chain) in a dual-network architecture are disclosed herein. An evolved node B (eNodeB) receives RF chain sharing information from user equipment (UE) associated with the eNodeB. The RF chain sharing information comprises indication of a non-usable frequency band or indication of which frequency band is supported for each of a first network and a second network that an RF chain is switchable between. The RF chain is included in the UE and at least a frequency band is shared between the first and second networks. The eNodeB transmits radio resource control (RRC) connection reconfiguration signaling to the UE to release a secondary cell (SCell) or perform inter-frequency handover of a primary cell (PCell) in response to the RF chain sharing information.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 612,188 entitled “Wireless Communication Systems and Methods” filed on Mar. 16, 2012, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL HELD[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to carrier aggregation support in wireless communication systems.BACKGROUND[0003]Dual wireless technology architecture (also referred to as dual-standby architecture) comprises user equipment (UE) using a first wireless technology for voice communications (e.g., phone calls) and a second wireless technology for data communications (e.g., web browsing). As an example, the first wireless technology can be 2nd Generation (2G) or 3rd Generation (3G) cellular technology, and the second wireless technology can be a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) long term evolutio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a system where a base station (BS) communicates with a core network (CN) which includes a base station controller and other 2G / 3G network components. The technical effect of this system is that it allows for seamless communication between the BS and the CN, providing network functionalities not provided by the BS.

Problems solved by technology

The identified one or more frequency bands or frequency band combinations cannot be simultaneously used with the current LTE serving cells due to RE sharing (e.g., will be used for the 2G / 3G voice call) or other limitation of the dual-standby architecture.

The identified one or more frequency bands or frequency band combinations cannot be simultaneously used with the current LTE serving cells due to RF sharing (e.g., will be used for a 2G / 3G voice call) or other limitation of the dual-standby architecture.

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