5G Carrier Aggregation From UE Channel Bandwidth Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and frequency of updates required for gNBs in 3GPP New Radio (NR) networks due to the specification of bandwidth combination sets (BCSs) and the need for redundant information reporting, which increases signaling overhead and reduces bandwidth capacity.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism where user equipment (UE) reports a range of supported channel bandwidths per sub-carrier spacing for each band combination, allowing the gNB to dynamically generate carrier aggregation configurations without storing explicit BCS definitions, reducing the need for frequent updates and signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the gNB stores explicit bandwidth combination set (BCS) definitions and uses traditional carrier aggregation configuration methods, then the configuration can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity and frequency of updates increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the BCS definition burden from the gNB by having the UE autonomously determine and report its supported channel bandwidths. The gNB no longer needs to store or manage explicit BCS tables, instead relying on UE-reported capability information to generate carrier aggregation configurations. This removes the complex BCS management system from the gNB while maintaining configuration precision through UE capability feedback.
2Reliability
If the gNB uses traditional BCS tables for carrier aggregation configuration, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but the number of updates required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary action by autonomously determining its supported channel bandwidths for each band and sub-carrier spacing combination, and reporting this capability information to the gNB before carrier aggregation configuration is needed. This pre-reporting eliminates the need for the gNB to maintain and update BCS tables, as the UE already has the necessary capability data to enable dynamic configuration generation.
3Measurement precision
If the UE reports detailed bandwidth combination information, then the gNB can generate accurate carrier aggregation configurations, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capability information reporting into structured parameters organized by band and sub-carrier spacing. The UE reports supported channel bandwidths in a segmented format that allows the gNB to efficiently process and generate carrier aggregation configurations without requiring transmission of all possible bandwidth combination details, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio access network element includes 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 radio access network element to: generate a carrier aggregation configuration for a user equipment based on capability information from the user equipment, the capability information including at least supported maximum channel bandwidth information and supported minimum channel bandwidth information for each band within a band combination; and send the carrier aggregation configuration to the user equipment to configure the user equipment for communication with the radio access network element.