Adaptable Subframe Structures for Licensed and Unlicensed Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing subframe structures for communications in both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, particularly when different subframe durations are required for optimal performance, leading to inefficiencies in channel allocation and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining and using distinct subframe structures with different durations for communications in licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands, allowing for flexible allocation of resources and scheduling of component carriers, with the option to adjust transport block sizes and channel state information feedback based on the subframe structure, enabling efficient communication across various scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same subframe structure duration is used for both licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but communication efficiency deteriorates when different durations are required for optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic subframe duration configuration where the subframe structure can be flexibly adjusted between different durations (e.g., 1ms, 2ms, 0.5ms) depending on the spectrum band and communication requirements. The system dynamically selects and configures appropriate subframe durations for licensed versus unlicensed bands, enabling adaptability without requiring fixed rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temporal parameter of subframe duration to optimize performance for different spectrum bands. By allowing the subframe duration parameter to vary between licensed and unlicensed bands, the system achieves better communication efficiency while maintaining protocol compatibility through standardized configuration methods.
2Productivity
If different subframe structures are used for licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands, then communication efficiency improves, but channel allocation and resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel allocation and resource management processes into band-specific configurations. Different subframe structures are allocated to licensed and unlicensed bands independently, allowing optimized resource management for each band type while maintaining overall system coordination through standardized signaling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality optimization by configuring subframe structures specifically tailored to each spectrum band's characteristics. Licensed bands may use longer subframe durations for reliable connectivity, while unlicensed bands may use shorter durations for rapid access and coexistence, with each configuration optimized for its specific operational context.
3Speed
If subframe duration is reduced for unlicensed spectrum, then access speed and responsiveness improve, but synchronization and coordination with licensed spectrum become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization mechanisms where devices periodically align their subframe structures across licensed and unlicensed bands. Even when using different subframe durations, the system maintains synchronization through periodic reference signals and timing alignment procedures that occur at standardized intervals, ensuring coordination while allowing different operational speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces synchronization reference signals and timing indicators as intermediary elements that mediate between different subframe durations. These intermediaries provide a common reference framework that enables devices to operate with different subframe speeds while maintaining reliable synchronization through standardized signaling and timing coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described for wireless communications. A first subframe structure having a first subframe duration for communicating in a first carrier may be determined. A second subframe structure having a second subframe duration for communicating in a second carrier may also be determined. At least the second subframe structure having the second subframe duration may be used to communicate with at least one node.