Dynamic Air Interface Reconfiguration for Multi-RAT Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reconfiguring a base station's air interface to support newer wireless communication technologies can result in poor user experience for devices that do not support the new technology, as they may lose connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A base station dynamically multiplexes its air interface over time between two different radio access technologies (RATs), reconfiguring a subset of transmission time intervals to operate on a new RAT while maintaining operation on the existing RAT for other devices, allowing for a gradual transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the base station reconfigures the air interface to support a new RAT, then network efficiency and support for newer devices is improved, but connectivity for legacy devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The air interface is segmented into multiple transmission time intervals (TTIs) within each frame. Different TTIs are configured with different RATs, allowing the base station to serve both legacy and new devices simultaneously on the same carrier. This segmentation enables multi-RAT support without requiring separate carriers for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station dynamically configures the air interface by adjusting the number and positioning of TTIs dedicated to each RAT based on real-time detection of device types in coverage. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to changing device compositions while maintaining continuous service for all devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base station uses a single RAT on the air interface, then device compatibility is maintained, but network efficiency for mixed device types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the air interface (specific TTIs) are assigned different RAT configurations tailored to the specific requirements of devices being served. Legacy devices receive service through TTIs configured with their native RAT, while new devices receive service through TTIs configured with the new RAT, optimizing performance for each device type locally within the same frame structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base station dynamically reconfigures the air interface, then support for multiple RATs is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station automatically detects the types of devices present in its coverage area and autonomously determines the optimal TTI configuration for supporting both legacy and new RATs. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual configuration and reduces operational complexity, as the system adapts automatically based on detected device composition.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for dynamically reconfiguring an air interface that defines a continuum of frames each divided into a sequence of transmission time intervals (TTIs). The air interface is initially configured according to a first radio access technology (RAT). The base station then detects that at least a threshold extent of wireless client devices (WCDs) served by the base station on the air interface support operation according to a second RAT. And in response, the base station reconfigures the air interface so that certain TTIs per frame instead operate on a second RAT, with the remaining TTIs per frame still operating on the first RAT. The base station then serves WCDs that support the second RAT in the TTIs now configured according to the second RAT, while continuing to serve other WCDs according to the first RAT in the remaining TTIs configured according to the first RAT.