Multi-carrier Control Signaling via Anchor Carrier Pairing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing control information exchange between uplink and downlink carriers, particularly in multi-carrier designs, which can lead to suboptimal resource utilization and compatibility issues with legacy systems.
Innovation Solution
The system determines pairings between uplink and downlink carriers, including at least three carriers, and designates anchor carriers to facilitate control information exchange, allowing for dynamic or semi-static pairing configurations that optimize bandwidth allocation and reduce battery consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control information is exchanged on all carriers, then complete control coverage is achieved, but resource utilization deteriorates and battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control information exchange by designating specific anchor carriers (e.g., primary anchor carrier and secondary anchor carrier) to handle control information for different sets of carriers. Instead of exchanging control information on all carriers, the system divides the multi-carrier resources into groups, each associated with a specific anchor carrier, thereby reducing overall control signaling while maintaining complete control coverage.
2Productivity
If multiple anchor carriers are used, then control information exchange is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pairing configurations where the association between anchor carriers and other carriers can be adjusted based on system conditions. The network can configure different pairing scenarios (e.g., one-to-one pairing, one-to-many pairing) and update these configurations dynamically, allowing the system to optimize control information exchange efficiency while adapting to changing network conditions without requiring complex static configurations.
3Productivity
If carrier pairing is dynamically configured, then resource utilization is improved, but compatibility with legacy systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anchor carriers as intermediary elements that mediate between the new multi-carrier pairing system and legacy single-carrier systems. The anchor carriers maintain traditional control information exchange patterns that legacy systems can understand, while simultaneously supporting dynamic pairing configurations for modern systems. This intermediary approach allows legacy systems to interoperate without requiring full understanding or implementation of the dynamic pairing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product operable in a wireless communication system are provided in which a pairing is determined between one or more uplink carriers and one or more downlink carriers. The one or more uplink carriers and the one or more downlink carriers include at least three carriers. On which carrier to exchange control information on one or more of the carriers is based on the pairing or an anchor carrier designation.