Asymmetric Dynamic Spectrum Sharing for LTE-NR Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dynamic spectrum sharing methods in wireless networks often result in equal spectrum allocation between LTE and NR, leading to increased pilot signals and control channels, which reduces bandwidth for data channels and limits NR performance, especially in scenarios where legacy UEs have limited capabilities and small spectrum blocks are used.
Innovation Solution
Asymmetric dynamic spectrum sharing (ADSS) allocates spectrum based on UE capabilities, historical data, machine-learned models, and bandwidth metrics, allowing for unequal portions of spectrum to be shared between LTE and NR, thereby limiting LTE control channel overhead and increasing NR PDCCH capacity, especially in small spectrum blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If equal spectrum allocation is used between LTE and NR in dynamic spectrum sharing, then both technologies can share spectrum, but pilot signals and control channels increase reducing bandwidth for data channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetric dynamic spectrum sharing where the network allocates different portions of spectrum to LTE and NR based on actual needs. Specifically, it allocates a first portion of spectrum for LTE communications and a second portion for NR communications, where the portions can be unequal. This asymmetric allocation reduces the total overhead from equal shares of pilot and control channels, thereby increasing the bandwidth available for data channels while maintaining support for both 4G and 5G technologies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If symmetric spectrum sharing is used, then LTE and NR share equal portions, but NR performance is limited especially in small spectrum blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum sharing where the network can flexibly allocate spectrum portions based on real-time conditions, UE capabilities, and traffic requirements. The scheduling component dynamically determines the first and second spectrum portions, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and optimize NR performance especially in small spectrum blocks where asymmetric allocation provides greater flexibility and better resource utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If equal spectrum allocation is used, then both LTE and NR get same resources, but control channel overhead increases reducing data channel capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating different spectrum portions to different radio access technologies based on their specific requirements and the current network state. The scheduling component evaluates factors such as UE capabilities, traffic types, and network conditions to determine optimal asymmetric allocations. This allows the system to provide tailored spectrum resources that match the actual needs of each technology, reducing unnecessary overhead and maximizing data channel capacity where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for asymmetric dynamic spectrum sharing are discussed herein. A first portion of spectrum can share spectrum between Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) radio access technologies (RATs). A second portion of spectrum can be allocated to a particular RAT without sharing. Thus, control signals associated with both RATs can be associated with the shared portion. However, for the portion not shared, control signals for the particular RAT (e.g., NR) can be used without the control signals from the other RAT (e.g., LTE), thereby increasing capacity in the portion not shared.