Backup Feedback Cell for Carrier Aggregation Measurement Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, measurement gaps for carrier aggregation lead to significant throughput interruptions due to the inability of User Equipment (UE) to receive or transmit data on primary carriers during inter-frequency or inter-RAT measurements, resulting in prolonged data unavailability and throughput losses.
Innovation Solution
Enabling feedback signaling transmission on an active, alternative serving cell, referred to as the backup feedback cell, when the primary serving cell is unavailable for measurements, allowing continuous data transmission and reduced throughput losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are configured for inter-frequency or inter-RAT measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but throughput is reduced due to data transmission interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backup feedback cell as an intermediary resource. When the primary serving cell is unavailable for measurements, feedback signaling is transmitted through the backup feedback cell instead of halting communication entirely. This mediator enables continuous data transmission while measurements are performed on other frequencies or RATs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to feedback signaling by enabling transmission during measurement gaps through alternative cells. Instead of a single-dimensional approach (one cell at a time), the system utilizes multiple cells in the frequency/RAT dimension, allowing feedback to be transmitted in previously unavailable time slots when measurement gaps occur.
2Measurement precision
If UE tunes to different frequency for measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but data transmission continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the transmission parameter (feedback cell selection) based on the measurement state. When measurement gaps are configured or detected, the system switches the feedback transmission from the primary serving cell to the backup feedback cell. This parameter change enables measurement accuracy improvement while maintaining data transmission continuity through adaptive cell selection.
3Device complexity
If feedback signaling is transmitted only on primary serving cell, then signaling simplicity is maintained, but transmission reliability deteriorates during measurement gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring a backup feedback cell before measurement gaps occur. The network node identifies and designates an alternative serving cell in advance, so that when measurement gaps are configured or detected, the UE can immediately switch to the pre-prepared backup cell for feedback transmission without interruption or delay in establishing the alternative path.
Data Source
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AI summary
A UE (30) configured in multi-carrier with at least one secondary cell (SCell) may send feedback signaling to the network when measurement gaps are active, which prevent the UE (30) from communicating on the primary cell (PCell). Criteria, signaling means, and pre-defined rules are described for selecting feedback signaling and for selecting the alternative cell (e.g., suitable SCell) for transmitting the selected feedback signaling to the network node during the measurement gaps. Similarly, a SCell may be used to receive scheduling information during measurement gaps.