Broadcast Unicast Carrier Sharing in Wireless Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular communication systems face inefficiencies in supporting broadcast transmissions on unicast carriers, particularly in unpaired spectrum scenarios, leading to suboptimal use of resources and increased power consumption due to continuous receiver operation for multimedia services.
Innovation Solution
The system adapts to use the same carrier frequency for both broadcast and unicast communications, employing a common cell identifier and short code components for broadcast data, allowing for time-multiplexed sub-frames that reduce receiver operation time and enable efficient power management, while maintaining unicast control channels for optimal throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the same carrier frequency is used for both broadcast and unicast transmissions, then spectral efficiency is improved, but interference between broadcast and unicast signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carrier frequency usage by dividing transmission resources into distinct time slots and code resources. Broadcast transmissions and unicast transmissions are separated in time domains through sub-frame structures, and in code domains through different scrambling codes, allowing both to share the same carrier frequency without mutual interference
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates time slots and code resources between broadcast and unicast transmissions based on traffic demands. The network can flexibly adjust the proportion of broadcast versus unicast resources in different time periods, optimizing spectral efficiency while managing interference through adaptive resource partitioning
2Area of stationary object
If broadcast transmissions use long spreading codes and continuous transmission, then broadcast service coverage is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous receiver operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using discontinuous transmission intervals for broadcast services. Instead of continuous transmission, broadcast signals are transmitted in periodic time slots within sub-frames, allowing receivers to enter sleep modes between transmission periods while still maintaining coverage through strategic timing of transmission bursts
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-scheduling broadcast transmissions in specific time slots and notifying receivers of transmission timing in advance. This allows receivers to prepare and activate only during scheduled transmission periods, reducing power consumption while ensuring coverage through advance planning of transmission patterns
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cells transmit broadcast signals on non-overlapping physical resources, then interference between cells is reduced, but spectral efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges broadcast transmissions from multiple cells onto the same physical resources (same carrier frequency, same time slots, same code resources). By using identical resources across cells and employing synchronization techniques, the system achieves Single Frequency Network operation where multiple cells transmit broadcast signals simultaneously without mutual interference, maximizing spectral efficiency while maintaining low interference through coordinated resource sharing
4Reliability
If unicast control channels are maintained during broadcast sub-frames, then unicast service quality is preserved, but resource utilization for broadcast decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating resource allocation within sub-frames. Specific time slots and code resources within broadcast sub-frames are locally optimized for broadcast transmissions, while other portions are allocated to unicast control channels. This localized differentiation allows simultaneous support of both broadcast and unicast services with appropriate quality of service for each
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for supporting broadcast and unicast transmissions in a wireless communication system that comprises a plurality of communication cells are described. A first method comprises supporting at least one broadcast transmission in at least one sub-frame of a physical resource, wherein the at least one broadcast transmission comprises broadcast data that uses a first cell identifier and supporting transmission of unicast control information using a second cell identifier in the at least one sub-frame of the physical resource, wherein the first cell identifier is different to the second cell identifier. A second method comprises supporting at least one time discontinuous broadcast transmission in at least one sub-frame of a radio frame of a physical resource; and supporting transmission of unicast control information in a plurality of time- continuous sub-frames of the radio frame of the physical resource; wherein the at least one subframe used for the at least one time discontinuous broadcast transmission comprises a first duration that is less than a second duration used in the plurality of sub-frames of the radio frame for transmitting unicast control information.