Carrier Aggregation Configuration via Broadcast and Dedicated Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication standards do not fully define the information required for carrier aggregation in mobile wireless communication systems, leading to bandwidth limitations and inefficiencies, especially when multiple users simultaneously access permitted frequency domains.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring and managing component carriers by base stations (eNodeBs) to aggregate bandwidth across multiple carriers, allowing for dynamic adjustment of bandwidth based on user equipment (UE) capabilities and system loading, using techniques like RRC signaling to broadcast and unicast carrier information, and configuring primary and secondary component carriers for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple carriers are aggregated to increase bandwidth, then data transmission capacity is improved, but system complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carrier aggregation configuration into distinct phases: broadcasting common configuration information to multiple UEs, and then providing UE-specific configuration information. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex carrier aggregation by dividing the configuration process into manageable parts, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high bandwidth capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration framework where common carrier aggregation parameters are broadcast to all UEs, and specific parameters are individually configured. This multi-functional approach allows the same base station infrastructure to serve multiple UEs with different carrier aggregation requirements, improving bandwidth utilization without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If carrier aggregation is implemented without complete standard definitions, then deployment flexibility is improved, but interoperability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by defining a complete configuration framework in advance, including common configuration parameters that are broadcast before UE-specific configurations. This preliminary structuring ensures interoperability and reliability while allowing flexible deployment, as the foundational framework is established beforehand but can be adapted to specific UE requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the base station receives UE capability information and adjusts carrier aggregation configurations accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable interoperability by matching configurations to actual UE capabilities, while maintaining deployment flexibility through adaptive configuration adjustment
3Speed
If bandwidth is increased through carrier aggregation, then data transmission speed is improved, but signaling overhead and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges common carrier aggregation configuration information into a single broadcast message that serves multiple UEs simultaneously. This combining of common parameters reduces redundant signaling overhead while maintaining high data transmission speeds through carrier aggregation, as the overhead is amortized across multiple users rather than repeated for each user
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for configuring component carriers in carrier aggregation is disclosed. The method comprises communicating a carrier aggregation capability for a selected UE to an enhanced Node B (eNode B) configured to provide service for a plurality of UEs. A plurality of component carriers at the eNode B can be configured for the selected UE based on the carrier aggregation capability of the selected UE. A component carrier configuration message is broadcast from the eNode B containing component carrier configuration information that is common to the plurality of UEs. Specific configuration information that is specific to the selected UE is communicated using dedicated communication signaling. Selected configured component carriers are then activated by the eNode B for the selected UE. Activation can be based on the UE's quality of service needs, bandwidth needs, and strength of signal for the component carriers.