Carrier Aggregation System Information Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems supporting carrier aggregation face inflexibility in broadcasting system information, leading to restrictive single-cell operation configurations that hinder efficient carrier aggregation, particularly for Rel-8 UEs, due to the broadcast of single-cell SI across multiple aggregated cells.
Innovation Solution
A method where a UE receives configuration information from a radio base station to identify and read system information only from a designated cell with a unique status, allowing for flexible carrier aggregation by applying specific configuration rules and parameters, thereby minimizing signaling overhead and optimizing operations for both single-cell and carrier aggregation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If system information is broadcasted in all aggregated cells, then legacy UEs can operate in single-cell mode, but carrier aggregation flexibility is restricted and signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system information is segmented into cell-specific SI and common SI. Cell-specific SI is broadcast only in the primary cell, while common SI applicable to all aggregated cells is transmitted separately. This segmentation allows legacy UEs to obtain necessary information from the primary cell without being constrained by secondary cell configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between supporting single-cell mode and enabling flexible carrier aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the common system information that applies to all aggregated cells and separates it from cell-specific information. The common SI is transmitted independently and can be applied across multiple cells, while cell-specific SI is limited to the primary cell. This extraction approach reduces the complexity of system information configuration while maintaining support for both legacy and advanced UEs.
2Reliability
If system information is broadcasted in all aggregated cells, then each cell appears independent, but signaling overhead increases and operational flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the system information of multiple aggregated cells into a unified configuration approach. Common system information that applies to all cells is transmitted once and reused across all aggregated cells, rather than broadcasting identical information in each cell separately. This merging significantly reduces signaling overhead while maintaining the reliability and independence required for legacy UE operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The common system information block is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides configuration for all aggregated cells, supports both single-cell and carrier aggregation modes, and reduces signaling overhead. This universal SI structure eliminates the need for redundant information transmission while ensuring reliable operation for all UE types.
3Ease of operation
If single-cell system information is applied to carrier aggregation, then configuration is simplified, but carrier aggregation performance is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between primary cell-specific system information and common system information for all aggregated cells. The primary cell's SI contains cell-specific parameters necessary for initial access and basic operation, while the common SI provides aggregated cell configurations that optimize carrier aggregation performance. This differentiated approach maintains ease of operation for legacy UEs while enabling enhanced productivity for carrier aggregation scenarios.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements in a wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation and comprising a radio base station configured to broadcast system information in at least two cells. The method for the user equipment comprises receiving (410) configuration information for an aggregation of the at least two cells from the radio base station, identifying (420) a first of the at least two cells based on a configuration rule stating that the first of the at least two cells has a status that is different from the status of the remaining cells, and reading (430) the broadcasted system information only in the identified cell. The method may also comprise obeying (440) one or more parameters obtained from the read system information.