Carrier Segment Allocation for LTE Resource Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless networks, such as those compliant with the 3GPP LTE standard, face inefficiencies due to limited resource blocks and asymmetric bandwidths, leading to wasted resources and overheads, particularly when transitioning to advanced standards like LTE Advanced.
Innovation Solution
Implementing carrier segment allocation schemes that allow for flexible bandwidth utilization by allocating additional resource blocks outside legacy carrier segments, enabling both legacy and advanced devices to operate efficiently while minimizing overhead and waste, by using extended bandwidths and pairing resource blocks from side segments with existing legacy segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a limited number of resource blocks is specified for different bandwidths in current LTE standard, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and productivity is reduced due to wasted resource blocks outside the closest supported bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the component carrier bandwidth into multiple segments, where a first segment uses a legacy bandwidth (e.g., 10 MHz) compatible with existing LTE devices, and a second segment uses an extended bandwidth (e.g., 12 MHz or 15 MHz) for advanced devices. This segmentation allows the network to support multiple bandwidth configurations simultaneously without requiring all devices to handle the full complexity of extended bandwidths, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining ease of operation for legacy devices.
2Productivity
If a stand-alone component carrier is introduced to support additional bandwidth, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but overhead increases due to guard bands, system information, control signals, and control channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extended bandwidth segment with the legacy component carrier to form a single aggregated carrier. By combining the first segment (legacy bandwidth) and the second segment (extended bandwidth) into one continuous carrier, the system avoids creating a completely separate stand-alone component carrier. This merging approach allows the network to utilize additional bandwidth resources while sharing control signals and system information across the entire aggregated carrier, thereby reducing redundant overhead compared to using separate stand-alone carriers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric downlink/uplink bandwidths are not supported in current LTE Rel-10 standard, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates and productivity is reduced due to inability to support asymmetric bandwidth configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by allowing the downlink and uplink to operate with different bandwidth configurations. Specifically, the downlink can utilize an extended bandwidth (e.g., 15 MHz) while the uplink operates at a legacy bandwidth (e.g., 10 MHz), or vice versa. This is achieved by independently configuring the first and second segments for downlink and uplink directions, enabling the network to adapt to asymmetric traffic demands without requiring complex coordination between uplink and downlink bandwidth management.
4Productivity
If resource blocks outside the closest supported bandwidth are wasted in current LTE standard, then ease of operation is improved and device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to loss of available resource blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic bandwidth configuration where the network can flexibly allocate resource blocks across different bandwidth segments based on traffic demands and device capabilities. Advanced devices can dynamically access both the legacy bandwidth segment and the extended bandwidth segment, while legacy devices operate only on the legacy segment. This dynamic allocation allows the system to fully utilize available resource blocks without committing to fixed bandwidth configurations, thereby improving system throughput while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a base transceiver station such as an Enhanced Node B allocates a first bandwidth for operation with a first set of remote devices which may comprise user equipment (UE), and allocates at least one or more bandwidth segments outside of the first bandwidth for operation with a second set of remote devices which mag comprise user equipment (UE). Remote devices of the first set are capable of operating within the first bandwidth, and remote devices of the second set are capable of operating within the first bandwidth and within the bandwidth segments outside of the first bandwidth. The devices of the first set comprise legacy devices, and devices of the second set comprise advanced devices.