Control Channel Bandwidth Determination in 5G Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in determining bandwidth, frequencies, and subcarriers for control channels, especially in diverse and flexible 5G networks, which hinders efficient device connectivity and user experience.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves determining the set of subbands that carry control channels based on a predetermined reference resource location, using methods such as fixed frequency offsets, cell-specific identities, or frequency hopping, to enable efficient system bandwidth determination for both downlink and uplink communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed transmission methods and determined resource positions are used for control channels, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to diverse 5G network configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of device operationVSAvoidadaptability to diverse networks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making control channel resource allocation flexible rather than fixed. The network can dynamically indicate resource positions through signaling messages, allowing the system to adapt to different network configurations while maintaining operational simplicity through automated indication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource position from a fixed determined value to a dynamically indicated value. By using network signaling to convey resource allocation parameters, the system achieves both ease of operation (through automated parameter provision) and adaptability (through configurable parameter values).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If efficient bandwidth determination methods are implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision of control channel location may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of system bandwidth determinationVSAvoidprecision of control channel location determination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism that carries precise resource location information from the network to the device. This intermediary message serves as a mediator that conveys exact control channel positions without requiring complex device-side calculations, thus maintaining both efficiency and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-determine and indicate control channel resource positions before the device needs to access them. This advance indication allows the device to efficiently locate control channels without performing complex real-time measurements, maintaining both productivity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3504827B1Determination of control channel bandwidth and location
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3504827B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504827B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3504827B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to determination of bandwidth, frequencies, or a set one or more of subbands that carries a downlink control channel. In some examples, a set of one or more subbands that carries a downlink control channel may be determined based on a function of a predetermined reference resource location. The predetermined reference resource location may be a set of one or more subbands that carries one or more synchronization signals and a broadcast channel. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.