Control Information Transmission via Licensed and Unlicensed Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LTE systems lack a solution to efficiently leverage resources on both licensed and unlicensed carriers for control information transmission, leading to suboptimal performance in Licensed-Assisted Access (LAA) scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for control information transmission that checks for available resources on both licensed and unlicensed carriers, prioritizing licensed carriers for robustness while allowing transmission on unlicensed carriers when feasible, with mechanisms for retransmission and resource management to ensure reliable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control information is transmitted only on licensed carriers, then transmission reliability is improved, but transmission speed and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic carrier selection where the transmission carrier (licensed or unlicensed) is chosen based on real-time resource availability and channel conditions. The system transitions from static licensed-carrier-only transmission to dynamic multi-carrier transmission, improving both reliability and speed by adapting to current network state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of transmission carrier type from fixed (licensed only) to variable (licensed or unlicensed based on conditions). By introducing conditional parameters for carrier selection including resource availability checks and channel quality assessments, the system optimizes both reliability and transmission speed.
2Productivity
If control information is transmitted on unlicensed carriers, then resource utilization and transmission speed are improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces licensed carriers as an intermediary backup mechanism for unlicensed carrier transmissions. When unlicensed carrier transmission fails or is unavailable, the system falls back to licensed carriers to ensure reliable delivery of control information, thus maintaining high resource utilization while protecting against reliability degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares fallback transmission paths on licensed carriers in advance before unlicensed carrier transmission attempts. By pre-configuring backup resources and establishing conditional transmission hierarchies, the system cushions against potential transmission failures on unlicensed carriers while maximizing resource utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system checks for resources on both licensed and unlicensed carriers, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource checking process into distinct phases: first checking licensed carrier resources, then checking unlicensed carrier resources only if licensed resources are unavailable. This segmented approach reduces overall system complexity by avoiding simultaneous checking of all carriers while maintaining adaptability through conditional progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary checks on licensed carrier resources before considering unlicensed carriers. By establishing a hierarchical checking order and performing preliminary assessments of licensed resource availability, the system simplifies the overall decision-making process while maintaining flexibility to adapt to different network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for control information transmission applicable in a Licensed-Assisted Access scenario. A method at a first communications device operable in both a licensed spectrum and an unlicensed spectrum. The method starts by checking whether there is a granted resource on a licensed carrier of the licensed spectrum. If there is a granted resource on the licensed carrier, then control information is transmitted via the granted resource on the licensed carrier to a second communications device that is operable in both the licensed spectrum and the unlicensed spectrum; otherwise, it is checked whether there is a granted resource on an unlicensed carrier of the unlicensed spectrum. If there is a granted resource on the unlicensed carrier, then transmission of the control information to the second communications device is attempted via the granted resource on the unlicensed carrier. Correspondingly, there is also provided an apparatus for the control information transmission.