Downlink Channel Switching for Better PDCCH Bandwidth Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fixed wireless access systems, the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) bandwidth is not efficiently utilized, and additional processing is required for generating and sending downlink control information to customer premises equipment (CPE) devices, which are typically stationary and provide services for multiple devices at a fixed location, leading to inefficient use of downlink channels and spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A wireless base station monitors the downlink channel utilization rate and switches between modes of operation to either transmit downlink control information or user data, optimizing the use of downlink channels and spectrum based on utilization thresholds, thereby increasing channel capacity and reducing processing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless base station uses the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) to transmit downlink control information to CPE devices, then the control information can be delivered reliably, but the PDCCH bandwidth is not efficiently utilized and additional processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: in the first mode, the PDCCH is used for transmitting downlink control information; in the second mode, the PDCCH is repurposed to transmit user data directly. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt channel usage based on traffic conditions, improving overall bandwidth utilization efficiency while maintaining reliable control information delivery when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the functional parameter of the PDCCH channel by switching between transmitting control information and transmitting user data. This parameter change enables the channel to serve dual purposes, thereby improving bandwidth utilization efficiency without sacrificing the reliability of control information delivery, as the system can switch modes based on operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the wireless base station transmits downlink control information using the PDCCH, then the CPE devices can receive control signals, but additional processing is required for generating and sending control information
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between operational modes to reduce processing complexity. When in the second mode, the PDCCH transmits user data directly without requiring separate control information generation and transmission processes, thereby reducing the processing burden on the wireless base station while maintaining ease of operation for CPE device data reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of control information transmission and user data transmission by using the same PDCCH channel for both purposes in different modes. This consolidation reduces the additional processing requirements for separate control signal generation while ensuring CPE devices can still receive necessary control information when needed.
3Reliability
If the wireless base station uses separate channels for control information and user data, then the channels can be optimized for their specific functions, but the downlink channel capacity is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The PDCCH channel is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transmit downlink control information, user data, or both in different operational modes. This multi-functionality allows the system to maximize downlink channel capacity by utilizing the PDCCH for data transmission when control information can be efficiently handled, while still maintaining the ability to optimize for specific functions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the PDCCH channel between different functional states (control information transmission, user data transmission, or both) based on current network conditions and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to maximize overall downlink channel capacity while maintaining the capability to optimize for specific functions when traffic patterns require separate channel optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for managing downlink channels and/or bandwidth in wireless systems. An exemplary method wireless communications method embodiments includes the steps of: monitoring, by a wireless base station, a downlink channel utilization rate of data transmissions from the wireless base station to a first customer premises equipment (CPE) device on a downlink shared channel to detect a first condition; and upon detecting, by the wireless base station, that the first condition exists, switching from operating in a first wireless base station mode of operation to operating in a second wireless base station mode of operation, said switching from operating in a first mode of operation to operating in a second mode of operation including switching from using a downlink control channel for transmitting downlink control information to the first CPE device to using the downlink control channel for transmitting user data.