Dynamic Antenna Allocation Between Licensed and Unlicensed Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing multiple antennas across licensed and unlicensed frequency bands, which affects system performance and energy efficiency, especially in next-generation wireless communication systems like 5G and NR.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically allocating multiple antennas between licensed and unlicensed frequency bands based on status information such as radiated power limits, channel quality, and resource availability, allowing for adaptive antenna configuration to optimize system performance and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple antennas are deployed on different frequency bands (licensed and unlicensed), then system capacity and data rates are improved, but device complexity and antenna management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna allocation where the network node can flexibly assign antennas between licensed and unlicensed bands based on real-time channel conditions, traffic demands, and interference levels. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration, thereby improving system capacity while keeping the management complexity handled automatically by the network node's control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal antenna management framework where the same physical antennas can serve multiple frequency bands (licensed and unlicensed) and multiple functions (data transmission, channel estimation, interference mitigation). The network node implements a unified resource allocation algorithm that manages antennas across different bands, making the antenna system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated antennas for each band.
2Use of energy by moving object
If antennas are allocated dynamically based on status information, then energy efficiency is improved, but processing requirements and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal device reports channel quality indicators (CQI), reference signal received power (RSRP), and other status information to the network node. The network node uses this feedback to make informed antenna allocation decisions, allocating antennas to terminals with better channel conditions to improve energy efficiency. The feedback loop enables the system to respond to changing conditions without requiring complex centralized control, as each decision is based on local measurements and reports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables terminal devices to perform self-configuration by selecting from antenna configurations indicated by the network node. The terminal device autonomously determines its preferred antenna configuration based on its channel conditions and reports this to the network node, which then finalizes the allocation. This self-service approach reduces the control burden on the network node while still achieving energy-efficient antenna allocation based on actual device conditions.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas are used for beamforming, then signal quality and data rates are improved, but hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial beamforming where not all antennas are used for beamforming at all times. Instead, the network node allocates a subset of antennas for beamforming operations based on the terminal's position, channel conditions, and service requirements. This partial action approach maintains signal quality and data rates where needed while reducing hardware complexity and cost compared to using all antennas for full beamforming capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna array into different functional groups that can be independently configured. Some antennas are dedicated to beamforming for data transmission, while others are used for channel estimation, reference signals, or interference mitigation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve beamforming gains when needed without requiring all antennas to have full beamforming capabilities, thereby reducing overall hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communications is disclosed. The method includes determining, at a terminal device, status information of at least one of a first frequency band and a second frequency band. The terminal device is operable in the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The method further includes performing an allocation of multiple antennas of the terminal device between the first frequency band and the second frequency band, based at least in part on the status information.