Dynamic Control Channel Extension for LTE Resource Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE systems face control channel limitations, leading to inefficient use of resources, particularly when dealing with a large number of low data-rate users or narrow bandwidth anchor carriers, resulting in wasted data transmission resources due to insufficient PDCCH resources.
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing a control format indicator and control channel redefinition information to dynamically adapt the control channel size, allowing for a redefined control channel that can occupy an entire subframe, enabling improved resource utilization without increasing UE processing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control region size is limited to n≦3 OFDM symbols in current LTE systems, then legacy terminal compatibility is maintained, but control channel resources become insufficient when dealing with large numbers of low data-rate users or narrow bandwidth anchor carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control region size adaptation by introducing a mechanism where the control region can be extended beyond the fixed n≦3 OFDM symbols limit. The network node dynamically determines the control region size based on scheduling needs, using a control format indicator to signal the extended size to user equipment. This allows the system to adapt control resources to match traffic conditions, particularly when serving many low data-rate users or using narrow bandwidth anchor carriers, while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy terminals through appropriate signaling.
2Quantity of substance
If the control region is extended to accommodate more control signaling, then control channel capacity increases, but the data region size decreases reducing overall system throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control region extension where the control region size is adjusted based on actual scheduling requirements rather than being fixed. The network node determines the appropriate control region size and signals this to user equipment via a control format indicator. This dynamic approach ensures that control resources are expanded only when necessary, minimizing the impact on data region size while maximizing control channel capacity when needed, thus optimizing the trade-off between control signaling capacity and data transmission efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If separate PDCCH per scheduled component carrier is used, then control signaling precision improves, but control channel resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified PDCCH structure that can serve multiple component carriers simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate PDCCH resources for each scheduled component carrier, the invention allows a single PDCCH to contain scheduling information for multiple carriers. This is achieved through the extended control region that can accommodate multiple scheduling assignments, thereby reducing overall control channel resource consumption while maintaining the precision needed for individual carrier scheduling through multi-carrier scheduling information within the unified control structure.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of adapting a control channel in a network node in a communication system, providing (S20) a control format indicator for the control channel, and dynamically determining and providing (S10) control channel redefinition information, which control channel redefinition information together with said control format indicator provides a redefined control channel. Subsequently the control channel is adapted (S30) based on said control format indicator and said control channel redefinition information to provide a redefined control channel for signaling to said at least one user equipment, Finally, scheduling (S40) user equipment in a sub frame based on the redefined control channel.