Dynamic MBSFN Subframe Allocation for PDCCH Limited LTE Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile and wireless telecommunication systems, such as LTE and 5G, face inefficiencies in managing PDCCH limited and non-PDCCH limited conditions, leading to suboptimal utilization of MBSFN subframes, which affects network performance and capacity.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that dynamically adjust the percentage of subframes using unicast multimedia broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) based on PDCCH limitations, switching user equipment (UEs) between transmission modes 9 and 4 to optimize PDCCH symbol usage, and adjust MBSFN usage accordingly to maximize network performance and capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the percentage of subframes using unicast MBSFN is increased to improve network capacity, then system throughput is improved, but PDCCH resource exhaustion occurs in PDCCH limited systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidPDCCH resource availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the percentage of subframes using unicast MBSFN based on real-time PDCCH resource availability detection. The system transitions from static semi-statical allocation to dynamic configuration, adapting the MBSFN subframe percentage according to current system conditions to balance capacity improvement with PDCCH resource sustainability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the system detects PDCCH resource usage conditions and uses this information to adjust the percentage of MBSFN subframes. The base station monitors PDCCH limited conditions and provides feedback through system information blocks to update UE configurations, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents PDCCH exhaustion while maximizing network capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If unicast data is transmitted over MBSFN subframes to improve resource utilization, then spectral efficiency is improved, but interference from CRS increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidCRS interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different transmission modes to different subframe types based on local conditions. Normal subframes use transmission mode 9 with CRS for reliable unicast transmission, while MBSFN subframes use transmission mode 4 without CRS to reduce interference. This local differentiation of transmission characteristics optimizes spectral efficiency while managing CRS interference in specific regions of the time-frequency resource grid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If semi-statical allocation of MBSFN subframes is used to simplify system management, then device complexity is reduced, but network adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem management complexityVSAvoidnetwork adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the system from semi-statical to dynamic allocation of MBSFN subframes. The percentage of subframes using unicast MBSFN is no longer fixed but is dynamically adjusted based on detected PDCCH resource availability. This dynamic approach enables the network to adapt to changing traffic conditions and resource availability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated detection and configuration updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3890414B1Selective over the air reconfiguration of unicast multimedia broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN)
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3890414B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3890414B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3890414B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for selective over the air reconfiguration of unicast MBSFN are provided. One method may include detecting whether a system is physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) limited. When it is detected that the system is physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) limited, the method may include reducing a percentage of subframes that are using unicast multimedia broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN). When it is detected that the system is not physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) limited, the method may include increasing the percentage of subframes that are using unicast multimedia broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN).