Dynamic Serving Cell Selection for URLLC Spectrum Utilization

The patent applies dynamics by making the serving cell assignment flexible rather than fixed. The terminal dynamically selects which serving cell (licensed or unlicensed) to use for URLLC service based on real-time network conditions, service requirements, and available resources. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing conditions, improving both reliability and spectrum utilization compared to static hard isolation.

The patent changes the parameter of serving cell selection from a fixed configuration to a variable state. The network device configures multiple serving cells with different characteristics (licensed and unlicensed), and the terminal adjusts the selection based on parameters such as service type, channel conditions, and resource availability. This parameter change enables flexible resource allocation that resolves the contradiction between reliability and spectrum utilization.

The patent implements dynamic serving cell selection where the terminal can switch between licensed and unlicensed cells based on whether URLLC transmission is active. When URLLC data needs transmission, the licensed cell is used to meet delay requirements. When no URLLC transmission is needed, the system can release or repurpose the licensed cell resources, avoiding waste while maintaining the capability for rapid URLLC transmission when needed.

The patent employs periodic assessment of service requirements and resource allocation. The terminal periodically evaluates whether URLLC service is currently being transmitted and adjusts serving cell usage accordingly. This periodic action ensures that licensed cell resources are actively used only when URLLC transmission is needed, preventing resource waste during idle periods while maintaining readiness for low-latency transmission.

The patent applies local quality by assigning different serving cell types to different service priorities. Unlicensed cells (LAA SCell) are used for best-effort eMBB services where high spectrum utilization is important. Licensed cells are reserved for high-priority services requiring reliable transmission. This localized quality assignment ensures each service type uses the most appropriate resource, resolving the contradiction between spectrum utilization and reliability for different service classes.

The patent segments the serving cell resources into different categories (licensed and unlicensed) and assigns them to different service types based on priority requirements. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve high spectrum utilization for eMBB services on unlicensed cells while maintaining transmission reliability for high-priority services on licensed cells, eliminating the need to choose one approach over the other.