Dynamic Spectrum Partitioning for LTE-5G Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of 5G technology faces challenges due to the lack of available spectrum, as existing methods require clearing spectrum for new generations of technology, which is costly and inefficient, especially when 5G utilization is initially low, leading to underutilization of allocated spectrum.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic spectrum partitioning between LTE and 5G systems, allowing both technologies to share the same spectrum based on traffic demand, with secondary cell activation/deactivation enabling efficient allocation and utilization over short time scales, such as tens of milliseconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spectrum is cleared for 5G deployment, then 5G can be deployed, but spectrum allocation becomes costly and inefficient with underutilization during initial low-utilization phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum sharing where the same spectrum resources are allocated to both LTE and 5G systems, with the allocation dynamically adjusted based on traffic demand. The network controller monitors utilization metrics and reconfigures spectrum allocation in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions rather than using fixed static allocation. This resolves the contradiction by making spectrum allocation flexible - efficient during low utilization and deployable without clearing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of spectrum allocation from static to dynamic by monitoring traffic demand and adjusting the proportion of spectrum allocated to LTE versus 5G. During initial deployment phases with low 5G traffic, more spectrum is allocated to LTE; as 5G utilization increases, the allocation shifts accordingly. This parameter change enables cost-effective deployment without spectrum clearing while maintaining high utilization efficiency.
2Reliability
If static spectrum allocation is used for 5G, then spectrum resources are reserved, but spectrum remains underutilized during initial deployment phases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated monitoring and dynamic reconfiguration. The network controller continuously monitors spectrum utilization metrics and automatically adjusts allocation between LTE and 5G without manual intervention. When 5G traffic demand increases, the system automatically allocates more spectrum to 5G; when demand is low, it reallocates to LTE. This self-adjusting mechanism ensures spectrum availability for 5G while preventing underutilization, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the network controller monitors spectrum utilization metrics and uses this information to dynamically adjust spectrum allocation. The feedback loop continuously measures actual 5G traffic demand and compares it against allocated resources, then reconfigures spectrum allocation accordingly. This feedback-driven approach ensures spectrum is available when needed while maximizing utilization efficiency, eliminating the waste associated with static allocation.
3Productivity
If dynamic spectrum sharing is implemented, then spectrum utilization efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary that manages spectrum allocation between LTE and 5G systems. This centralized controller receives traffic demand information from both systems, makes allocation decisions, and coordinates the reconfiguration. By using this intermediary, the patent simplifies the coordination complexity - individual base stations don't need complex peer-to-peer coordination protocols,而是 rely on decisions from the network controller. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high utilization efficiency while managing system complexity through centralized coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
An eNodeB uses a first portion of a frequency spectrum as a primary cell and uses a second portion of the frequency spectrum as a secondary cell that is dynamically shared with a 5G base station. The eNodeB and the 5G base station communicate to dynamically share the second portion of the frequency spectrum.