Dynamic TDD Configuration for Cell Clusters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in radio resource utilization due to static uplink-downlink configurations, leading to interference among wireless access network nodes and UEs, especially in scenarios with rapidly changing traffic patterns and small cell deployments.

Innovation Solution

Dynamic TDD uplink-downlink reconfiguration is implemented, where a coordinating network node manages cell clusters to adapt uplink-downlink configurations based on traffic patterns and interference conditions, forming clusters with consistent configurations to mitigate interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If static uplink-downlink configurations are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but radio resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio resource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TDD uplink-downlink reconfiguration where the uplink-downlink configuration is no longer static but can be changed over time. The system dynamically selects from multiple predefined uplink-downlink configurations based on current traffic conditions, allowing the configuration to adapt to changing network demands while maintaining system manageability through predefined configuration options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of uplink-downlink configuration dynamically by selecting from multiple predefined configurations (Configuration 0-6) with different numbers of uplink and downlink subframes. This allows the system to adjust the proportion of uplink and downlink resources according to actual traffic patterns, improving radio resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If different uplink-downlink configurations are used in neighboring cells, then traffic pattern adaptability is improved, but interference among wireless access network nodes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic pattern adaptabilityVSAvoidinterference among wireless access network nodes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the concept of cell clusters where multiple neighboring cells are grouped together and assigned the same uplink-downlink configuration. This merging approach ensures that cells within a cluster transmit in the same direction (uplink or downlink) during the same time periods, eliminating inter-cell interference while still allowing different clusters to use different configurations to adapt to their respective traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows different uplink-downlink configurations to be applied to different cell clusters based on local traffic conditions. Each cluster can independently select configurations that best suit its local traffic pattern, while maintaining consistency within the cluster to avoid interference. This local optimization approach balances adaptability with interference mitigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If dynamic reconfiguration is implemented, then radio resource efficiency is enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio resource efficiencyVSAvoidreconfiguration management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration by allowing the uplink-downlink configuration to change over time based on traffic conditions. The system can select from multiple predefined configurations and switch between them as network demands change, enhancing radio resource efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through the use of standardized configuration options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where wireless access network nodes monitor traffic conditions and interference levels, then use this information to select appropriate uplink-downlink configurations for cell clusters. The feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining coordination among nodes to avoid excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2984890B1Selecting an uplink-downlink configuration for a cluster of cells
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2984890B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2984890B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2984890B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Information associated with a communication condition of at least one cell in a cluster of cells is received, where the communication condition is at least one selected from among a traffic pattern and interference. In response to the received information, a coordinating network node selects an uplink-downlink configuration for use by the cells in the cluster.