Dynamic TDD Configuration via ePDCCH for Flexible Resource Allocation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current Time Division Duplex (TDD) networks in radio communication systems lack flexibility in adjusting uplink-downlink (UL-DL) resource allocation to match instantaneous traffic variations, leading to inefficient resource utilization, especially in cells with varying user densities.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically configuring UL-DL configurations in radio communication networks using enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (ePDCCH) to transmit dynamic UL-DL configurations to User Equipment (UE) in resource regions composed of consecutive Control Elements (CEs), allowing for flexible subframe allocation based on traffic conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fixed UL-DL configuration is used in TDD networks, then network stability is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying traffic demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TDD configuration where the base station can adjust UL-DL configuration indices based on real-time traffic conditions. The system transitions from fixed static configuration to dynamic reconfigurable configuration, allowing the network to adapt resource allocation to instantaneous traffic variations while maintaining operational stability through controlled reconfiguration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the TDD configuration parameter dynamically by selecting different UL-DL configuration indices (0-6) based on traffic demand. The base station determines appropriate configuration parameters and signals them to UEs, enabling the system to optimize resource utilization for different traffic scenarios without requiring hardware changes or complex architectural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic TDD configuration is implemented, then adaptability to traffic variations improves, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic adaptation capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration information by using predefined UL-DL configuration indices (0-6) that represent different traffic scenarios. Instead of signaling complete configuration details, the system transmits compact index values that UEs can map to specific configurations, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining full adaptability to different traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining multiple UL-DL configuration patterns (indices 0-6) covering various traffic scenarios. This allows the system to quickly adapt to traffic changes by simply indicating which pre-defined configuration to use, rather than negotiating new configurations in real-time, thereby reducing signaling overhead and latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If semi-static configuration is used, then system complexity is reduced, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to inability to match instantaneous traffic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the base station monitors traffic conditions and determines appropriate UL-DL configuration indices accordingly. The system continuously adapts configuration based on feedback from traffic measurements, enabling efficient resource allocation that responds to instantaneous traffic demands while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3036849B1Base station, user equipment and methods used in the same
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3036849B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3036849B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3036849B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method used in a BS and an associated BS. The method includes: obtaining one or more dynamic UpLink (UL)/Downl_ink (DL) configurations of a cell served by the BS; transmitting, to a User Equipment (UE) located in the cell, the one or more dynamic UL/DL configurations in a resource region consisted of one or more consecutive Control Elements (CEs) over a downlink physical channel; and transmitting information associated with the resource region to the UE. The present disclosure also relates to a method used in a UE located in a cell served by a BS and an associated UE. The method includes: receiving, from the BS, one or more dynamic UL/DL configurations of the cell in a resource region consisted of one or more consecutive CEs over a downlink physical channel; receiving information associated with the resource region from the BS; and identifying the one or more dynamic UL/DL configurations based on the information associated with the resource region.