Dynamic TDD UL/DL Configuration in LTE Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE systems face inefficiencies in dynamically adjusting TDD UL/DL configurations, leading to suboptimal radio resource utilization due to fixed configuration updates every 80 ms, which cannot keep pace with rapid changes in traffic patterns, especially in applications like network gaming or peer-to-peer communications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of new methods for providing TDD UL/DL configuration information more frequently, including MAC-based and physical layer approaches, such as the use of a new MAC PDU with a TDDconfig-RNTI and DCI formats, allowing for direct or relative configuration changes, and enabling retransmissions for improved robustness and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If TDD UL/DL configuration is updated using fixed 80 ms periodicity, then system stability is maintained, but radio resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to rapid traffic changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio resource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration adaptability to traffic patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TDD UL/DL configuration where the network can switch between different UL/DL configurations based on real-time traffic conditions. The system transitions from static 80ms periodic updates to dynamic reconfiguration triggered by traffic demands, allowing the configuration to adapt flexibly to changing traffic patterns while maintaining system stability through controlled transition mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the configuration update mechanism from fixed time-periodic updates to event-triggered updates based on traffic conditions. By monitoring traffic load and switching configurations dynamically, the system optimizes radio resource utilization for different traffic scenarios (uplink-heavy, downlink-heavy, or balanced) without being constrained by rigid 80ms periodicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If configuration update frequency is increased to match rapid traffic changes, then adaptability improves, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration update frequencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead and processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines periodic configuration updates with event-triggered updates. While maintaining a base periodic update mechanism for stability, the system adds event-triggered updates that occur only when traffic conditions warrant configuration changes. This hybrid approach achieves high adaptability without continuous frequent updates, reducing signaling overhead compared to purely event-driven approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors traffic conditions and triggers configuration updates only when necessary. This feedback-driven approach allows the system to adapt to traffic changes dynamically while avoiding unnecessary configuration updates, thereby reducing signaling overhead and processing complexity compared to high-frequency periodic updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic reconfiguration mechanisms are implemented, then traffic adaptability improves, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic pattern adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the dynamic reconfiguration functionality into distinct modules: traffic monitoring components, configuration decision components, and configuration application components. This modular segmentation allows for easier implementation and maintenance of dynamic reconfiguration, as each module can be developed and tested independently while working together to achieve overall traffic adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2912908B1Method and apparatus for dynamic change of the TDD UL/DL configuration in LTE systems
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2912908B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2912908B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2912908B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

A method is provided for communication in a wireless telecommunication system. The method comprises transmitting, by a network element, in at least one of a MAC-based component or a DCI-based component, information regarding a configuration of uplink subframes and downlink subframes in a radio frame.