Dynamic Uplink Downlink Scheduling for Unlicensed Spectrum
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE using LAA, face inefficiencies in uplink/downlink resource usage due to rigid TDD configurations that fail to adapt to varying regulatory requirements across different regions, and lack flexibility in channel access mechanisms, leading to suboptimal performance in unlicensed spectrum utilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus and method for uplink/downlink scheduling that determines schedules without predefined split patterns, reserves gaps for clear channel assessment, and uses listen before talk operations to dynamically adjust timing and subframe configurations, allowing for flexible channel access and efficient resource allocation based on traffic demands and quality of service requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If predefined TDD UL/DL configurations are used, then UL/DL multiplexing is facilitated, but flexibility to adapt to different regulatory requirements and traffic conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic TDD configuration where the eNB can flexibly adjust UL/DL subframe assignments based on real-time traffic conditions and regulatory requirements. Instead of fixed predefined configurations, the system dynamically determines which subframes are allocated for uplink or downlink transmission, allowing adaptation to varying channel access mechanisms (FBE or LBE) and traffic demands while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of TDD configuration from fixed predefined patterns to dynamically adjustable subframe assignments. The eNB can modify the UL/DL configuration parameters based on channel access success, traffic load, and regulatory constraints, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring completely different configuration schemes
2Reliability
If FBE channel access mechanism is used for LAA UL, then LTE UL framework compliance and UL multiplexing are achieved, but channel access probability compared to LBE is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel access mechanism by application: FBE is used specifically for uplink transmissions to ensure LTE framework compliance and reliable UL multiplexing, while LBE can be used for downlink transmissions where higher channel access probability is beneficial. This segmentation allows each direction to use the most appropriate mechanism for its requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The eNB acts as an intermediary that coordinates between different channel access mechanisms (FBE for UL, LBE for DL) and different TDD configurations. It receives UL grant messages, determines appropriate channel access mechanisms based on traffic conditions and regulatory requirements, and schedules UL transmissions accordingly, bridging the gap between different access mechanisms and UL/DL multiplexing requirements
3Productivity
If LBE channel access mechanism is used for LAA DL, then channel access probability is improved, but predictability and compatibility with TDD configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation where the eNB can switch between FBE and LBE channel access mechanisms for downlink transmissions based on real-time conditions. When LBE is used to improve channel access probability, the system dynamically adjusts TDD configuration parameters to maintain compatibility, ensuring that UL/DL multiplexing continues to function correctly despite the dynamic nature of LBE
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for uplink/downlink scheduling. One apparatus includes a processor and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The code, in various embodiments, determines an uplink schedule for data to be transmitted from a user equipment. In a further embodiment, the code determines a downlink schedule for data to be provided to the user equipment. The apparatus may include a transmitter that provides an uplink grant message to the user equipment to initiate an uplink transmission based on the uplink schedule. In certain embodiments, the uplink schedule and the downlink schedule are determined without using a predefined split pattern for uplink and downlink transmission.