eNB Multicast Channel Vacate for Unlicensed Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communication networks, especially those using Carrier Aggregation (CA) of licensed and unlicensed frequency bands, interference from uncoordinated networks poses a challenge, particularly for large groups of mobile devices, where existing methods struggle to effectively mitigate interference and maintain network performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where an Evolved Node-B (eNB) receives interference indicators from User Equipments (UEs) on a licensed frequency band and transmits a multicast vacate channel control message to instruct UEs to vacate unlicensed channels experiencing significant interference, using a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) data blocks, to manage interference and maintain network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If unlicensed frequency bands are used to increase network capacity, then available bandwidth and throughput are improved, but interference from uncoordinated networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report interference indicators to the eNB, which then makes informed decisions about channel allocation and vacating based on actual interference conditions observed in the network
Solution Approach 2:
The eNB acts as an intermediary that receives interference reports from UEs, processes this information, and coordinates channel vacating decisions to mitigate interference from uncoordinated networks while maintaining licensed band communication
2Object-affected harmful factors
If individual control messages are sent to each UE to vacate unlicensed channels, then interference mitigation is achieved, but signaling overhead increases significantly for large groups of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual control messages into a single multicast control message that can be received by multiple UEs simultaneously, thereby reducing signaling overhead while still achieving interference mitigation across large groups of devices
Solution Approach 2:
The multicast control message serves multiple UEs with the same interference condition simultaneously, making the control mechanism universal for groups of devices rather than requiring individualized messages for each UE
3Productivity
If UEs remain on unlicensed channels during high interference periods, then channel utilization is maintained, but network performance deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts channel allocation based on real-time interference conditions, allowing UEs to vacate unlicensed channels when interference exceeds thresholds and return when conditions improve, optimizing the balance between channel utilization and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The eNB changes operational parameters by sending control messages that instruct UEs to vacate channels based on interference indicator thresholds, thereby adapting network behavior to current interference conditions and maintaining performance
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an Evolved Node-B (eNB) to support Carrier Aggregation (CA) of a licensed frequency band and an unlicensed frequency band are disclosed herein. The eNB may transmit traffic packets on an unlicensed channel in the unlicensed frequency band to one or more User Equipments (UEs) assigned to the unlicensed channel. The eNB may receive, on the licensed frequency band, interference indicators for the unlicensed channel from at least a portion of the UEs assigned to the unlicensed channel. In addition, the eNB may transmit, on the licensed frequency band, a multicast vacate channel control message for the unlicensed channel. The message may be for reception at one or more of the UEs assigned to the unlicensed channel.