Flexible Duplex Signaling for Wireless Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing available network resources, particularly in managing duplexing to balance uplink and downlink traffic, leading to potential interference and reduced performance in congested networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing flexible duplexing by using Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) to separate uplink and downlink frequency bands and dynamically switching to Time Division Duplexing (TDD) based on traffic demands, allowing for allocation of uplink subframes for downlink communications and vice versa, with indicators and configurations transmitted to user equipment (UE) to manage subframes effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If uplink resources are utilized for scheduling downlink traffic, then network resource utilization is improved, but uplink transmissions such as HARQ feedback and CSI may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoiduplink transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between FDD and TDD modes based on traffic conditions. When downlink traffic is heavy, the system activates flexible duplexing to allow downlink transmissions in uplink frequency bands, thereby improving network resource utilization while maintaining uplink transmission reliability through dynamic adaptation rather than static allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the frequency bands by transitioning from fixed FDD allocation to flexible TDD allocation. This allows the same frequency band to serve different purposes (uplink or downlink) at different times, optimizing resource utilization while preventing loss of critical uplink transmissions through intelligent parameter management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If FDD is used to separate uplink and downlink frequency bands, then interference between uplink and downlink is reduced, but network resource utilization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between uplink and downlinkVSAvoidnetwork resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system makes frequency bands universal by allowing them to serve both uplink and downlink functions depending on traffic conditions. The same frequency band can operate as uplink in FDD mode or switch to downlink in TDD mode, eliminating the need for dedicated separate bands and thereby improving network resource utilization while maintaining interference isolation through proper mode management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If TDD is implemented on uplink frequency band, then bandwidth allocation is improved, but compatibility with legacy UEs must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth allocation flexibilityVSAvoidcompatibility management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the frequency band into different operational modes (FDD and TDD) that can be activated based on UE capability. Legacy UEs operate in FDD mode while advanced UEs can utilize TDD mode, allowing the system to provide enhanced bandwidth allocation flexibility without compromising compatibility with legacy devices through differentiated service delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3266264B1Control signaling for flexible duplex in wireless communications
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3266264B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3266264B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3266264B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects described herein generally relate to communicating between a user equipment (UE) and a cell using frequency division duplexing (FDD) to separate an uplink frequency band and a downlink frequency band with the cell. An indicator can be transmitted from the cell and received by the UE to implement time division duplexing (TDD) on the uplink frequency band. Based at least in part on the indicator, communicating between the UE and the cell can include separating the uplink frequency band into a plurality of downlink subframes for receiving downlink communications from the cell and a plurality of uplink subframes for transmitting uplink communications to the cell.