Flexible Spectrum Aggregation Resource Allocation in LTE-A
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems, such as LTE, face challenges in flexible resource allocation as they are limited by fixed bandwidth configurations and lack efficient methods to adapt to varying spectrum aggregation forms, especially in future systems like LTE-A that support wider bandwidths through carrier aggregation and spectrum sharing, leading to inefficient resource utilization and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for flexible resource allocation that identifies and notifies User Equipment (UE) of available spectrum aggregating modes and corresponding resource allocation information using multiple control channels, allowing for dynamic adaptation of resource allocation based on UE capabilities, service demands, and network conditions, enabling free spectrum aggregation and reducing the limitations of fixed bandwidth configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed bandwidth configurations and traditional resource allocation types (0, 1, 2) are used, then resource allocation is simple and compatible with existing protocols, but flexibility in adapting to varying spectrum aggregation forms and wider bandwidths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation by allowing the network to flexibly configure bandwidth parts (BWPs) and spectrum aggregation modes based on varying service demands and network conditions. The resource allocation is no longer fixed but adapts dynamically through network-controlled configuration of multiple BWPs with different bandwidths and frequency positions, enabling the system to respond to changing requirements without rigid reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of resource allocation including bandwidth size, frequency position, and subcarrier spacing by configuring multiple BWPs with different parameter sets. The network can switch between different BWP configurations and spectrum aggregation modes (contiguous, non-contiguous, interleaved) by modifying these parameters, thereby achieving flexible adaptation to various service requirements and spectrum conditions without changing the underlying allocation framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control channels are used to notify UE of spectrum aggregating modes and resource allocation information, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but control signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) as a universal control channel that serves multiple functions: conveying resource allocation information, indicating spectrum aggregation modes, and notifying BWP configurations. By making the PDCCH multi-functional and capable of carrying diverse control information through flexible DCI formats, the system reduces the need for separate dedicated control channels for each function, thereby managing signaling overhead while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments control information into different fields within the Downlink Control Information (DCI) format, including bandwidth part indicator fields, resource allocation fields, and spectrum aggregation mode indicators. This segmentation allows efficient packing of multiple control elements into a unified control message structure, reducing redundant signaling and optimizing the use of control channel resources while providing comprehensive control capabilities.
3Productivity
If traditional resource allocation types (0, 1, 2) are used with fixed bandwidth, then resource allocation is efficient within limited bandwidth, but resource utilization becomes inefficient when spectrum aggregation forms vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes resource allocation dynamic by configuring multiple Bandwidth Parts (BWPs) with different bandwidth sizes, frequency positions, and subcarrier spacings. The network can activate different BWP combinations based on service demands and spectrum availability, allowing resource allocation to adapt dynamically to varying spectrum aggregation forms (contiguous, non-contiguous, interleaved) rather than being constrained by fixed bandwidth configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves efficient resource utilization across varied spectrum aggregation forms by changing key parameters including bandwidth part identifiers, frequency domain resource allocation patterns, and subcarrier spacing configurations. These parameter changes enable the same resource allocation mechanism to efficiently handle different spectrum aggregation scenarios by adjusting the underlying parameters rather than requiring fundamentally different allocation schemes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A resource allocation method, a system, and a device are provided, so that flexible resource allocation is achieved. The resource allocation method includes the following steps. A spectrum aggregating mode available for User Equipment (UE) in a period of time and a concrete definition method of each spectrum aggregating mode are sent to the UE, so that changes of UE abilities, services, and a load of each carrier may be adapted. The number of the times of blind detection of a control channel can be reduced by a combination of several carrier aggregating modes which may be used and notified by a semi-static signaling and carrier aggregating mode identification and concrete resource allocation information indicated by a dynamic control channel.