Frame-Based Frequency Switching for Low-Latency NR-U Spectrum Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face inefficiencies in accessing unlicensed shared spectrum due to hidden node interference and congestion, leading to increased signaling overhead and latency, particularly in high-demand areas.
Innovation Solution
Implement opportunistic frequency switching in frame-based equipment (FBE) for New Radio (NR) unlicensed networks, utilizing offset sequences of medium sensing occasions to minimize frequency switching delay and provide frequency diversity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contention-based shared spectrum access procedures (such as RTS/CTS) are implemented, then hidden node interference is reduced, but signaling overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having Frame Based Equipment (FBE) perform medium sensing at predetermined sensing occasions before each transmission opportunity. This advance sensing allows the system to prepare for potential frequency switches without requiring complex real-time negotiation protocols, thereby reducing signaling overhead and latency while maintaining interference avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling opportunistic frequency switching where FBE can dynamically transition between different carrier frequencies based on real-time medium availability. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to avoid hidden node interference by selecting optimal frequencies without being constrained by rigid time-slots or complex signaling protocols.
2Reliability
If frequency switching is implemented for frequency diversity, then communication reliability is improved, but switching delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple carrier frequencies and their associated sensing occasions before actual transmission occurs. This advance preparation allows the system to quickly switch between frequencies without incurring significant delay, as the necessary frequency information and timing parameters are already established.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing regular sensing occasions at predetermined intervals to monitor medium availability across different frequencies. This periodic sensing creates a rhythm of detection and decision-making that enables efficient frequency switching while maintaining system reliability through consistent monitoring cycles.
3Productivity
If multiple carrier frequencies are monitored for opportunistic switching, then access efficiency to unlicensed spectrum is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the spectrum access task into separate, manageable carrier frequency channels, each with its own sensing occasions. This segmentation allows the system to monitor and manage multiple frequencies independently, improving overall access efficiency while keeping the complexity of individual frequency management contained and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a unified sensing mechanism that can operate across multiple carrier frequencies using the same fundamental principles and procedures. This universal approach allows the system to handle diverse frequency scenarios with a single standardized framework, improving productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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AI summary
Techniques providing opportunistic frequency switching for frame based equipment (FBE), such as may be configured to minimize opportunistic frequency switching delay in FBE new radio (NR) unlicensed (NR-U) networks and/or to provide frequency diversity FBE access based on offset sequences of medium sensing occasions for the carrier frequencies are disclosed. Within the FBE mode network, a base station may configure a pattern of sensing locations in each frame for each frequency transmission unit of the plurality of frequency transmission units, wherein an inter-unit delay of sensing locations between a first frequency transmission unit and a next adjacent frequency transmission unit and between a last frequency transmission unit and the first frequency transmission unit is a fixed duration. Opportunistic frequency switching of embodiments may utilize the medium sensing locations for opportunistically switching between a sequence of the frequency transmission units for implementing frequency diversity FBE access.