Functional Split for Multi-Node Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently managing downlink data transmission from multiple nodes to a user equipment (UE) in heterogeneous networks, particularly when macro and pico nodes operate on different frequencies, and there is a need for a standardized solution that can work across different vendors.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an architectural functional-split for LTE that utilizes LTE carrier aggregation (CA) functionality to split data streams across multiple component carriers, allowing simultaneous downlink data transmission from macro and pico nodes to a UE, with the master node handling RRC and PDCP functions and the slave node handling MAC and HARQ functions, facilitating data transmission via separate component carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transmission is managed from a single node, then system complexity is reduced, but data transmission rate and bandwidth utilization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission system into multiple independent nodes (master node and slave nodes), each capable of transmitting data on separate component carriers. This segmentation allows parallel data transmission paths, increasing overall throughput while distributing system complexity across multiple manageable nodes rather than requiring a single complex centralized system
2Productivity
If multiple nodes transmit data simultaneously to a UE, then bandwidth utilization increases, but coordination complexity and interference management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism where one node acts as a master node that coordinates with slave nodes. The master node manages the overall transmission strategy, resource allocation, and interference management, while slave nodes execute specific transmission tasks. This intermediary coordination role simplifies multi-node cooperation by providing a centralized control point without requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination among all nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes frequency dimension by assigning different component carriers to different nodes. The master node transmits on one set of component carriers while slave nodes transmit on other component carriers, effectively adding frequency as a new dimension for data transmission. This dimensional separation reduces coordination complexity by allowing independent frequency resource management while still achieving simultaneous multi-node transmission
3Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized solution is implemented across different vendors, then interoperability improves, but flexibility in optimizing for specific network configurations may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines a universal functional framework where nodes can operate in different roles (master or slave) based on configuration. The same node type can function as a master node in one scenario and as a slave node in another, providing multi-functionality. This universal design enables interoperability across different vendors while maintaining the ability to optimize specific configurations through role assignment and parameter adjustment within the standardized framework
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is described which comprises a network interface configured to receive and/or send data for a user eguipment from and/or to a network, a processor configured to control a split of the data for at least two component carriers, and a transceiver unit configured to perform a downlink and/or uplink transmission with a user equipment via at least a first one of the at least two component carriers, wherein the processor is configured to send and/or receive the data of at least a second one of the at least two component carriers to and/or from a slave network node.