Group Message Carrier Aggregation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication networks face challenges in efficiently controlling carrier aggregation across different spectra to avoid interference with primary users and maximize transmission capacity, particularly when secondary spectrum usage is involved.
Innovation Solution
A method using a network-based aggregation controller to allocate component carriers from a primary spectrum to mobile terminals, allowing them to switch to secondary spectrum carriers upon detecting primary user activity, through a group message mechanism that coordinates the deactivation of secondary spectrum usage among a group of terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If component carriers from secondary spectrum are allocated to mobile terminals to increase transmission capacity, then network capacity is improved, but interference with primary users may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spectrum sensor as an intermediary device that monitors the secondary spectrum for primary user activity. The sensor acts as a mediator between the mobile terminal and the secondary spectrum, detecting when primary users are present and triggering deactivation of secondary carriers before interference occurs. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to safely exploit secondary spectrum resources while protecting primary users from harmful interference.
2Productivity
If secondary spectrum carriers are used opportunistically to maximize capacity, then network productivity is improved, but quick switching capability is required when primary users become active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having mobile terminals pre-configure both primary and secondary component carriers before they are needed. The terminals maintain readiness to switch by having alternative carriers prepared in advance. When the spectrum sensor detects primary user activity, the system can immediately activate pre-configured primary carriers without delay, achieving rapid switching while maintaining continuous service.
3Measurement precision
If individual control messages are sent to each mobile terminal for carrier deactivation, then control precision is maintained, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual control operations into a group-based approach. When primary user activity is detected, the system sends a single group control message that applies to multiple mobile terminals simultaneously. This consolidated messaging mechanism maintains precise control over carrier deactivation for all affected terminals while dramatically reducing the number of individual signaling transactions required, thereby lowering overall signaling overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile communication system includes a network based aggregation controller (110) for controlling aggregation of component carriers (32, 42, 52) from a first spectrum (30) and a second spectrum (40, 50). In addition, the mobile communication system includes a group of mobile terminals (10-1, 10-2). The network based aggregation controller (110) is configured to send a group message on at least one component carrier (32) of the first spectrum (30) to the group of mobile terminals (10-1, 10-2). The mobile terminals (10-1, 10-2) receive the group message. A terminal based aggregation controller (11) in each of the mobile terminals (10-1, 10-2) is configured to control operation of the respective mobile terminal (10-1, 10-2) with respect to the at least one component carrier (42, 52) of the second spectrum (40, 50). This control is accomplished in response to the received group message.