HARQ Process Quantity Indication for TDD Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the LTE TDD system, the introduction of advanced functional characteristics such as carrier aggregation and TDD sub-frame configuration dynamic reconfiguration leads to inconsistencies in HARQ timing relationships and process quantities between base stations and user equipment, causing errors in soft buffer size division and communication errors due to the inability to support HARQ timing relationships corresponding to sub-frame configurations notified through SIB1.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sending first and second HARQ process quantity indication information to user equipment, allowing the base station and user equipment to determine and use appropriate HARQ process quantities for data transmission, even when the timing relationships differ from those defined by the sub-frame configuration notified through SIB1, thereby supporting advanced functional characteristics like TDD sub-frame configuration dynamic reconfiguration, aggregation of TDD carriers with different sub-frame configurations, and aggregation of FDD and TDD carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If carrier aggregation and TDD sub-frame configuration dynamic reconfiguration are introduced, then service flexibility and adaptability are improved, but HARQ timing relationship consistency between base station and user equipment deteriorates, causing communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the HARQ process quantity indication into two separate indication mechanisms: first indication information for basic HARQ processes and second indication information for additional HARQ processes. This segmentation allows the system to independently configure different HARQ process quantities for different carriers or service types, enabling carrier aggregation and dynamic reconfiguration while maintaining proper timing relationships through separate control signaling for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic HARQ process quantity configuration by allowing the base station to send second HARQ process quantity indication information that can dynamically adjust the number of HARQ processes based on current network conditions, carrier aggregation status, and service requirements. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing configurations while maintaining consistent timing relationships through updated indication signaling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sub-frame configurations are used for advanced functional characteristics, then adaptability is improved, but understanding consistency between base station and user equipment on HARQ process quantity deteriorates, causing soft buffer size division errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station sends HARQ process quantity indication information to the user equipment, and the user equipment acknowledges receipt and understanding of this information. This feedback loop ensures that both sides have consistent understanding of the HARQ process quantity and corresponding soft buffer size division, even when multiple sub-frame configurations are used for different carriers or services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses HARQ process quantity indication information as an intermediary signaling mechanism that mediates between the base station's configuration decisions and the user equipment's buffer allocation. This intermediary signaling ensures that both parties operate with consistent understanding of the HARQ process quantities, preventing soft buffer size division errors even when multiple sub-frame configurations are employed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If HARQ timing relationship is changed to support new functional characteristics, then service adaptability is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to inconsistent timing understanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the base station send HARQ process quantity indication information and timing relationship configuration to the user equipment before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that both sides have consistent understanding of the timing relationships and process quantities before communication starts, preventing errors even when using non-standard timing relationships for advanced features.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a wireless communication method supporting hybrid automatic repeat request. The method includes: sending first hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process quantity indication information to a user equipment UE; and if second HARQ process quantity indication information is further sent to the UE, determining a second HARQ process quantity according to the second HARQ process quantity indication information, and performing data transmission with the UE according to the determined second HARQ process quantity. Correspondingly, the present invention further provides a base station and the user equipment. In the present invention, the base station and the user equipment can perform data communication with the UE based on different HARQ timing relationships and HARQ process quantities, thereby being capable of better supporting UEs adopting different functional characteristics.