HARQ Reference Subframe Configuration for Uplink Downlink Timing

The patent introduces a reference subframe configuration as an intermediary framework that mediates between dynamic subframe configurations of multiple cells. This reference configuration provides a common timing baseline for HARQ operations, allowing dynamic adaptations while maintaining synchronized ACK/NAK feedback timing across cells, thereby preventing HARQ conflicts and ensuring reliable operations

The patent applies local quality by allowing each cell to maintain its own dynamic subframe configuration optimized for local traffic conditions, while simultaneously referencing a common reference subframe configuration for HARQ timing. This enables local optimization without sacrificing global coordination, reducing timing management complexity through the reference framework

The patent implements dynamics by allowing the system to operate with both static reference subframe configurations for HARQ timing and dynamic actual subframe configurations for traffic adaptation. The reference configuration remains stable to ensure reliable HARQ operations, while the actual configurations can dynamically adapt to traffic demands, achieving both reliability and flexibility

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing reference subframe configurations in advance that predefine HARQ timing relationships. This preliminary framework ensures that ACK/NAK transmission opportunities are pre-coordinated across cells, preventing missed transmissions and reducing the need for additional control signaling to manage timing conflicts