Heterogeneous Carrier Aggregation Protocol Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks face challenges in integrating heterogeneous wireless communication technologies to provide wider bandwidth and higher data rates, as they often require complex enhancements to maintain compatibility and efficiency across different communication mediums.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a communication method that aggregates heterogeneous component carriers, such as radio, optical, and acoustic carriers, at the Layer 2 protocol stack or below, allowing for simultaneous use of multiple carriers to increase bandwidth, with base stations and user equipment capable of configuring and switching between different communication technologies based on availability and user capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If heterogeneous component carriers (radio, optical, acoustic) are aggregated to provide wider bandwidth and higher data rates, then communication performance is improved, but system complexity increases due to integration challenges across different communication mediums

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heterogeneous carrier aggregation problem by introducing separate protocol stacks for each carrier type (radio, optical, acoustic) while maintaining a common upper-layer architecture. Each carrier type has its own Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols tailored to its specific characteristics, allowing independent optimization without forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling high data rates through multiple specialized carriers while managing complexity through modular, carrier-specific protocol design rather than a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If multiple heterogeneous carriers are integrated simultaneously, then bandwidth is increased, but compatibility maintenance across different communication technologies becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality through a common Layer 1 (physical layer) architecture that can handle multiple carrier types (radio, optical, acoustic) through a unified interface and resource management mechanism. The Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols are designed to be carrier-agnostic, providing universal functionality that works across all carrier types. This multi-functionality approach enables the system to aggregate diverse carriers for increased bandwidth while maintaining compatibility through a universal control plane that adapts to each carrier's specific requirements without requiring separate management systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If extensive network upgrades are implemented to support heterogeneous carrier aggregation, then communication performance is enhanced, but deployment cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoiddeployment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamics by enabling flexible, on-demand configuration of heterogeneous carriers based on network conditions, user requirements, and available resources. The system can dynamically activate or deactivate specific carrier types (radio, optical, acoustic) and adjust their parameters without requiring permanent, rigid network infrastructure changes. This dynamic approach enhances communication performance by optimizing carrier usage in real-time while reducing deployment complexity by allowing gradual, selective implementation rather than requiring comprehensive upfront network upgrades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2563088B1Communication method for aggregation of heterogeneous component carriers and wireless terminal communication device and wireless communication base station using the same
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 IND TECH RES INST
  • EP2563088B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2563088B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2563088B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Communication methods for aggregation of heterogeneous component carriers and communication devices and wireless communication stations using the same methods are proposed. In one embodiment, the proposed communication method is adapted to a wireless communication station and includes aggregating physical channel resources respectively corresponding to heterogeneous access technologies in a Layer 2 or below the Layer 2 in a protocol stack; and communicating with at least one wireless terminal communication device through the physical channel resources respectively corresponding to the heterogeneous access technologies, wherein the physical channel resources respectively corresponding to heterogeneous access technologies are heterogeneous component carriers. The physical channel resources may be heterogeneous component carriers, such as radio component carrier(s), optical component carrier(s), and/or acoustic component carrier(s).