Hybrid CA DC Spectrum Aggregation for 5G Coverage Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless systems face challenges in efficiently aggregating dynamic spectra across different frequency ranges, leading to costly transport interface upgrades and reduced service footprint due to downlink and uplink coverage mismatches.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid approach combining carrier aggregation (CA) and dual connectivity (DC) with a dynamic switch, allowing for a graceful transition between CA and DC modes based on user equipment (UE) location and signal quality, utilizing a radio resource control reconfiguration procedure and signal handshake between the gNB and UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If carrier aggregation is used to aggregate dynamic spectra across different frequency ranges, then spectrum utilization is improved, but transport interface upgrade costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between CA and DC connectivity modes based on UE location and signal quality conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to optimize spectrum utilization without requiring permanent transport interface upgrades, as the system only activates CA mode when conditions are favorable and reverts to DC mode otherwise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the connectivity mode based on measured signal quality and UE location. By adjusting the connectivity mode (CA or DC) as a variable parameter, the system achieves flexible spectrum aggregation while avoiding the need for fixed infrastructure upgrades.
2Area of stationary object
If dual connectivity is used to extend service footprint, then coverage is improved, but downlink and uplink coverage mismatches increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors signal quality and UE location as feedback parameters, using this information to determine when to switch between CA and DC modes. This feedback mechanism ensures that DC mode is only activated when it provides genuine coverage extension benefits without creating downlink-uplink mismatches.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectivity mode is dynamically adjusted based on real-time network conditions. When DC mode is activated, the system does so temporarily and conditionally, allowing coverage extension only in scenarios where the feedback indicates favorable conditions, thereby avoiding persistent coverage mismatches.
3Device complexity
If static connectivity mode is used, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases due to inability to adapt to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The UE autonomously measures signal quality and location parameters, and the network automatically switches connectivity modes based on these measurements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual configuration while enabling rapid adaptation to changing conditions, thereby reducing latency without burdening the device with complex management overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from signal quality and location measurements to trigger automatic mode switching. This feedback-driven approach allows the connectivity mode to adapt dynamically to changing conditions, reducing latency when needed while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
When frequency range 1 (FR1) (e.g., Sub6 Ghz radio coverage), and FR2 (e.g., mmW coverage) are present in a given area, there can be a broader coverage from FR1 broadcasting in addition to targeted coverage from FR2 broadcasting. Consequently, FR1 can overlap FR2. To generate system efficiencies, the FR1 and FR2 spectrums can be combined by carrier aggregation (CA) and/or dual connectivity (DC). Thus, a hybrid approach can combine use of both CA and DC, based on radio access network instructions and radio frequency conditions experienced by a user equipment device as it transitions between CA and DC coverage areas.