Hybrid Carrier Aggregation TDD Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication networks face challenges in supporting hybrid carrier aggregation due to interference caused by different Time Division Duplex (TDD) configurations between neighboring cells, which affects the uplink and downlink subframe partitions, leading to reduced network efficiency and increased interference.

Innovation Solution

A method where a base station determines a primary component carrier with a consistent uplink-downlink configuration across neighboring cells and secondary component carriers with different configurations, allowing for time-varying effective uplink-downlink subframe partitioning to minimize interference, and dynamically adjusts configurations based on traffic load and interference measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different TDD configurations are used for secondary component carriers to increase network flexibility and adaptability, then adaptability is improved, but inter-cell interference increases due to misaligned uplink-downlink subframe partitions between neighboring cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidinter-cell interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TDD configuration where the base station can adjust uplink-downlink subframe partitions for secondary component carriers based on real-time traffic conditions. The configuration is not static but adapts dynamically while maintaining coordination with neighboring cells to prevent interference, allowing the system to optimize for varying traffic loads without causing persistent interference issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors traffic conditions, interference levels, and configuration effectiveness. Based on this feedback, the base station adjusts TDD configurations for secondary component carriers, creating a closed-loop control system that balances adaptability with interference mitigation through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If time-varying effective uplink-downlink subframe partitioning is implemented for hybrid carrier aggregation, then network efficiency is improved through flexible resource allocation, but system complexity increases due to coordination requirements between serving and neighboring cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the carrier aggregation into primary component carriers with static TDD configurations and secondary component carriers with dynamic configurations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve flexibility where needed while maintaining simplicity and coordination ease for critical carriers, thereby improving network efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different TDD configuration strategies are applied to different component carriers based on local requirements. Primary component carriers use consistent configurations for reliability and simplicity, while secondary component carriers use time-varying configurations for flexibility and efficiency. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between efficiency and complexity for each carrier type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2898622B1Method and apparatus for supporting hybrid carrier aggregation
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2898622B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2898622B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2898622B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus, e.g., base station, determines a plurality of component carriers configured for a user equipment (UE) served by the apparatus. The plurality of component carriers includes a primary component carrier and a secondary component carrier. The primary component carrier may be a time division duplex (TDD) carrier having a same uplink:downlink configuration as a first cell at a neighboring base station, and the secondary component carrier may be a TDD carrier having a different uplink:downlink configuration as a second cell at the neighboring base station. The apparatus exchanges data with the UE according to an effective uplink-downlink subframe partition of the configured component carriers. The effective uplink-downlink subframe partition may be time varying and the apparatus may operate to limit interference due to the different TDD configurations at the serving and neighbor cells.