Hybrid RAN Scheduling for Shared 4G LTE and 5G NR Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular network operators face challenges in dynamically supporting the coexistence of 4G LTE and 5G NR devices using the same radio spectrum, as they transition from 4G LTE to 5G NR communications, without separate radio spectrum reserved for 5G NR devices.
Innovation Solution
A system with a hybrid RAN scheduler that integrates 4G and 5G schedulers to manage resource allocation based on channel state information and buffer status, determining fair scores for each technology to efficiently share resources across both networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate radio spectrum is reserved for 5G NR devices, then 5G NR network performance is improved, but radio spectrum resources are wasted and network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 4G LTE and 5G NR networks onto a shared radio spectrum carrier, allowing both technologies to coexist and share resources dynamically. The base station is configured to support both 4G and 5G networks simultaneously on the same frequency resources, eliminating the need for separate dedicated spectrum allocations.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station is designed with multi-functionality to support both 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies on the same radio spectrum. The system can dynamically allocate resources to serve different technology types and service requirements using a universal shared carrier, maximizing resource utilization efficiency.
2Productivity
If dynamic resource allocation is implemented for coexistence of 4G and 5G, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but scheduling complexity and computation overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station continuously adjusts resource distribution between 4G and 5G networks based on real-time network conditions, service requirements, and traffic demands. The system can flexibly reconfigure time-frequency resources dynamically rather than using static allocation schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors network status, channel conditions, and service performance, then uses this information to make informed scheduling decisions. The dynamic allocation is driven by feedback from the network environment to optimize resource utilization while managing complexity through adaptive control.
3Productivity
If multiple radio technologies share the same carrier, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but interference between technologies increases and signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared radio spectrum carrier into distinct time-frequency resources that are dynamically allocated to different radio technologies. By dividing the carrier into separate resource blocks and time slots, the system can serve 4G and 5G devices simultaneously while minimizing mutual interference through orthogonal resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic time-division multiplexing where different radio technologies are allocated specific time slots within a periodic frame structure. This periodic allocation allows 4G and 5G signals to share the carrier in a structured manner, reducing interference while maintaining high spectrum utilization efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for resource sharing between at least a first radio access network (RAN) and a second RAN may include at least one base station and a resource manager corresponding to the at least one base station. The resource manager may determine whether to allocate at least one future slot of a radio frame of the common carrier as a first RAN slot or a second RAN slot based on received RAN resource utilization information corresponding to a current slot of the radio frame of the common carrier, or active connection information corresponding to active RAN connections served by the base station; generate RAN resource allocation information corresponding to the at least one future slot based on results of the determining, and transmit the RAN resource allocation information to at least one RAN scheduler corresponding to the base station.