Inter-eNB Carrier Aggregation for Heterogeneous Network Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE-Advanced systems are limited in their ability to aggregate macro cells with pico cells, restricting the applicability of Carrier Aggregation (CA) functions, especially in scenarios involving multiple pico cells and micro cells, and face challenges in efficiently managing data transmission rates and Quality of Service (QoS) in heterogeneous networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inter-evolved Node B (eNB) carrier aggregation (CA) in LTE systems, allowing UE devices to simultaneously transmit/receive data over multiple carriers, with advanced methods for managing Prioritized Bit Rate (PBR), Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) buffer sizing, and semi-persistent scheduling to enhance data transmission efficiency across multiple cell groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intra-eNB carrier aggregation is implemented, then data transmission rate is improved, but applicability is reduced because macro cells and pico cells cannot be aggregated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends carrier aggregation functionality from intra-eNB to inter-eNB scenarios, enabling the same CA mechanism to work across different eNB types (macro and pico cells). This universal application allows the system to aggregate carriers from both macro and pico cells, thereby improving both data transmission rate and applicability simultaneously
2Quantity of substance
If multiple pico cells and micro cells are multiplexed, then network capacity is improved, but existing LTE-A definitions cannot aggregate macro cells with pico cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces separate configuration mechanisms for macro cell carriers and pico cell carriers within the inter-eNB CA framework. By segmenting the carrier aggregation process into distinct configuration stages (macro cell setup, then pico cell addition), the system enables aggregation of multiple cell types while maintaining network capacity improvements
3Device complexity
If carrier aggregation is limited to intra-eNB, then system complexity is reduced, but network performance in heterogeneous environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master eNB as an intermediary that coordinates carrier aggregation between macro and pico cells. The master eNB manages the CA configuration, HARQ processes, and resource allocation, thereby enabling heterogeneous network aggregation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity through centralized control
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method and a terminal for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system with technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The disclosure is applicable to intelligent services based on 5G communication and IoT-related technologies. The method is performed by a terminal and comprises determining whether a downlink transmission is indicated or a downlink assignment is configured in a subframe, and starting a round trip time, RTT, timer, based on a determination that the downlink transmission is indicated or the downlink assignment is configured for the subframe, wherein the RTT timer is set based on time division duplex, TDD, configuration information of a primary secondary cell, PSCell, of a secondary cell group, SCG, if the subframe is for a first cell included in the SCG.