Inter-eNB Carrier Aggregation via Dedicated PUCCH

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LTE-A systems are limited to intra-eNB carrier aggregation, which restricts bandwidth scalability and system throughput, and do not support efficient inter-eNB communication for high-speed data transmission.

Innovation Solution

Implementing inter-eNB carrier aggregation methods that allow multiple base stations to share a common uplink frequency for transmitting and receiving physical data and control channels, enabling broader bandwidth and improved peak data rates through carrier aggregation configuration and power control mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If intra-eNB carrier aggregation is used, then system compatibility with legacy LTE is maintained, but bandwidth scalability and system throughput are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth scalabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the carrier aggregation function by introducing a dedicated control channel (PUCCH) for inter-eNB communication, separating control signaling from data transmission. This allows the system to maintain legacy LTE compatibility while enabling advanced inter-eNB carrier aggregation for enhanced bandwidth scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new intermediary control channel (PUCCH - Physical Uplink Control Channel for inter-eNB communication) that mediates between multiple eNBs. This dedicated control channel enables coordinated carrier aggregation across different eNBs while maintaining system manageability and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If inter-eNB carrier aggregation is implemented, then peak data rate and system throughput are enhanced, but control channel transmission complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem throughputVSAvoidcontrol channel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments control information transmission by dedicatedating a specific channel (PUCCH) for inter-eNB control signals, separating it from data channels. This segmentation simplifies the overall control mechanism by providing a dedicated pathway for coordination between eNBs, enabling enhanced throughput without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The PUCCH channel serves multiple functions: it transmits control information for carrier aggregation, manages power control, and coordinates resource allocation across multiple eNBs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated channels, thereby enhancing system throughput while controlling complexity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple base stations share common uplink frequency, then bandwidth is expanded for high-speed data transmission, but interference between base stations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth expansionVSAvoidinter-base station interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling different eNBs to operate with different power levels and transmission characteristics on the shared uplink frequency. Each eNB can adjust its transmission parameters locally based on its specific conditions, allowing bandwidth expansion while managing interference through differentiated local operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where eNBs transmit control information about their transmission status and interference levels. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters, allowing the system to expand bandwidth while continuously monitoring and mitigating inter-base station interference through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2670202B1Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving physical channels in communication system supporting carrier aggregation
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2670202B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2670202B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2670202B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A physical channel transmission method using inter-eNB carrier aggregation is provided for improvement of peak data rate and system throughput in a wireless communication system. The physical channel transmission method of a terminal in a communication system supporting carrier aggregation includes receiving carrier aggregation configuration information from a network; aggregating a plurality of carriers according to the carrier aggregation configuration information; and transmitting an uplink control channel on a common uplink frequency on which a plurality of base stations join the carrier aggregation.