Inter-RAT Resource Coordination via Central Unit Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions lack effective methods for inter-RAT radio resource sharing, particularly in scenarios where base stations with different radio access technologies (RATs) have overlapping coverage areas and varying internal logical structures, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and potential interference.
Innovation Solution
A method where a central unit (CU) coordinates resource allocation between network nodes adapting different RATs by aggregating resource allocations from distributed units (DUs) and exchanging information with neighboring nodes to avoid resource conflicts, enabling efficient inter-RAT resource sharing and partitioning resources as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If base stations of different RATs are deployed in shared spectrum scenarios with overlapping coverage areas, then spectrum sharing efficiency is improved, but resource allocation coordination becomes complex and interference management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism where base stations of different RATs exchange resource allocation information through defined interfaces. This intermediary communication system enables centralized or distributed coordination of resource allocation, allowing spectrum sharing while managing the complexity through standardized protocols and message exchanges between gNBs and eNBs.
2Productivity
If base stations of different RATs share resources in overlapping coverage areas, then resource utilization is optimized, but interference between RATs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where base stations monitor resource allocation status and interference levels, then adjust their resource allocation decisions accordingly. Through repeated exchange of resource allocation information and coordination messages, the system dynamically adapts to minimize interference while maintaining high resource utilization in shared spectrum scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination mechanism performs preliminary resource allocation coordination before actual data transmission. By exchanging resource allocation information in advance and establishing coordinated resource usage patterns, the system prevents interference before it occurs, allowing both RATs to operate efficiently in overlapping coverage areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inter-RAT resource sharing is implemented without standardized coordination methods, then deployment flexibility is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines universal coordination mechanisms and standardized message formats that can be applied across different RAT combinations (e.g., NR-LTE, NR-UMTS). This universal approach maintains deployment flexibility while improving resource allocation efficiency through consistent coordination protocols that work across multiple technology scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for resource sharing comprises receiving, from a first network node adapting a first radio access technology (RAT), a resource coordination message which indicates a first cell served by the first network node; coordinating, at a second network node adapting a second RAT, at least one resource allocation for at least one second cell served by the second network node based on the resource coordination message; aggregating, at the second network node, the at least one resource allocation into a resource allocation message; and forwarding, to the first network node, the resource allocation message. The method provides a central unit of a network node to perform a resource coordination between the network nodes adapting different RAT.