Licensed Spectrum Control for Unlicensed Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unlicensed spectrum in wireless communications is often congested, leading to unreliable and slow data transmission, while the licensed spectrum, though reliable, has narrower bandwidth and higher latency, making it inefficient for large data transfers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow the use of a licensed spectrum to transmit control signals based on information from unlicensed spectrum signals, enabling efficient data transfer by switching to the licensed spectrum during congestion, thereby reducing latency and increasing power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the unlicensed spectrum is used for data transmission, then the bandwidth and data transfer capability are improved, but the reliability and transmission stability deteriorate due to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functions by separating control signal transmission from data transmission. Control signals are transmitted through the licensed spectrum while data is transmitted through the unlicensed spectrum, allowing each to operate in its optimal environment without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
The licensed spectrum acts as an intermediary channel for control signals that coordinates and manages the data transmission over the unlicensed spectrum. This mediator ensures reliable control even when the data channel experiences congestion
2Reliability
If the licensed spectrum is used for data transmission, then the reliability and transmission stability are improved, but the bandwidth and data transfer speed deteriorate due to narrower frequency range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides communication functions into control and data components, assigning control to the reliable licensed spectrum and data to the high-capacity unlicensed spectrum, optimizing both functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the frequency spectrum dimension by operating on two different spectrum bands simultaneously, allowing control and data transmissions to occur in parallel without competing for the same bandwidth resources
3Productivity
If the unlicensed spectrum is used for control signals, then the bandwidth availability is improved, but the latency and response time worsen due to congestion and contention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates control signaling from data transmission, allocating control signals to the licensed spectrum which provides guaranteed access and minimal latency, while reserving the unlicensed spectrum for data transfers
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus of using a licensed spectrum to transmit a signal when an unlicensed spectrum is congested are disclosed. One method includes receiving, at a first mobile device, a request signal from a second mobile device, receiving, at the first mobile device, a remote signal from one or more mobile devices using the unlicensed spectrum, and transmitting a control signal from the first mobile device to the second mobile device using the licensed spectrum, the control signal being based on the remote signal. The control signal carries control information that is based on at least one of a time at which the second mobile device sends a signal to the first mobile device or the received powers of the remote signal and the request signal.