LTE-A Component Carrier Camping Priority via RRC Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE-A systems, load balancing across component carriers is challenging due to all UEs tend to camp on the same carrier, leading to unbalanced UL load and RACH congestion, as existing methods lack specific control over UE camping on different carriers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating LTE-A CCs into existing inter-frequency neighbor information in System Information Block (SIB) with priority information, allowing LTE-A UEs to camp on highest priority carriers while maintaining backwards compatibility with Rel-8 UEs, ensuring even distribution of UEs across carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all UEs camp on the same carrier frequency, then the camping procedure is simple, but the uplink load becomes unbalanced and RACH congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different priority values to different component carriers, creating local quality differences in carrier characteristics. LTE-A UEs receive dedicated priority information through RRC signaling that directs them to specific carriers, while Rel-8 UEs use broadcast priorities. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by guiding UEs to distribute across carriers based on their capabilities and network conditions, preventing RACH congestion while maintaining simple camping procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the priority parameter assignment mechanism from uniform broadcast priorities to differentiated priorities based on UE type. LTE-A UEs are assigned higher priorities on specific component carriers through dedicated RRC signaling, while Rel-8 UEs continue using broadcast priorities. This parameter change enables load balancing across carriers without complicating the overall camping procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If priority information is broadcast for all carriers, then Rel-8 UEs can camp correctly, but LTE-A UEs cannot be specifically directed to particular carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the priority information mechanism into two distinct channels: broadcast priorities for Rel-8 UEs and dedicated RRC signaling priorities for LTE-A UEs. This segmentation allows each UE type to receive appropriate priority information through its designated channel, enabling both backward compatibility and specific carrier direction for LTE-A UEs without interference between the two mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The priority information system serves multiple functions simultaneously: broadcast priorities provide universal compatibility with Rel-8 UEs, while dedicated RRC signaling provides enhanced control for LTE-A UEs. The system universally supports both UE types through a multi-functional approach where the same priority concept operates at different levels of detail and delivery mechanisms.
3Productivity
If dedicated priority signaling is implemented for LTE-A UEs, then carrier distribution is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic priority assignment where LTE-A UEs receive updated priority information through RRC signaling based on current network conditions and UE capabilities. This dynamic mechanism allows the network to adaptively distribute UEs across carriers, improving load distribution while the complexity is managed through existing RRC signaling frameworks that are already part of the LTE protocol stack.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as described herein, there is at least a method, apparatus, and a computer program code to receive signaling from an access node of a wireless network that uses component carrier aggregation, the signaling including an identification of a plurality of component carriers and a priority associated with individual ones of the component carriers, and select one of the component carriers to camp on when in an idle mode. Further, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention, there is transmitting signaling from an access node of a wireless network that uses component carrier aggregation, the signaling including an identification of a plurality of component carriers and a priority associated with individual ones of the component carriers, and receiving a random access channel corresponding to a component carrier selected by a user equipment in accordance with the transmitted signaling.