Controlled TX Deferring in LTE-A Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE Advanced networks, uplink carrier aggregation using unlicensed frequency bands faces challenges due to significant interference, requiring an efficient method for controlled transmission deferring to manage interference and ensure reliable data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transmission deferring in carrier aggregation systems, where a connection is established between UE and eNB using licensed and unlicensed frequency bands, with a transmission deferring indication generated if interference exceeds a threshold on an unlicensed component carrier, leading to data transmission deactivation and potential re-routing to another carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transmission is performed on unlicensed component carriers in carrier aggregation, then data rate and spectral efficiency are improved, but interference from other radio access technologies increases and transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sensing of the unlicensed band to detect occupancy by other radio access technologies before initiating data transmission. This advance detection allows the system to prepare appropriate responses (deferring transmission or switching carriers) before interference occurs, thereby maintaining transmission reliability while enabling high data rates when conditions permit
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters based on real-time channel conditions. When interference is detected on unlicensed carriers, the system can defer transmission temporarily or switch to alternative carriers, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that maintains reliability while maximizing productivity when the unlicensed spectrum is available
2Reliability
If transmission deferring is implemented to manage interference on unlicensed bands, then transmission reliability is improved, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements transmission deferring only partially - specifically when and where interference is detected on unlicensed carriers. Rather than deferring all transmissions, the system selectively applies deferring only to affected carriers or time periods, thus maintaining reliability without unnecessarily increasing overall transmission delay
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces signaling mechanisms as intermediaries between the transmission scheduler and the physical transmission process. These signaling mechanisms provide real-time information about channel conditions, enabling intelligent decisions about when to defer and when to transmit, thereby minimizing unnecessary delays while ensuring reliability
3Productivity
If carrier aggregation with unlicensed bands is used, then spectral efficiency is improved, but complexity of interference management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the carrier aggregation management into distinct functional components: licensed carrier management for control signaling, unlicensed carrier sensing for interference detection, and dynamic resource allocation for coordinated transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall management complexity while maintaining high spectral efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal interference management framework that can handle multiple scenarios (different RATs, different carrier configurations, various interference patterns) through a unified sensing and response mechanism. This multi-functional approach reduces complexity by avoiding separate specialized procedures for each scenario
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a signaling method, an apparatus and a computer program for controlled transmission signal deferring utilizing both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands for carrier aggregation. In the method, a connection is established between a User Equipment and a base station. For example, based on a sensed interference level, a transmission deferring indication is generated regarding a secondary component carrier locating on an unlicensed band, in case the secondary component carrier is occupied. This indication may be generated and sent either by the base station or by the User Equipment. Finally, the secondary component carrier is deactivated for data transmission, for deferring data transmission for a certain time period. After the deferring time has passed, the data transmission can be re-performed on the same secondary component carrier, or through switching to another secondary component carrier in unlicensed spectrum.