LTE Access Point Broadcasting Signal Frequency Band Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-A networks, mobile terminals consume additional battery power to detect Access Points (APs) by turning on RF and baseband circuitry for different frequency bands, which is undesirable.

Innovation Solution

APs transmit broadcasting signals on the same frequency band as the LTE-A eNB, allowing User Equipment (UE) to detect them without activating RF and baseband circuitry for AP-specific frequency bands, using configuration information and measurement reports to establish data connections on separate frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If APs transmit broadcasting signals on different frequency bands, then AP detection capability is improved, but mobile terminal power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAP detection capabilityVSAvoidmobile terminal power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the broadcasting signal transmission into the existing LTE frequency band, combining the AP detection function with the existing cellular communication infrastructure. This allows UEs to detect APs using their existing RF and baseband circuitry without activating additional frequency band receivers, thereby resolving the power consumption issue while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The broadcasting signal on the LTE frequency band serves multiple functions: it enables AP detection for offloading decisions, provides network synchronization information, and maintains compatibility with existing UE hardware. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection mechanisms that would consume additional power

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If APs transmit broadcasting signals on the same frequency band as eNB, then mobile terminal power consumption is reduced, but AP detection reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile terminal power consumptionVSAvoidAP detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transmitting the broadcasting signal on the same frequency band but with distinct signal characteristics (such as specific resource elements, scrambling codes, or signal structures) that allow UEs to differentiate between eNB and AP signals. This local differentiation maintains detection reliability while using the same frequency band

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The broadcasting signal acts as an intermediary that carries AP identification information in a format that can be detected by UEs already tuned to the LTE frequency band. The signal structure includes specific markers or reference signals that mediate between the shared frequency band and the need for reliable AP detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2807763B1Method and apparatus for providing data service using broadcasting signal
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2807763B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2807763B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2807763B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus for providing a data service by using a broadcasting signal are provided. To transmit the broadcasting signal by an Access Point (AP) located within a coverage area of a base station (eNB), the AP transmits configuration information, used for transmission of the broadcasting signal on the same frequency band as that of the eNB, to the eNB, receives broadcasting signal transmission information, based on the configuration information, from the eNB, and transmits the broadcasting signal according to the broadcasting signal transmission information.