Blanking Pattern Indication for LTE Resource Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular networks, the coexistence of different LTE radio technology versions, such as LTE Rel-8 and LTE Rel-10, leads to conflicts due to differing reference signal utilization, causing issues like failed transmissions and inefficient resource usage, as older UEs may misinterpret resource elements intended for newer reference signals.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a node in the cellular network sends an indication to communication devices to disregard specific resource elements that overlap with conflicting utilizations, using time domain and/or frequency domain information to define a pattern that avoids adverse impacts by aligning with either the first or second configuration, thereby ensuring compatible radio communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CSI-RS are introduced in LTE Rel-10, then channel state information can be provided, but Rel-8 UEs cannot correctly interpret resource elements containing CSI-RS, causing transmission failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource elements into two distinct sets: first resource elements for Rel-8 UEs and second resource elements for CSI-RS in Rel-10. By separating these resource elements spatially or temporally, the system allows Rel-8 UEs to ignore the CSI-RS containing second resource elements while Rel-10 UEs can utilize both sets, thus resolving the compatibility issue without sacrificing transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different qualities or characteristics to different resource elements. First resource elements are configured with properties suitable for Rel-8 UEs, while second resource elements are configured with properties suitable for CSI-RS in Rel-10. This local differentiation allows each resource element to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining overall system compatibility.
2Reliability
If Rel-8 UEs are excluded from subframes containing CSI-RS, then transmission failures are avoided, but system resource utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting resource elements into first and second sets with different configurations, the system enables Rel-8 UEs to access first resource elements without interference from CSI-RS. This segmentation allows Rel-8 UEs to be scheduled in subframes containing CSI-RS, improving resource utilization while maintaining transmission reliability through the configured blanking pattern that prevents Rel-8 UEs from misinterpreting CSI-RS as data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If CRS are transmitted in all subframes and all PRBs to support Rel-8 UEs, then backward compatibility is maintained, but energy consumption and resource wastage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration of blanking patterns that can be adjusted based on the presence and capabilities of UEs in the system. When only Rel-10 UEs are present, the blanking pattern can be configured to exclude certain resource elements, allowing CRS transmission to be deactivated or reduced. This dynamic adaptation maintains support for Rel-8 UEs when needed while reducing energy consumption and resource wastage when Rel-8 UEs are not present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameters of CRS based on the operational context. By configuring blanking patterns that indicate which resource elements should be disregarded by Rel-8 UEs, the system can modify CRS transmission behavior to avoid unnecessary transmissions in subframes where Rel-8 UEs are not present, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining backward compatibility when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular network supports radio communication based on a first configuration which organizes a time-frequency space in first resource elements and radio communication based on a second configuration which organizes the time-frequency space in second resource elements and assigns at least one of the second resource elements to a utilization which is in conflict with the radio communication based on the first configuration. A node of the cellular network sends an indication to a communication device. The indication comprises time domain and/or frequency domain information for defining a pattern comprising at least one of the first resource elements which is to be disregarded by the communication device when performing radio communication with the cellular network based on the first configuration and/or the second configuration. The at least one first resource element of the pattern defines a first part of the time-frequency space which overlaps a second part of the time-frequency space defined by the at least one of the second resource elements.