LTE Control Region Resource Utilization via Dynamic PDSCH Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE systems, the control region of a service station/cell often remains idle, leading to wastage of radio resources when no control channel is needed, especially with the introduction of enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (ePDCCH) which cannot utilize control region resources for PDSCH transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method to indicate through signaling that the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) can occupy radio resources in the control region by determining the control and service stations, using flag bits or fields in scheduling information or RRC signaling to allow PDSCH to use these resources, thereby optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control region is reserved for control channel transmission (PDCCH), then control information transmission is ensured, but radio resources are wasted when no control channel is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control region dynamic by allowing its size to vary based on actual needs. When control channel transmission is not required, the control region can be reduced or eliminated, allowing PDSCH to utilize those resources. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ensuring control information transmission and avoiding radio resource waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the control region to serve multiple functions: it can be used for control channel transmission (PDCCH) when needed, or converted into data transmission resources (PDSCH) when control channels are not required. This multi-functionality allows the same physical resources to adapt to different transmission needs, eliminating the waste of dedicated control region resources.
2Productivity
If ePDCCH is introduced to transmit control information in the data region, then control channel capacity is improved, but control region resources cannot be used for PDSCH transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signaling mechanism (intermediary) that coordinates between ePDCCH in the data region and PDSCH in the control region. This signaling indicates whether PDSCH should extend into the control region, allowing ePDCCH to improve control channel capacity while enabling PDSCH to utilize control region resources when control channels are not needed there.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cross-carrier scheduling is used, then carrier aggregation flexibility is improved, but the service carrier control region becomes idle and cannot transmit PDSCH
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the service carrier control region to serve multiple purposes: it maintains its traditional control channel function when needed, but can also be converted into data transmission resources for PDSCH when the control carrier handles all control signaling. This multi-functionality resolves the waste of service carrier control region resources in cross-carrier scheduling scenarios.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method, apparatus and system for indicating downlink resources of a coordinated multi-point network in an LTE system. The method includes: determining a control station/cell and a service station/cell of a User Equipment (UE); and indicating through signaling that a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) of the UE occupies radio resources of the service station/cell in a control region, whereby a start position of the PDSCH allocated for the UE by the service station/cell is the first symbol of a subframe, and when a resource mapping in the control region is performed, the PDSCH does not occupy Resource Elements (REs) occupied by a Cell Reference Signal (CRS), a Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH), a Physical Hybrid-ARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH) of a station/cell where the PDSCH is located, and a Physical Downlink Control Channel PDCCH of the UE.