LTE-NR Scheduling for Power Sharing in Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks with dual LTE-NR connectivity, user equipment (UE) devices face reduced transmit power during simultaneous uplink traffic transmission over LTE and NR channels, affecting NR connection quality and coverage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing coordinated scheduling between LTE and NR uplink transmission time intervals to prioritize power sharing for NR channels, avoiding LTE PUSCH scheduling on overlapping NR UL time intervals, thereby optimizing UE transmit power allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If simultaneous uplink traffic transmission over LTE and NR channels is performed, then both LTE and NR connectivity is maintained, but transmit power is reduced affecting NR connection quality and coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual LTE-NR connectivityVSAvoidNR connection quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink transmission time intervals into overlapping and non-overlapping portions, allowing separate power allocation strategies for each. During overlapping intervals where both LTE and NR transmissions occur, the system allocates power preferentially to NR to ensure connection quality, while during non-overlapping intervals, full power can be allocated to LTE.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different power allocation qualities to different time intervals. During overlapping uplink time intervals, NR receives preferential power allocation to maintain connection quality, while during non-overlapping intervals, LTE can utilize full available power. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing power distribution according to specific transmission requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If transmit power is allocated to both LTE and NR simultaneously, then both channels can transmit uplink traffic, but available power per channel is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuplink traffic transmissionVSAvoidtransmit power

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power allocation that adjusts transmit power distribution based on real-time transmission requirements. The system dynamically determines which channel (LTE or NR) receives preferential power allocation during overlapping intervals, optimizing power utilization to maintain both connectivity and overall uplink productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power allocation parameter dynamically based on transmission interval characteristics. During overlapping intervals, power allocation parameters are adjusted to favor NR, while during non-overlapping intervals, LTE can utilize maximum power. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain high productivity across both channels while managing total power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If LTE PUSCH scheduling is performed on overlapping NR UL time intervals, then LTE throughput is maintained, but NR connection coverage is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLTE throughputVSAvoidNR coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary scheduling coordination between LTE and NR before actual transmission. The eNodeB receives NR uplink scheduling information in advance and proactively identifies overlapping time intervals, allowing it to preemptively adjust LTE PUSCH scheduling to avoid conflicts with NR transmissions, thereby protecting NR coverage area while minimizing impact on LTE throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the eNodeB monitors NR connection quality and coverage conditions, then adjusts LTE scheduling decisions accordingly. When NR coverage degradation is detected or anticipated during overlapping intervals, the system provides feedback to modify LTE PUSCH scheduling, creating a closed-loop system that balances LTE throughput with NR coverage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240040565A1Systems and methods for new-radio-aware LTE scheduling

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

New Radio (NR)-aware LTE scheduling is provided. An access station for a radio access network includes a first scheduling function. The first scheduling function identifies a User Equipment (UE) device that has a first active wireless connection and a second active wireless connection to the radio access network. The first scheduling function determines that expanded coverage is needed for an uplink transmission for the second active wireless connection and obtains uplink scheduling information for the second active wireless connection. The first scheduling function adjusts uplink scheduling for the first active wireless connection such that power sharing is prioritized for uplink time intervals of the second active wireless connection over overlapping uplink time intervals of the first active wireless connection.