Master Node Resource Coordination Signaling for Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G RAN architectures, there is a challenge in coordinating single transmission capable UEs and mitigating harmonic interference between LTE and NR networks, particularly in scenarios where UEs can only transmit on one radio access technology at a time, requiring per-UE information exchange to avoid interference and ensure proper resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A method is proposed where a master network node transmits resource coordination information to a secondary network node for dual connectivity, using specific signaling messages to indicate intended resource allocations and coordination types, allowing for UE-specific time-frequency resource management to coordinate single TX UEs and mitigate harmonic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If per-UE information exchange is implemented to coordinate single TX UEs and mitigate harmonic interference, then resource allocation accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coordination approach by introducing a coordination type indicator that divides interference coordination into different levels: single TX UE coordination (less strict) and harmonic interference coordination (more strict). This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate coordination strictness based on the specific scenario, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining resource allocation accuracy where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of coordination strictness by introducing a coordination type indicator that can take different values. When the indicator signifies harmonic interference coordination, the system applies stricter resource allocation rules; when it signifies single TX UE coordination, less strict rules apply. This parameter change enables flexible adaptation to different scenarios, improving resource allocation accuracy without uniformly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If resource coordination information is transmitted between master and secondary network nodes, then harmonic interference is reduced, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic interferenceVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coordination type indicator with existing resource coordination information messages between master and secondary network nodes. By combining multiple functions (indicating coordination type and transmitting resource allocation information) into a single signaling mechanism, the patent reduces signaling overhead while effectively reducing harmonic interference through coordinated resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coordination type indicator serves multiple functions: it identifies whether the coordination is for single TX UE or harmonic interference mitigation, guides the secondary node's resource allocation decisions, and enables flexible adaptation to different dual connectivity scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling messages, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while effectively mitigating harmonic interference.

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

3Productivity

If dual connectivity is implemented with LTE and NR, then network capacity and performance are improved, but resource coordination complexity and interference management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidresource coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic resource coordination where the secondary network node adaptively adjusts its resource allocation based on coordination type indicators received from the master node. The coordination approach changes dynamically according to the indicated type (single TX UE or harmonic interference coordination), enabling the system to handle different scenarios optimally without fixed complex coordination procedures, thus managing resource coordination complexity effectively while maintaining high network capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11589345B2Management of resource allocation and notification control over RAN interfaces
Publication Date: 2023.02.21 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US11589345B2 patent drawing
  • US11589345B2 patent drawing
  • US11589345B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to certain embodiments, a method by a master network node is provided for resource coordination with a secondary network node for dual connectivity. The method includes transmitting, to the secondary network node, resource coordination information for use by the secondary network node in coordinating resource utilization between the master network node and the secondary network node for a wireless device.