Intelligent Carrier Aggregation for mmWave Spectrum Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G radio access networks, the limited mmWave frequency spectrum leads to idle spectrum and reduced spectral efficiency due to the need to prioritize and allocate resources among devices, which can result in suboptimal user experience and data throughput.

Innovation Solution

Implementing intelligent carrier aggregation techniques that dynamically allocate mmWave frequency spectrum based on real-time conditions, such as congestion levels, device battery levels, and service types, using machine learning models to optimize resource utilization and minimize idle spectrum while maintaining or improving user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mmWave frequency spectrum is allocated to devices, then data throughput is improved, but spectral efficiency deteriorates due to idle spectrum

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidspectral efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic carrier aggregation where the base station continuously monitors channel conditions and device status, then adjusts the aggregation configuration in real-time. The system dynamically selects which carriers to aggregate based on current spectral conditions, device battery levels, and network load, transforming a static allocation system into a adaptive one that optimizes spectral efficiency while maintaining throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously including the set of aggregated carriers, aggregation configuration, and resource allocation decisions. By monitoring parameters like channel congestion levels, device battery status, and service requirements, the system adjusts these parameters to find optimal balance between throughput and spectral efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If carrier aggregation is implemented to increase throughput, then device complexity increases due to multiple antennas and channels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownlink data throughputVSAvoidantenna configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mmWave spectrum into multiple carriers and segments the antenna configuration into manageable sets. Instead of requiring all antennas to be active simultaneously, the system segments the aggregation configuration based on device capability and network conditions, allowing partial activation of carriers and antennas to reduce complexity while maintaining throughput benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts which antennas and carriers are active based on real-time conditions. The base station sends activation requests to devices, and the system adapts the active antenna set based on device response, battery level, and channel conditions, making the complexity manageable through adaptive rather than fixed configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If resources are prioritized for certain devices, then user experience is improved, but spectral efficiency deteriorates due to idle spectrum in other areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidspectral efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the carrier aggregation configuration to individual device characteristics and local network conditions. Each device receives customized aggregation settings based on its battery level, service requirements, and local channel conditions. This allows the system to prioritize resources for devices needing them most while efficiently utilizing spectrum in other areas, balancing user experience with overall spectral efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices report their status (battery level, service requirements) and network conditions are continuously monitored. The base station uses this feedback to adjust aggregation configurations, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes resource allocation to balance user experience requirements with spectral efficiency goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12075501B2Intelligent carrier aggregation in millimeter wave resources
Publication Date: 2024.08.27 T MOBILE US INC
  • US12075501B2 patent drawing
  • US12075501B2 patent drawing
  • US12075501B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices can be utilized to aggregate downlink millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency resources based on various conditions. In an example method, a connection request for downlink data is received from a user equipment (UE). The example method includes determining that a first congestion level of a first mmWave downlink channel is below a first threshold and determining that a second congestion level of a second mmWave downlink channel is below a second threshold. An activation request is transmitted to the UE. The activation request instructs the UE to activate a first antenna corresponding to the first mmWave downlink channel and to activate a second antenna corresponding to the second mmWave downlink channel. At least a portion of the downlink data is transmitted to the UE over the first mmWave downlink channel and the second mmWave downlink channel.