Multi-Cell PUSCH/PDSCH Scheduling With Single-DCI Carrier Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scheduling mechanisms in NR networks are limited to single-cell PUSCH/PDSCH scheduling per scheduling DCI, which is inefficient for utilizing scattered and wider bandwidth spectrum, and do not support dynamic carrier switching based on data traffic and channel conditions, leading to suboptimal spectral and power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for multi-cell PUSCH/PDSCH scheduling with a single DCI, allowing simultaneous scheduling of multiple cells across intra-band and inter-band CA, with dynamic Tx carrier switching and UE capability signaling to enhance UL data rate and spectrum utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single-cell PUSCH/PDSCH scheduling per DCI is used, then scheduling simplicity is maintained, but spectral efficiency and throughput are limited when utilizing scattered and wider bandwidth spectrum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single-cell scheduling operations into a single multi-cell scheduling operation. One DCI can now schedule PUSCH/PDSCH across multiple cells simultaneously, combining what were previously separate scheduling processes into a unified operation that improves spectral efficiency while managing complexity through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The scheduling DCI is enhanced to serve multiple functions by enabling it to schedule multiple cells simultaneously. The DCI structure includes modifications such as adding a cell list field and supporting multiple PUCCH groups, allowing a single control signal to perform what previously required multiple separate control signals.
2Loss of information
If multiple cells are scheduled simultaneously with a single DCI, then control overhead is reduced, but scheduling flexibility and adaptability to different channel conditions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic capabilities to the scheduling mechanism through UE capability signaling and network-configurable parameters. The system can dynamically adapt to different channel conditions and traffic scenarios by configuring which cells are scheduled together, allowing flexibility while reducing overhead compared to separate scheduling approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The DCI structure is modified with new parameters including a cell list field that specifies which cells are scheduled, support for multiple PUCCH groups, and configuration options for dynamic Tx carrier switching. These parameter changes enable the system to adapt to various scheduling scenarios while maintaining a compact control signal structure.
3Productivity
If dynamic Tx carrier switching is implemented across multiple bands, then UL data rate and spectrum utilization are improved, but UE capability configuration and switching time requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary UE capability signaling and network configuration before actual carrier switching occurs. The network configures which cells can be switched between and establishes the necessary parameters in advance, allowing dynamic switching to occur without requiring complex real-time configuration decisions during data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration mechanism where UE capabilities are signaled separately from the actual scheduling decisions. This intermediary layer of capability information allows the network to make informed scheduling decisions while managing the complexity of multi-band operation through standardized capability reporting and network configuration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A user terminal and a base station perform PUSCH or PDSCH scheduling on a plurality of cells. A method performed by a user equipment comprises receiving radio resource control (RRC) signaling configuring a first downlink control information (DCI) scheduling respective physical uplink shared channels (PUSCHs) on a first plurality of cells and configuring a second DCI scheduling respective physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) on a second plurality of cells, receiving the first DCI scheduling the respective PUSCHs on the first plurality of cells, receiving the second DCI scheduling the respective PDSCHs on the second plurality of cells, transmitting the respective PUSCHs on the first plurality of cells based on the received first DCI; and receiving the respective PDSCHs on the second plurality of cells based on the received second DCI.