Multi-Cell PUSCH/PDSCH Scheduling for Dynamic Carrier Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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
Implement a method for multi-cell PUSCH/PDSCH scheduling using a single DCI that includes a common field and multiple independent fields to schedule multiple cells, allowing dynamic cell index selection and flexible scheduling across intra-band and inter-band cells, with support for up to 4 bands and various UE capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-cell PUSCH/PDSCH scheduling per DCI is used, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral efficiency and productivity deteriorate due to inability to utilize scattered spectrum bands simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cell scheduling functions into a single DCI message. The DCI includes a first field indicating a first cell index and a second field indicating a second cell index, allowing simultaneous scheduling of multiple cells (PUSCH/PDSCH) in one control message, thereby improving spectral efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The DCI message is designed with multi-functionality to handle both single-cell and multi-cell scheduling. The common fields and independent fields work together to provide universal scheduling capability across different cell configurations (intra-band and inter-band), making the system adaptable to various spectrum scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If RRC-based cell reconfiguration is used for carrier switching, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but loss of time increases due to reconfiguration overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic carrier switching by allowing the UE to dynamically select between configured UL bands based on real-time conditions (data traffic, TDD DL/UL configuration, bandwidths, channel conditions). The network can dynamically indicate which UL band to switch to via DCI, enabling rapid adaptation without RRC reconfiguration delays
Solution Approach 2:
The network pre-configures multiple UL bands for the UE via RRC signaling before dynamic switching is needed. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to have multiple UL bands ready for immediate switching when the network indicates a switch via DCI, eliminating the need for time-consuming RRC reconfiguration during dynamic carrier switching
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and a computer readable medium for storing instructions are described for a user terminal and a base station for PUSCH or PDSCH scheduling on a plurality of cells. The method performed by a user equipment comprises receiving a downlink control information (DCI) including scheduling information associated with a respective PUSCH or a respective PDSCH for a subset of cells of a plurality of cells, each of the plurality of cells associated with a respective cell index; wherein the DCI comprises: a common field including information indicative of a first cell index associated with a first cell of the subset of cells and a second cell index associated with a second cell of the subset of cells, wherein either (i) the smallest of the first cell index or the second cell index is greater than smallest cell index of the plurality of the cells, or (ii) the first cell index and the second cell index are not consecutive cell indices; a first independent field including first information of a first category of information; and a second independent field including second information of the first category of information; wherein the second independent field follows the first independent field in the DCI; wherein the first information is applicable to the cell having the smallest cell index of the subset of cells; and wherein the second information is applicable to the cell having the second smallest cell index of the subset of cells; and transmitting the respective PUSCH on the subset of cells or receiving the respective PDSCH on the subset of cells based on the received DCI.