Multiple Point Transmission with Adaptive Radio Bearers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) systems face challenges in implementing multiple point transmission without stringent timing requirements, which can be costly and complex, especially in next-generation wireless communications systems like 3GPP LTE Advanced.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for multiple point transmission that modifies radio bearers based on user equipment operating conditions, allowing for coordinated multiple point (CoMP) transmission without requiring significant hardware or software changes, by utilizing a primary and secondary transmission point to split and process data across multiple RLC entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple point transmission is implemented with stringent timing requirements, then transmission coordination and performance are improved, but implementation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission process by introducing separate control plane and user plane pathways. Control plane messages (RRC signaling) handle configuration and coordination independently from user data transmission, allowing timing requirements to be relaxed for user plane while maintaining coordination through control plane management. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by decoupling the strict timing needs from the overall system implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control plane signaling as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates between multiple transmission points without requiring stringent timing synchronization for user data. The control plane acts as a mediator that manages resource allocation, configuration, and coordination, allowing user plane transmissions to proceed with more flexible timing requirements while still achieving coordinated multi-point transmission goals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radio bearer configuration is modified dynamically for multiple point transmission, then system adaptability and performance are improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic radio bearer configuration where the network can modify bearer parameters (such as adding secondary eNBs, changing QoS parameters) based on user equipment conditions and network state. This dynamic adaptation is managed through control plane signaling that updates configuration without requiring complete reconfiguration, thus improving system adaptability while managing control complexity through incremental modifications rather than full system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes specific radio bearer parameters (such as adding secondary eNB identifiers, modifying QoS parameters, adjusting resource allocation) rather than redesigning the entire bearer structure. This parameter-based approach allows flexible adaptation to different transmission scenarios while maintaining the overall bearer framework, reducing control complexity compared to complete reconfiguration while achieving high adaptability.
3Productivity
If data is split across multiple RLC entities from different transmission points, then channel utilization and throughput are improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user plane data into multiple logical channels that can be transmitted through different RLC entities at separate transmission points. Each RLC entity handles a portion of the data independently, allowing parallel processing and transmission. This segmentation improves throughput by utilizing multiple transmission paths simultaneously while managing processing complexity through independent handling of each segment rather than complex interdependent processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data splitting mechanism that works across different transmission points and RLC entities using standardized protocols and procedures. The same control plane signaling and configuration methods are used regardless of the number or location of transmission points, providing multi-functionality that handles various splitting scenarios uniformly. This universality improves throughput across diverse configurations while keeping processing complexity manageable through consistent handling procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method for multiple point transmission in a communications system are provided. A method for multiple point transmission operation comprises modifying a configuration of a radio bearer for use in a multiple point transmission to a user equipment according to operating condition information of the user equipment, reconfiguring the radio bearer according to the modified configuration, and initiating a multiple point transmission to the user equipment using the reconfigured radio bearer.