NCT Carrier Subframe Configuration for LTE Backward Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks, the introduction of NCT carriers does not allow for backward compatibility, preventing older UE releases from using these carriers, leading to low carrier resource utilization and missed performance gains, as older UEs cannot recognize or support NCT carriers.
Innovation Solution
Configuring NCT subframes and backward compatible subframes on a first carrier, with dynamic signaling used to inform UEs of the subframe type, allowing both old and new releases to communicate effectively by determining subframe configuration based on UE service volumes and supported subframe types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an NCT carrier is deployed to improve carrier performance and spectrum efficiency, then spectrum efficiency and energy saving are improved, but backward compatibility is lost and old release UEs cannot use the carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The NCT carrier is segmented into different subframe types: NCT subframes (for new release UEs with improved performance) and backward compatible subframes (for old release UEs). This segmentation allows the same carrier to serve both UE types simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between performance improvement and backward compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures the proportion of NCT subframes versus backward compatible subframes based on the service volume and capabilities of UEs in the cell. When old release UEs are present, the system adjusts the carrier configuration to include backward compatible subframes, enabling flexible adaptation to different deployment scenarios.
2Productivity
If an NCT carrier is deployed to reduce reference signal transmission and improve spectrum efficiency, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but carrier resource utilization decreases when old UEs are present
Solution Approach 1:
Different subframes on the NCT carrier have different qualities: NCT subframes have high spectrum efficiency with reduced reference signals, while backward compatible subframes have lower spectrum efficiency but ensure old UE compatibility. This local quality differentiation allows optimal resource utilization across the entire carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the configuration parameters of the NCT carrier dynamically, adjusting the number and distribution of NCT subframes versus backward compatible subframes based on UE service volume and capability, thereby optimizing both spectrum efficiency and resource utilization under different conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic signaling is used to indicate subframe configuration to UEs, then adaptability to different UE types is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic signaling mechanism serves multiple functions: it indicates subframe configuration to new release UEs, informs old release UEs about backward compatible subframes, and enables flexible resource allocation. This multi-functionality justifies the signaling overhead by achieving comprehensive UE type compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier configuration method is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the method includes configuring a new carrier type NCT subframe and/or a backward compatible subframe on a first carrier, determining subframe configuration information of the first carrier according to the configuration of the NCT subframe and/or the configuration of the backward compatible subframe on the first carrier and sending the subframe configuration information of the first carrier to first user equipment (UE) by using dynamic signaling, where the subframe configuration information of the first carrier is used by the first UE to determine a subframe type of a subframe on the first carrier according to the subframe configuration information of the first carrier. The method further includes using, according to the subframe type of the subframe on the first carrier, the first carrier to perform communication.