Network Node Configuring Non-Contiguous Downlink Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators in radio communication networks without contiguous carrier allocations in a frequency band are unable to utilize the full potential of advanced downlink operations like 4C-HSDPA due to the requirement for adjacent carriers within the same frequency band.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow for non-contiguous downlink operations on multiple cells across different frequency bands by signaling the maximum number of supported cells and maximum gap bandwidth from user equipment to the network node, enabling configuration of cells for non-contiguous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If contiguous carrier allocation is required for downlink operations, then downlink data rate is improved, but carrier allocation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the downlink carriers into multiple cells that can be independently configured and allocated. Instead of requiring a single contiguous block of carriers, the system divides the frequency band into separate carrier segments (cells) that can be non-contiguously allocated to user equipment, allowing operators to utilize scattered spectrum resources while maintaining high data rates through multi-cell aggregation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of carrier configuration by allowing carriers to be allocated across multiple frequency bands rather than being restricted to a single contiguous band. This dimensional expansion enables non-contiguous carrier allocation where carriers can be distributed across different frequency ranges, transforming the traditional single-dimension contiguous allocation model into a multi-dimensional allocation framework
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-contiguous downlink operations are supported, then carrier allocation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having user equipment pre-sign its radio access capability information indicating support for non-contiguous downlink operations. This advance signaling allows the network node to understand the UE's capabilities before configuration, enabling the network to appropriately allocate non-contiguous carriers without requiring complex real-time negotiations or adjustments during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where user equipment provides capability information to the network node about its support for non-contiguous downlink operations. This feedback loop enables the network to make informed configuration decisions, allocating non-contiguous carriers only to UEs that have demonstrated the capability to handle such configurations, thereby managing device complexity through selective deployment
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a network node (110) for configuring cells for downlink operations in a telecommunications system (100) is provided. The network node (110) is configured to support non-contiguous downlink operations on more than one cell (f1, f2, f3, f4) in at least one frequency band. The network node (110) receives a signal from a user equipment (121) in the telecommunications system (100). The signal comprises information about radio access capability of the user equipment (121). Information about radio access capability of the user equipment (121) comprises a first indication which indicates the maximum number of cells that is supported by the user equipment (121) in the non-contiguous downlink operation. Furthermore, the information about radio access capability of the user equipment (121) comprises a second indication which indicates the maximum gap bandwidth between cells (f1, f2, f3, f4) that is supported by the user equipment (121) in the non-contiguous downlink operation. Then, the network node (110) configures more than one cell (f1, f2, f3, f4) for a non-contiguous downlink operation supported by the user equipment (121) based on the first and second indication in the information about radio access capability of the user equipment (121).A network node (110), a method in user equipment and a user equipment (121) are also provided.