Non-Contiguous Spectrum Allocation Under Interference Constraints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in utilizing non-contiguous spectrum due to limitations in UE capabilities and interference issues, particularly with near-far effects, when using conventional methods like carrier aggregation or blanking of intervening spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically allocates non-contiguous frequency resources based on radio environment and UE capabilities, allowing for single or dual component carrier configurations depending on interference and aggregation capabilities, optimizing spectral and processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If non-contiguous spectrum blocks are treated as separate component carriers for carrier aggregation, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides non-contiguous spectrum into separate allocable blocks that can be assigned as single or multiple component carriers based on UE capability. The base station segments the available spectrum resources and dynamically allocates them, allowing UEs to receive only the necessary portions rather than requiring all UEs to handle the full complexity of multi-carrier aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic allocation where the base station determines in real-time whether to allocate non-contiguous spectrum as a single carrier with blanked resource blocks or as multiple component carriers based on UE capability indicators and radio conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions rather than using a fixed complex configuration for all UEs.
2Device complexity
If a single receive chain is used for non-contiguous spectrum, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral efficiency decreases due to inability to simultaneously process multiple frequency blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal allocation framework that can accommodate both single-carrier and multi-carrier configurations within the same system. The base station uses a unified resource allocation mechanism that adapts to UE capabilities, allowing the same physical downlink shared channel to serve both simple single-chain UEs and advanced multi-chain UEs efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation parameters dynamically based on UE capability indicators. When a UE indicates support for intra-band carrier aggregation, the base station changes the allocation to provide multiple component carriers. When the UE does not support it, the base station changes the allocation to provide a single carrier with appropriate resource block assignments, thereby optimizing spectral efficiency for each UE type.
3Quantity of substance
If intra-band carrier aggregation is implemented for all UEs, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but reliability decreases due to near-far interference effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through UE capability indicators that inform the base station about the UE's support for intra-band carrier aggregation. The base station uses this feedback to make informed allocation decisions, avoiding forcing carrier aggregation on UEs that cannot handle it, thereby maintaining reliability while still enabling bandwidth utilization for capable UEs.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to optimizing the use of non-contiguous spectrum by using variable radio configurations depending on the radio environment and UE capabilities. If the radio environment is favorable, such as when interference or near-far effect is low, then then a UE can utilize both blocks of non-contiguous spectrum with an intervening portion blanked. If the radio environment is unfavorable, such as when interference or near-far effect is negatively impacting a UE, and the UE is capable of intra-band carrier aggregation, then the UE can be separately allocated the non-contiguous blocks of spectrum for use with a carrier aggregation session; else, if the UE is not capable of intra-band carrier aggregation, then the UE will be allocated only one of the non-contiguous blocks of spectrum.