Operator-Prioritized Band Selection for Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular network technologies lack the ability for operators to efficiently allocate frequency bands for carrier aggregation (CA) and dual connectivity (DC) based on their specific needs and spectrum availability, leading to suboptimal utilization of licensed and unlicensed frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A network node determines priority assignments for frequency bands, allowing operators to override default vendor-specific allocation algorithms by considering operator-specific priorities, traffic indicators, and UE capabilities, thereby optimizing the allocation of component carriers for CA and DC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If default vendor-specific allocation algorithms are used for frequency band assignment, then the allocation process is simple and automatic, but the spectrum utilization efficiency is suboptimal and cannot meet operator-specific needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency band allocation by allowing operator-configurable priority levels for different frequency bands. The network node dynamically selects component carriers based on these configurable priorities rather than using fixed vendor-specific algorithms, enabling adaptive spectrum utilization that responds to operator-specific needs and traffic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation behavior by introducing operator-configurable priority parameters for different frequency bands. Instead of using fixed vendor defaults, the system allows operators to modify priority parameters to optimize spectrum utilization according to their specific requirements, directly addressing the suboptimal utilization problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operator-specific priority assignments are implemented for frequency bands, then spectrum allocation can be optimized according to operator needs, but the system complexity increases due to additional configuration and decision-making processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal configuration framework that can accommodate different operator requirements through a common priority assignment mechanism. The network node maintains multi-functionality by supporting both default vendor-specific allocation and operator-configurable priority-based allocation, allowing the same system to serve diverse operator needs without requiring separate specialized algorithms for each operator.
3Productivity
If component carriers are allocated based on multiple criteria including priority, traffic indicators, and UE capabilities, then the allocation optimality is improved, but the decision-making process becomes more complex and computationally intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring priority levels for different frequency bands based on operator requirements before actual data transmission occurs. The network node prepares the allocation framework in advance, establishing priority hierarchies that guide subsequent component carrier selections, thereby reducing real-time decision complexity while maintaining optimization across multiple criteria including traffic indicators and UE capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology provides a system and method for allocating frequency bands to a mobile device or user equipment (UE) based on priorities assigned to the different frequency bands. When no priority is assigned to the frequency bands, when a special or reserved priority is assigned, or when equal priority is assigned, the frequency band allocation to the UE is based on a default frequency allocation algorithm (e.g., based on a relative bandwidth of the different frequency bands). When a UE is capable of utilizing a first and a second frequency band, and the priority assigned to the first frequency band is higher than the priority assigned to the second frequency band, the network (e.g., eNB/gNB) overrides the default algorithm and preferentially allocates the first frequency band to UE even when the first frequency band has a smaller bandwidth than the second frequency band or when the default algorithm would otherwise prefer the first frequency band.