Cell Grouping for PUCCH Load Distribution in Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) groups, particularly in 4G LTE systems, leading to high PUCCH load on primary cells and potential interference issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiple PUCCH groups, where cells are grouped and configured to use PUCCH resources on both primary and secondary cells, allowing for dynamic distribution of control signaling and reducing the load on individual cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple PUCCH groups are implemented with cells grouped to use PUCCH resources on both primary and secondary cells, then the PUCCH load on primary cells is reduced and network capacity is improved, but the device complexity and configuration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the PUCCH resources and cells into multiple groups (first PUCCH group and second PUCCH group) to distribute the control signaling load. Instead of having all cells use a single PUCCH resource on the primary cell, the system segments the PUCCH resources across multiple cells and groups, thereby reducing the load on any single primary cell while improving overall network capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If PUCCH resources are distributed across multiple cells, then interference is reduced and network capacity is improved, but the ease of operation and management become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidmanagement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments PUCCH resources into multiple groups that can be distributed across different cells. This segmentation allows control signaling to be spread out, reducing interference between simultaneous transmissions. The first PUCCH group and second PUCCH group can be managed independently, facilitating better resource allocation and interference management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic configuration of PUCCH groups and their association with different cells. The system can dynamically assign cells to different PUCCH groups based on load conditions, interference levels, and network requirements. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining ease of operation through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stress or pressure

If cells are grouped into multiple PUCCH groups with different configurations, then load distribution is improved and primary cell overload is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePUCCH loadVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the network into multiple PUCCH groups (first PUCCH group, second PUCCH group, etc.), each with its own configuration and associated cells. This segmentation distributes the PUCCH load across multiple groups and their respective cells, preventing any single primary cell from becoming overloaded. Each group can be independently configured and managed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal framework where multiple PUCCH groups can coexist with different configurations. Each PUCCH group serves multiple functions: it can handle control signaling for multiple cells, provide load distribution, and enable flexible resource allocation. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate management mechanisms for each group.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3134992B1Cell grouping in a wireless network
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3134992B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3134992B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3134992B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless device receives a plurality of parameters of a plurality of cells grouped into a plurality of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) groups comprising a primary PUCCH group and a secondary PUCCH group. The plurality of parameters comprise configuration parameters for a secondary cell. The secondary cell is mapped to the secondary PUCCH group if a first parameter is present in the configuration parameters, otherwise the secondary cell is mapped to the primary PUCCH group. The secondary cell is considered to be the PUCCH secondary cell if PUCCH parameters are present in the configuration parameters.