PUCCH Cell Switching Capability Signaling for Uplink Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell switching, particularly in reducing PUCCH feedback latency and improving reliability, due to limitations in reporting UE capabilities for PUCCH cell switching across different band types.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for user equipment (UE) to report and configure PUCCH cell switching capabilities across multiple band types, allowing seamless switching between primary and secondary cells within carrier aggregation configurations, thereby reducing signaling overhead and enhancing PUCCH reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PUCCH cell switching is implemented across multiple band types, then PUCCH reliability is improved and feedback latency is reduced, but UE capability reporting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE capability reporting is segmented into multiple structured fields: a first indication field for PUCCH cell switching capability, a second indication field for supported band type pairs, and a third indication field for supported carrier aggregation configurations. This segmentation allows the network to selectively process only the relevant capability information needed for PUCCH cell switching, rather than requiring complete UE capability reports, thereby reducing overall reporting complexity while maintaining reliability improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential capability information required for PUCCH cell switching from the complete UE capability set. By identifying and reporting specifically the PUCCH cell switching capability, supported band type pairs, and carrier aggregation configurations, the system removes unnecessary capability reporting overhead while preserving the reliability benefits of multi-band PUCCH switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UE reports all supported band type pairs for PUCCH cell switching, then network configuration flexibility is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring uniform reporting of all possible band type combinations, the patent applies local quality by having the UE report only the specific band type pairs that are actually supported and relevant for PUCCH cell switching. The second indication field contains a compact representation of supported band type pairs, allowing the network to configure PUCCH cell switching flexibly for supported bands while avoiding signaling overhead for unsupported combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by reporting only the necessary subset of band type pair information required for PUCCH cell switching operation. Rather than exhaustively listing all possible band combinations (excessive action), the UE provides just enough information about supported band type pairs to enable network configuration flexibility, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining adequate adaptability.
3Loss of time
If PUCCH cell switching is enabled between cells of different band types, then PUCCH feedback latency is reduced, but device operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE pre-report its PUCCH cell switching capability, supported band type pairs, and carrier aggregation configurations before actual PUCCH cell switching operations begin. The network uses this advance information to pre-configure appropriate band type pairs and carrier aggregation settings, so that when PUCCH cell switching is needed, the UE can quickly switch between cells without performing complex real-time capability negotiations, thereby reducing feedback latency while managing operation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic PUCCH cell switching between cells of different band types based on pre-reported capabilities. The third indication field allows the UE to dynamically indicate which carrier aggregation configurations support PUCCH cell switching, and the network can dynamically select appropriate band type pairs for switching. This dynamic approach allows low-latency switching operations while the underlying capability management remains structured and controlled.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of wireless communication, by a user equipment (UE), includes reporting a UE capability for physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell switching. The UE capability includes at least one pair of band types capable of supporting PUCCH cell switching. Each band type of the at least one pair of band types supports PUCCH cell transmission. The method also includes transmitting a first PUCCH with a first band type selected from the at least one pair of band types. The method further includes switching to a second band type selected from the at least one pair of band types, for transmitting a second PUCCH.