PUCCH Resource Allocation in Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Carrier Aggregation technologies face inefficiencies in managing Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources, leading to resource collisions and inadequate support for a high number of User Equipments (UEs) due to rigid resource assignment constraints, particularly in LTE-Advanced networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to dynamically set a time reuse factor and pattern for PUCCH resources on Primary Cells, enabling time multiplexing and assigning resources to UEs using colliding resources in different subframes, based on the number of UEs and individual traffic needs, organized in a tree structure to avoid collisions and optimize resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid resource assignment constraints are applied to PUCCH resources in Carrier Aggregation, then resource collision avoidance is achieved, but resource usage efficiency deteriorates and support for high number of UEs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the PUCCH resource assignment flexible rather than rigid. The base station dynamically selects from multiple candidate PUCCH resources based on current system conditions, including the number of UEs, traffic patterns, and collision risks. This dynamic selection allows the system to adapt to varying loads and maintain both collision avoidance and high resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of PUCCH resource assignment from fixed to variable. Multiple candidate resources are pre-configured, and the actual resource assigned to each UE is determined by changing parameters such as the time reuse factor and selecting from alternative resources based on real-time conditions. This parameter variation enables the system to optimize for both reliability and productivity.
2Reliability
If unique PUCCH resources are assigned to each UE, then resource collision is avoided, but the number of supported UEs is limited due to insufficient PUCCH resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resource assignment strategy by allowing multiple UEs to share the same PUCCH resource under controlled conditions. Through the introduction of time reuse factors and dynamic selection, previously colliding resources can now be safely shared among multiple UEs, thereby increasing the system's capacity to support more UEs while maintaining collision avoidance through intelligent scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the time dimension to resource allocation by introducing time reuse factors. Instead of only considering frequency and code dimensions, the system now exploits time variations to allow the same PUCCH resource to be reused by different UEs at different times. This dimensional expansion significantly increases the number of supported UEs without requiring additional physical resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PUCCH resources are overbooked to support more UEs, then adaptability improves, but resource collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station continuously monitors the usage status of PUCCH resources and adjusts assignments accordingly. The system receives feedback about current system conditions, including the number of active UEs, traffic patterns, and potential collision risks, and uses this feedback to dynamically select appropriate resources and time reuse factors, thereby managing overbooking safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple candidate PUCCH resources and calculating appropriate time reuse factors before actual resource assignment. This advance preparation allows the base station to make informed decisions that prevent collisions while enabling overbooking, as the system has already identified safe resource combinations and timing strategies in advance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention addresses a method, apparatus and computer program product for managing control channel usage in Carrier Aggregation, which implement defining a time reuse factor for a Physical Uplink Control Channel resource on a Primary Cell for enabling time multiplexing the subframes of the resource, and assigning a Physical Uplink Control Channel resource element to a requesting User Equipment by using colliding resources in different subframes, wherein the time reuse factor is variably set based on at least one of the number of requesting User Equipments and the individual traffic needs of the requesting User Equipment.