Radio Chain Allocation for Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing radio chain utilization for spectrum sharing between different radio access technologies, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A framework that determines the use of one or more radio chains for spectrum sharing between radio access technologies based on fronthaul data, allowing for dynamic adjustment of radio chain activation and deactivation to optimize energy usage without requiring additional coordination protocols or new interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio chains are allocated to different radio access technologies for parallel operation, then the capability to support multiple RATs is improved, but the device complexity and resource utilization increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to support multiple RATsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple radio access technologies (5G NR and 6G NR) onto a single radio chain, allowing parallel operation of different RATs without requiring separate dedicated hardware chains for each technology. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining multi-RAT support capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radio chain is designed with multi-functionality to handle both 5G NR and 6G NR protocols simultaneously. The apparatus configures the same radio chain to operate with different RATs by adjusting configuration parameters, eliminating the need for specialized hardware for each technology.

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

2Reliability

If separate radio chains are used for different radio access technologies, then the reliability of each technology is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of RAT operationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines 5G NR and 6G NR operations on a single radio chain, reducing the total number of active hardware components. This merging reduces energy consumption compared to maintaining separate dedicated radio chains for each RAT, while reliability is maintained through proper configuration management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically configures and reconfigures the radio chain based on periodic assessments of which RATs need to be active. This allows the radio chain to be efficiently allocated to different RATs only when needed, reducing energy consumption during idle periods for any particular technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If radio chains are shared between different radio access technologies, then the resource utilization is improved, but the difficulty of managing spectrum sharing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoiddifficulty of managing spectrum sharing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the operational status, performance metrics, and configuration requirements of different RATs. This feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust radio chain allocation and resolve spectrum sharing conflicts, reducing the management difficulty while maintaining high resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary configuration management apparatus that mediates between multiple RATs sharing a radio chain. This intermediary handles the complexity of spectrum sharing coordination, parameter adjustment, and conflict resolution, simplifying the overall management while enabling efficient resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4510669B1Determining radio chain utilization for spectrum sharing
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP4510669B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4510669B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4510669B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Disclosed is a method comprising receiving (801) a first set of fronthaul data associated with a first radio access technology; receiving (802) a second set of fronthaul data associated with a second radio access technology different from the first radio access technology; and determining (803), based at least on the first set of fronthaul data and the second set of fronthaul data, whether to utilize one or more radio chains of at least two radio chains for spectrum sharing between at least the first radio access technology and the second radio access technology.