Radio Node MCS CQI Table Switching for Higher Data Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE systems are limited to modulation schemes with a maximum of six bits per symbol (64QAM), preventing the use of higher-order modulation to achieve higher data rates, and requiring additional control signaling for higher data rates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a second table configuration in radio communications between a radio node and a UE, which supports higher modulation orders such as 256QAM or 512QAM, by modifying the MCS and CQI index tables without requiring extra signaling bits, and maintaining entries from the first table configuration as a fallback for poor channel conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher-order modulation (e.g., 256QAM, 512QAM) is used to achieve higher data rates, then the data rate increases, but additional control signaling is required between the UE and the serving radio node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the indication of higher-order modulation support with existing uplink control signaling messages (such as Buffer Status Report, Scheduling Request, or Channel Quality Indicator). By merging the modulation capability indication into these existing signaling structures, the patent enables higher-order modulation without requiring separate additional control signaling messages, thus avoiding increased signaling overhead while still achieving higher data rates.
2Productivity
If a second table configuration supporting higher modulation orders is implemented, then higher data rates are enabled in favorable channel conditions, but the system complexity increases due to multiple table configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between the first table configuration (supporting up to 64QAM) and the second table configuration (supporting higher-order modulation). The radio node and UE can adaptively select which table configuration to use based on current channel conditions and higher-order modulation support. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve higher data rates when conditions permit while maintaining backward compatibility and manageable complexity through conditional activation rather than permanent dual-configuration overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional control signaling is implemented to support higher-order modulation, then higher modulation orders can be indicated, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing uplink control signaling messages serve multiple functions: their original purpose (such as buffer status reporting or channel quality indication) plus an additional function of indicating higher-order modulation support capability. By embedding the modulation capability indication within these multi-purpose signaling messages, the patent achieves enhanced adaptability for higher-order modulation while avoiding the increase in signaling overhead that would result from dedicated separate signaling messages.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and radio node for enabling higher-order modulation in a radio communication with a first UE. A first table configuration comprises at least one of a first Modulation and Coding Scheme, MCS, table and a first Channel Quality Indicator, CQI, table which tables support a certain maximum modulation order. When the radio node detects that a modulation order higher than the maximum modulation order of the first table configuration is potentially possible to use in the radio communication, the radio node instructs the first UE to apply a second table configuration which comprises at least one of a second MCS table and a second CQI table which second tables support the higher modulation order. At least one entry for at least one modulation order in the tables of the first table configuration is maintained in the tables of the second table configuration as a fall-back in case it is desirable to use the at least one modulation order of the first table configuration when the second table configuration is applied. Thereby, a higher data rate can be achieved in the radio communication.