Dynamic RF Spectrum Reassignment for LTE-5G Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless operators face challenges in RF spectrum allocation when transitioning from 4G LTE to 5G NR, particularly due to higher path loss and reduced coverage area at higher frequencies, leading to potential reduced throughput for 4G LTE-only UEs if high-quality spectrum is reassigned for 5G NR use.
Innovation Solution
Implement dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) by dynamically allocating RF spectrum from 4G LTE to 5G NR use, specifically selecting frequency portions with higher noise levels for 5G NR use, thereby retaining higher quality spectrum for 4G LTE UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high-quality RF spectrum is reassigned for 5G NR use, then 5G NR service is enabled, but throughput for 4G LTE-only UEs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the quality requirements for different frequency segments. High-quality frequency segments (with lower noise) are retained for 4G LTE use to maintain throughput for 4G LTE-only UEs, while lower-quality frequency segments (with higher noise) are allocated to 5G NR use. This spatial differentiation of spectrum quality allocation resolves the contradiction by ensuring each technology receives appropriate frequency resources.
2Productivity
If dynamic spectrum sharing is implemented, then spectrum utilization is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the allocation of frequency segments between 4G LTE and 5G NR based on measured noise levels and service requirements. The system monitors noise characteristics of different frequency segments and reallocates spectrum resources accordingly, transforming static spectrum allocation into a dynamic parameter-adjustment system that optimizes utilization while managing complexity through automated measurements and decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system to dynamically reassign RF spectrum from a first access node to a second access node, where the first access node provides service on a first carrier having a carrier bandwidth. An example method includes (i) selecting a frequency portion of the carrier bandwidth to reassign, the selecting being based on the frequency portion having higher determined noise than one or more other frequency portions of the carrier bandwidth, and (ii) based on the selecting, reassigning the selected frequency portion from the first access node to the second access node to be used by the second access node as at least part of a second carrier on which to provide service. Upon reassigning of the selected frequency portion, the second access node could then provide service on the reassigned portion and the first access node could continue to provide service on a remainder of the first carrier.