Non-Contiguous Serving Cell Resources for Spectrum Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular communication systems face inefficiencies in utilizing frequency resources, leading to suboptimal data throughput and resource allocation in 5G networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of non-contiguous frequency resources in a serving cell, where frequency segments are configured and activated for user equipment, allowing for flexible and efficient spectrum use through signaling mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If contiguous frequency resources are used for user equipment, then resource allocation is simple, but spectrum utilization efficiency is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilization efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency resource configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency spectrum is divided into multiple frequency segments that can be independently configured and allocated. Each segment can be assigned to different user equipments or services, allowing flexible spectrum utilization while maintaining manageable configuration through standardized segment definitions and indexing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic activation and deactivation of frequency segments based on real-time traffic conditions and service requirements. Frequency segments can be dynamically allocated to different UEs through signaling mechanisms, allowing the network to optimize spectrum utilization without requiring complex static reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If non-contiguous frequency resources are activated for user equipment, then data throughput is enhanced, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the frequency spectrum into discrete, manageable units, the system can allocate non-contiguous resources to different user equipments in a systematic manner. Each frequency segment acts as an independent allocatable unit, simplifying the resource allocation process even when multiple segments are activated for a single UE.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency segment framework provides a universal mechanism that can handle various allocation scenarios - contiguous or non-contiguous, single segment or multiple segments. The same segmentation and signaling mechanisms work for all allocation types, reducing the need for separate complex handling procedures.

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

3Productivity

If frequency segments are configured and activated dynamically, then spectrum utilization is optimized, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Segmenting the frequency spectrum allows for more precise and efficient signaling. Instead of signaling individual frequency resources, the system signals frequency segments as unified units, reducing the amount of information that needs to be transmitted while maintaining the ability to create complex allocation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Frequency segments are pre-configured and indexed in the system, allowing for rapid activation and deactivation without requiring full reconfiguration signaling. The preliminary segmentation setup enables the network to quickly allocate segments based on pre-established frameworks, reducing real-time signaling requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4629549A1Use of non-contiguous frequency resources in a serving cell
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 APPLE INC
  • EP4629549A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4629549A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4629549A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods to use non-contiguous frequency resources in a serving cell. In an example, a network configures, for a UE, non-contiguous frequency segments in the serving cell. Each frequency segment can include contiguous frequency resources. The network can signal, to the UE, that particular subsets of the contiguous frequency resources are activated and can schedule the use of such resources. Downlink transmission and uplink transmission can use the activated subsets across the frequency segments as an aggregated set of frequency resources.