SUL Carrier Time Resource Allocation for Flexible Uplink Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of effectively deploying supplementary uplink (SUL) resources in 5G networks is exacerbated by the difficulty in obtaining spectrum resources and the need to improve uplink coverage and capacity, particularly at cell edges where terminal transmit power is lower, leading to reduced uplink coverage areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring time domain resources of SUL carriers to allow flexible use of uplink transmission, enabling coexistence with downlink transmission and improving transmission reliability and capacity by dynamically allocating resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SUL carrier uses dedicated frequency band for uplink transmission, then uplink coverage is improved, but spectrum resource availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The SUL carrier frequency band is configured to support both uplink transmission and downlink transmission functions. The network device can dynamically allocate time domain resources to allow the SUL carrier to function as either uplink or downlink carrier based on service requirements, thereby improving spectrum resource utilization while maintaining uplink coverage enhancement
2Productivity
If all time domain resources of SUL carrier are used for uplink transmission, then uplink capacity is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic time domain resource allocation for the SUL carrier. The network device configures indication information that dynamically switches the function of SUL carrier time domain resources between uplink transmission and downlink transmission based on real-time service requirements, enabling flexible resource utilization while maintaining high uplink transmission capacity when needed
3Quantity of substance
If SUL carrier supports both uplink and downlink transmission, then resource utilization is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time domain resources of the SUL carrier into distinct uplink transmission resources and downlink transmission resources through configuration indication information. This segmentation ensures that when the SUL carrier is allocated for uplink transmission, downlink services are not affected, and vice versa, thereby maintaining transmission reliability while enabling multi-functional use of the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: when a band, in which a supplemental uplink (SUL) carrier is located, multiplexes a time-division duplex (TDD) band or a low-frequency frequency-division duplex (FDD) band, M time domain resources used by a terminal device to perform SUL transmission is determined from N time domain resources included in the SUL carrier, and indication information that indicates the M time domain resources is sent to the terminal device such that the terminal device can send an uplink signal and/or an uplink channel using the M time domain resources. Further, a network device may configure an available time domain resource used for uplink transmission for the SUL carrier using a system information block (SIB), Radio Resource Control (RRC) dedicated signaling, or download control information (DCI)/media access control (MAC) control element (CE).