Uplink Channel Selection Using Location and Quality Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR systems, the coverage gap between downlink and uplink transmissions at high frequencies is significant due to greater pathloss, leading to inadequate uplink coverage compared to downlink coverage, necessitating a method to enhance uplink communications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where user equipment (UE) measures channel quality and location to select between a supplementary uplink (SUL) and a normal uplink (NUL) channel for transmissions, using historical information of successful access attempts and distance thresholds to optimize uplink channel selection, thereby improving coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high frequency operating frequencies are used to exploit greater available bandwidth and less interference, then bandwidth and interference resistance are improved, but pathloss increases and coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The uplink transmission is segmented into two separate channels: a first uplink channel at high frequency (6 GHz and above) for bandwidth-intensive transmissions, and a second uplink channel at low frequency (below 6 GHz) for coverage-critical transmissions. This segmentation allows the system to exploit the advantages of both frequency ranges without being forced to use only one, thereby resolving the contradiction between bandwidth availability and pathloss.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual uplink channel configuration enables the system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the high-frequency channel provides high bandwidth and low interference for data-intensive applications, while the low-frequency channel provides extended coverage and reliable connectivity for edge devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to address both bandwidth requirements and coverage needs without compromise.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transmission power is increased to compensate for pathloss at high frequencies, then coverage is improved, but power consumption increases and device battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which uplink channel to use based on real-time conditions including channel quality measurements, device location, and historical access success rates. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to choose the most energy-efficient channel for each transmission scenario, avoiding unnecessary high-power transmissions when low-frequency alternative channels provide sufficient coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The user equipment autonomously performs channel selection by measuring channel quality, determining its location, and comparing historical access success rates without requiring network intervention. This self-service mechanism enables the device to optimize its own power consumption by intelligently selecting the appropriate uplink channel based on current conditions.
3Ease of operation
If channel quality thresholds are used for uplink selection, then automatic channel selection is simplified, but mis-selection occurs when channel quality is marginal
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple selection criteria into a unified channel selection process: channel quality measurements, device location information, historical access success rates, and distance thresholds are combined to make the final selection decision. This combination allows the system to overcome the limitations of single-criterion threshold-based selection and achieve more reliable channel selection even in marginal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates historical information about previous uplink access attempts and their success rates into the current selection decision. This feedback mechanism allows the device to learn from past experiences and adjust its channel selection strategy accordingly, improving reliability in marginal channel quality conditions where simple thresholds would fail.
4Reliability
If location-based selection is implemented, then uplink channel accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs location determination and channel quality measurement as preliminary actions before the actual uplink transmission. By preparing this information in advance and storing it for later reference, the system reduces the computational burden during transmission decisions and simplifies the overall selection process while maintaining high accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for operating a user equipment (UE) includes measuring a channel quality of a channel associated with a first uplink channel and a second uplink channel, determining that the channel quality is between a first channel quality threshold and a second channel quality threshold, and based thereon, selecting either the first uplink channel or the second uplink channel for an uplink transmission in accordance with a current location of the UE, historical information of successful uplink channel access attempts, and a distance threshold, and performing an uplink random access procedure in accordance with the selected uplink channel.