Supplementary Uplink Frequency Management for 5G Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next generation mobile communication systems face a coverage mismatch between downlink and uplink frequencies due to maximum transmit power restrictions, limiting terminal performance and requiring broader uplink frequency coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method allowing terminals to use supplementary uplink frequencies, such as 1.8 GHz, in addition to traditional frequencies like 3.5 GHz, to expand coverage, and a base station system that broadcasts information on access restrictions to terminals based on their capabilities, enabling them to determine appropriate frequency usage for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If terminals use traditional uplink frequencies (e.g., 3.5 GHz) to maintain communication performance, then data transmission quality is preserved, but uplink coverage is limited and cannot match downlink coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink frequency usage into two distinct parts: traditional frequencies (e.g., 3.5 GHz) for reliable communication in good coverage areas, and supplementary frequencies (e.g., 1.8 GHz) for extended coverage in poor coverage areas. The terminal selectively switches between these segments based on channel conditions, thereby expanding overall coverage while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter by introducing supplementary uplink frequencies with different characteristics (lower frequency for better propagation) compared to traditional uplink frequencies. This parameter change enables the system to overcome the coverage limitation of traditional frequencies while maintaining the ability to switch to reliable frequencies when conditions permit.
2Area of stationary object
If terminals switch between different uplink frequencies to expand coverage, then broader coverage is achieved, but frequency switching operations increase and complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-configure supplementary uplink frequency information and switching criteria before the terminal needs to switch frequencies. The terminal receives and stores this information in advance, so when coverage extension is needed, it can quickly determine and execute the frequency switch without complex real-time decision-making, thereby reducing switching complexity.
3Reliability
If terminals use supplementary uplink frequencies to extend coverage, then uplink coverage matches downlink coverage, but additional frequency management and switching mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal monitors channel conditions and provides feedback to the network about its current state. Based on this feedback, the network can guide the terminal's frequency selection and switching decisions. This feedback loop simplifies the terminal's frequency management complexity by providing external guidance while ensuring reliable service coverage through adaptive frequency usage.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication scheme and system for converging a 5th generation (5G) communication system and a 4th generation (4G) system. A UE performs a random access on a supplementary uplink (SUL) frequency, and transmits a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) on the SUL frequency. A Next Generation NodeB (gNB) determines to use a New Radio (NR) uplink (UL) frequency for PUSCH transmissions, and transmits PUSCH configuration information for the NR UL to the UE. The UE transmits a PUSCH on the NR UL but still transmits the PUCCH on the SUL frequency.