Dynamic TDD Special Slot Configuration for Cell Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks employing time division duplexing (TDD) face challenges in balancing cell range and spectrum efficiency due to static special slot configurations, which either reduce coverage area or efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A base station dynamically adjusts the special slot configuration based on monitored network conditions using a timing advance procedure, increasing gap symbols and prioritizing uplink transmissions to expand cell range without sacrificing spectrum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of gap symbols in a special slot is increased to extend cell range, then coverage area is improved, but spectrum efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the special slot configuration adjustable rather than fixed. The base station dynamically modifies the number of gap symbols and symbol allocation in special slots based on detected UE conditions (such as timing advance values indicating distance). This allows the system to adapt the cell range extension capability in real-time, increasing gap symbols only when needed for edge users while maintaining efficient configurations for users closer to the base station, thus resolving the contradiction between cell range and spectrum efficiency.
2Productivity
If a fixed special slot configuration is used to maintain spectrum efficiency, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but cell range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the configuration parameters of special slots (number of gap symbols, number of downlink symbols, number of uplink symbols) based on detected network conditions. The base station uses timing advance measurements to determine UE distance and adjusts special slot parameters accordingly. This allows the system to maintain optimal spectrum efficiency for most users while extending cell range for edge users by changing the special slot configuration parameters dynamically.
3Area of stationary object
If special slot configuration is statically set to support large cell range, then coverage area is improved, but spectrum efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static special slot configuration into a dynamic one that adapts to actual network conditions. The base station continuously monitors UE conditions (such as timing advance values that indicate distance from the base station) and adjusts the special slot configuration accordingly. This dynamic approach ensures that the coverage area is extended only when and where needed, rather than universally, thereby maintaining spectrum efficiency while providing enhanced coverage for edge users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different special slot configurations to different users based on their specific conditions. Users at the cell edge (identified through timing advance measurements) receive special slot configurations with increased gap symbols for extended coverage, while users closer to the base station receive configurations optimized for spectrum efficiency. This localized adaptation resolves the contradiction by applying cell range extension only where necessary rather than uniformly across all users.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station device dynamically adjusts the configuration of a special slot when operating in a time division duplexing (TDD) mode. The base station can initially communicate with a user equipment (UE) using a first frequency in a time division duplexing (TDD) mode. Using, for example, a timing advance procedure, the base station can determine when the UE requires an expanded cell range (e.g., if the UE is at the cell range edge). In response, the base station adjusts a configuration of a special slot for the UE. The adjustment to the special slot can comprise an addition of a gap symbol, a prioritizing of uplink transmissions over downlink transmissions, or a reserving of one or more downlink symbols during scheduling.