Cell Level Isolation via TDM Subframe Partitioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face limitations in peak throughput and interference management due to frequency division multiplexing schemes, which restrict device compatibility across different carriers and communication protocols, leading to reduced network efficiency and user equipment (UE) accessibility.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme for resource allocation across base stations, allowing for subframe partitioning and shared resource utilization among cells, enabling efficient communication and reducing interference through coordinated scheduling and control channel configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If frequency division multiplexing (FDM) scheme is used for resource allocation across cells, then resource allocation is simplified, but peak throughput is limited and device compatibility across different carriers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation complexityVSAvoidpeak throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments time resources into different subframe sets (first set and second set) that can be independently allocated to different cells. This time-domain segmentation allows multiple cells to share the same carrier frequency while maintaining independent resource control, thereby increasing peak throughput without requiring complex frequency-domain resource management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic subframe allocation where the network can flexibly assign different subframe sets to different cells based on traffic conditions and service requirements. This dynamic time-resource allocation enables the system to adapt to varying load conditions and achieve higher throughput compared to static FDM approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If frequency division multiplexing (FDM) scheme is used for resource allocation, then resource allocation is simplified, but interference management between cells becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation complexityVSAvoidinterference between cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting time resources into distinct subframe sets for different cells, the patent creates temporal isolation between cells that share the same frequency. This segmentation reduces inter-cell interference while maintaining simpler resource allocation compared to frequency-domain methods, as the same frequency can be reused in different time slots without causing interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If different carriers are allocated to different cells using FDM, then resource allocation is simplified, but user equipment accessibility is reduced due to protocol and carrier compatibility limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation complexityVSAvoiduser equipment accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a single carrier to serve multiple cells simultaneously through time-domain resource allocation. This universal approach allows user equipment to access multiple cells using the same carrier frequency and protocol, eliminating the need for multiple carriers and improving device compatibility and accessibility across different cell types and operators.

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

4Productivity

If time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme is implemented for resource allocation, then peak throughput and device compatibility are improved, but resource allocation complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing time resources into distinct subframe sets that can be independently configured for different cells. This segmentation approach simplifies the TDM implementation by creating clear temporal boundaries between cell resources, making the allocation process more manageable while still achieving high throughput through efficient time-domain multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3498026B1Cell level isolation for network slicing and network sharing
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3498026B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3498026B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3498026B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described that provide for sharing or isolating network resources between multiple cells in a system. Resources are allocated to multiple cells and multiplexed according to a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme where a portion of a component carrier is shared between multiple cells. The allocation of resources also includes splitting or sharing a portion of the time resources between two or more cells such that a subframe is allocated as a subframe shared between multiple cells or as a subframe dedicated for use by only a single cell.