Time Slot Attribute Assignment for LTE-UTRAN Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coexistence of multiple radio access networks, such as UTRAN and E-UTRAN, on the same carrier poses challenges in efficient uplink resource allocation and handover situations, particularly in avoiding scheduling conflicts and ensuring proper transmission modes.
Innovation Solution
Assigning distinguishing attributes to time slots for uplink and downlink transmissions to prevent interference between UTRAN and E-UTRAN, using attributes like 'UL', 'DL', and 'DTX/DRX' to differentiate transmission modes, and implementing efficient resource allocation strategies, including scheduling grants and subframe signaling, to manage coexistence and handover processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple radio access networks (UTRAN and E-UTRAN) share the same carrier frequency, then spectrum utilization is improved, but scheduling conflicts and interference between networks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time slots on the shared carrier frequency by assigning different attributes (UL, DL, DTX/DRX) to different time slots for different radio access networks. This allows UTRAN and E-UTRAN to coexist on the same frequency by dividing time resources into distinct segments, preventing scheduling conflicts and interference while maintaining high spectrum utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If time slots are shared between UTRAN and E-UTRAN without distinction, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but transmission mode confusion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific attributes to specific time slots. Each time slot is locally characterized by an attribute (UL for uplink, DL for downlink, DTX/DRX for discontinuous transmission/drain mode) that defines its transmission mode. This allows the system to maintain high resource allocation flexibility while ensuring clear transmission mode identification in each local time slot context.
3Productivity
If uplink resources are dynamically allocated without considering coexistence, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but handover conflicts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring time slot attributes and establishing scheduling rules before handover operations. The network nodes are pre-equipped with knowledge of which time slots belong to which radio access network and their respective transmission modes. This allows efficient dynamic resource allocation to occur without causing handover conflicts, as the allocation process operates within pre-established coexistence frameworks.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for improving the capabilities of an evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network, in particular for cases when more than one radio access network applying a time-division duplex transmission mode need to co-exist on a same carrier. The invention addresses further problems concerning an efficient allocation of uplink resources and resource allocation in a handover situation. The present invention assigns an attribute in form of a distinguishing value to the time slots used for the uplink and downlink transmission on said carrier such as to avoid scheduling of transmissions via a first radio access network in downlink or uplink time slots assigned to the second radio access network and to avoid scheduling of transmissions via the second radio access network in uplink time slots assigned for transmissions in the first radio access network.