Uplink Aggregation via UE Cooperation for NTN Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network technologies face challenges in enhancing uplink capacity and throughput, particularly in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), where efficient communication between user equipment (UEs) and network nodes is hindered by limitations in transmit power, antenna diversity, and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves UE aggregation, where a target UE cooperates with one or more assistant UEs to enhance uplink communications. This is achieved through the use of modified uplink grants, sidelink resource allocations, and dynamic power control, allowing the UEs to operate as a virtual high-power UE with improved transmit capabilities and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple UEs are aggregated to enhance uplink capacity, then uplink throughput and transmit power are improved, but device complexity and resource allocation overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UEs (target UE and assistant UEs) into a unified uplink transmission system. The assistant UEs are selected based on criteria such as channel conditions, power availability, and spatial separation, then integrated with the target UE to form a cooperative transmission group that shares uplink resources and achieves enhanced throughput and coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the uplink transmission function by separating the roles of target UE and assistant UEs. The target UE maintains the primary connection with the gNB, while assistant UEs provide supplemental transmission capabilities. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each UE's transmission parameters while achieving aggregate performance improvement.
2Power
If UE aggregation is implemented to improve uplink coverage, then transmit power capability is enhanced, but signaling overhead and network management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where UEs autonomously evaluate their own transmission capabilities, channel conditions, and power status to determine suitability for aggregation. Assistant UEs self-select based on predefined criteria, reducing the need for extensive network-controlled selection and management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where UEs report their transmission performance, power status, and channel conditions to the network. The gNB uses this feedback to dynamically adjust aggregation configurations, select appropriate assistant UEs, and optimize resource allocation, thereby simplifying network management through information-driven decisions.
3Productivity
If dynamic power control is used in UE aggregation, then uplink transmission efficiency is improved, but control signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial power control by adjusting transmission power only for specific uplink channels or signals that benefit most from dynamic control, rather than controlling all transmissions. Power adjustments are applied selectively based on channel conditions, traffic type, and UE capabilities, reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to devices and components including apparatuses, systems, and methods for supporting aggregation of uplink communications.