Uplink Control Information Physical Layer Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks, user equipment (UE) experiences performance degradation due to periodic switching of uplink frequency between macro and small cells for independent layer 1/layer 2 Radio Resource Management, leading to inefficient use of subframes and reduced throughput, especially when only one cell is active for data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic physical layer configuration for uplink control information transmission based on downlink data availability from macro and small cells, using random access procedures for synchronized PHY reconfiguration, and employing explicit or implicit signaling to adjust configurations accordingly, allowing for optimized use of subframes and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE periodically switches UL frequency to provide UCI towards macro and small cell independently, then the UE can provide independent uplink feedback information towards both cells, but the UL throughput is reduced and subframe utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic physical layer configuration switching based on downlink data availability. The UE dynamically switches between first PHY configuration (for small cell) and second PHY configuration (for macrocell) according to real-time network conditions and signaling from the network entity, rather than using fixed periodic switching. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling independent feedback provision only when necessary, thereby maintaining UL throughput.
2Loss of information
If the UE switches UL frequency from small cell to macrocell carrier to transmit UCI, then the UE can transmit control information, but the subframe cannot be used for UL data transmission and throughput is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different physical layer configurations locally based on which cell requires UCI transmission. The first PHY configuration is used when small cell requires feedback, and the second PHY configuration is used when macrocell requires feedback. The network entity signals the appropriate configuration to the UE, enabling localized optimization of subframe usage rather than universal periodic switching, thus reducing time loss while ensuring UCI transmission.
3Productivity
If the UE always stays connected to the cell that guarantees best UL throughput, then the UL throughput is maximized, but the UE cannot provide independent uplink feedback information towards both macro and small cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to support multiple physical layer configurations simultaneously, making the UE multi-functional. The UE can operate with first PHY configuration for small cell feedback and second PHY configuration for macrocell feedback, switching between them based on network signaling. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the UE to maintain connectivity and feedback capability with both cells while adapting to throughput requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If periodic UL frequency switching is implemented for independent RRM at macro and small cell, then independent layer 1/layer 2 Radio Resource Management is supported, but the UE implementation burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network entity signaling as an intermediary that coordinates the UE's physical layer configuration switching. The network entity determines when and how the UE should switch between first and second PHY configurations based on downlink data availability and feedback requirements. This intermediary control reduces UE implementation complexity by providing clear switching instructions rather than requiring the UE to autonomously manage complex periodic switching logic for independent RRM.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various communication systems may benefit from synchronized physical layer reconfiguration among user equipment, macrocell and small cell in macrocell-assisted small cell deployments. A method may include dynamically changing a physical layer configuration of transmission of uplink control information in a network. The method may also include applying the dynamic change of the physical layer configuration between at least one user equipment and at least two transmitting devices The method may also include performing random access channel procedures for a physical layer reconfiguration between at least one user equipment and at least two transmitting devices.