Uplink Coverage Control in Wireless Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing VoLTE technology in wireless communication systems faces challenges with low data rates and reduced signal arrival coverage compared to circuit-switched voice communication standards, leading to inefficient power use and unreliable uplink transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a base station to determine and enhance the uplink coverage of specific user terminals by employing techniques such as TTI bundling, RLC segmentation, increased HARQ retransmission frequency, frequency hopping, and smart uplink resource coordination to improve power efficiency and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If VoLTE technology is used to provide high-speed data service, then data transmission rate is improved, but signal arrival coverage is reduced compared to circuit-switched voice communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink transmission process by dividing RLC packets into multiple MAC packets for transmission. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high data rates while improving coverage by transmitting smaller, more reliable packets that can successfully reach the base station over longer distances with higher probability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by determining coverage control target terminals before actual data transmission based on path loss calculations and coverage control criteria. This preliminary identification allows the system to pre-configure appropriate transmission parameters and select suitable terminals for coverage enhancement, ensuring optimal performance before transmission begins
2Reliability
If VoLTE technology is used, then connection rate is improved, but uplink coverage is smaller than circuit-switched voice communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes transmission parameters dynamically by adjusting the number of MAC packets per RLC packet, selecting appropriate modulation and coding schemes, and configuring HARQ parameters based on terminal coverage conditions. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain reliable connections while extending uplink coverage for terminals in challenging radio conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station determines which terminals require coverage control based on uplink reception quality measurements. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously adapt to changing channel conditions, maintaining reliable connections while managing coverage limitations through intelligent terminal selection and parameter adjustment
3Area of stationary object
If coverage control is applied to all terminals, then uplink coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing coverage control only to specific terminals identified as coverage control target terminals based on their individual path loss characteristics and reception quality. Rather than uniformly applying coverage enhancement to all terminals, the system selectively applies resources only where needed, improving uplink coverage for vulnerable terminals while minimizing unnecessary power consumption at both terminal and base station
4Speed
If high-speed data service is provided, then transmission rate is improved, but resource shortage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing coverage control for only a subset of terminals (coverage control target terminals) rather than all terminals in the cell. This selective approach allows the system to maintain high transmission rates for most terminals while dedicating additional resources to a smaller group of terminals that require coverage enhancement, thereby avoiding resource shortage while still improving overall system performance
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus for controlling coverage of a base station in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes determining a coverage control target terminal among terminals within a service radius of the base station and increasing a coverage of the coverage control target terminal.