Uplink Descriptor Channel Design for Shared Spectrum Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems using shared radio frequency spectrum bands face inefficiencies in resource utilization due to mismatched uplink data channel resource allocations and interference from concurrent transmissions, leading to higher communication errors and reduced utilization efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an uplink descriptor channel that allows User Equipments (UEs) to indicate their specific configuration for uplink transmissions, including the presence of UCI, format, and resource utilization, enabling more efficient use of allocated resources and reallocation by the base station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uplink data channel resources are allocated without considering actual UE configuration needs, then resource allocation is simplified, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE transmits an uplink descriptor channel containing configuration information about its actual transmission needs. The base station receives this feedback and uses it to adjust future resource allocations, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes resource utilization based on actual UE requirements rather than using static allocation methods.
2Loss of time
If transmissions are permitted without contending for access in shared spectrum, then transmission latency is reduced, but interference from concurrent transmissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by requiring UEs to perform Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) before transmitting on shared spectrum resources. This preliminary check detects whether the channel is free from interference before the UE begins transmission, allowing low-latency access when the channel is clear while preventing interference when other devices are actively transmitting.
3Reliability
If base station does not receive UCI, then base station cannot determine if downlink grant was received, but requiring higher transmission redundancy reduces utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the uplink descriptor channel serves as a mediator between the UE's uplink transmission and the base station's downlink grant acknowledgment status. The descriptor channel provides contextual information that helps the base station infer whether the UE received the downlink grant, eliminating the need for excessive transmission redundancy while maintaining reliable acknowledgment detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for uplink descriptor channels are described. An uplink descriptor channel may be used by a user equipment (UE) for providing indications that uplink transmissions over allocated uplink data resources are sent in a configuration different from a configuration indicated by an uplink grant. In various examples an uplink transmission may be transmitted by a UE, and received by a base station, and the uplink transmission may include the uplink descriptor channel with uplink data. An uplink descriptor channel may include indications that uplink control information is included in the uplink transmission, and/or that the uplink transmission employs a number of transmission intervals, a number of channels, and/or a different MCS than those indicated by the uplink grant. A base station may receive the uplink descriptor channel and adjust various parameters of decoding an uplink transmission and/or allocating radio frequency spectrum resources.