Uplink-Based Downlink Connectivity Configuration Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular networks, especially in LTE, dual connectivity and carrier aggregation scenarios, the lack of coordination between base stations can lead to suboptimal scheduling and link adaptation, affecting the quality of uplink channels, which may result in transmission failures and reduced performance due to unmanaged power budgets and path loss issues.
Innovation Solution
A method where a node in the cellular network determines the characteristics of uplink channels and selects an appropriate downlink connectivity configuration for a device, choosing between different sets of downlink radio resources to ensure efficient power management and channel quality, thereby optimizing dual connectivity and carrier aggregation configurations based on uplink criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual connectivity configuration is used to improve downlink throughput, then network capacity increases, but uplink channel quality deteriorates due to lack of coordination between base stations and unmanaged power budgets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report uplink channel quality metrics (such as PHR - Power Headroom Report) to the network. The network uses this feedback to dynamically adjust connectivity configuration, switching between dual connectivity and single connectivity modes based on actual uplink channel conditions, thereby maintaining reliable uplink transmissions while preserving downlink throughput benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic connectivity configuration that can switch between different operational modes (dual connectivity, single connectivity, carrier aggregation) based on real-time uplink channel quality assessment. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for downlink throughput when uplink conditions are good, while switching to single connectivity when uplink quality deteriorates, thus resolving the contradiction between the two performance metrics.
2Productivity
If multiple downlink channels are configured to increase network capacity, then resource utilization improves, but transmit power budget management becomes complex leading to transmission failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-side controller that acts as an intermediary to manage power budget allocation across multiple downlink channels. This controller receives power headroom reports from UEs and coordinates power allocation among different base stations and carriers, simplifying the complexity of power management for individual UEs while maximizing network capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes power allocation parameters based on uplink channel conditions and UE power headroom reports. By adjusting transmit power levels, power distribution ratios, and connectivity configuration parameters in response to measured conditions, the system optimizes network capacity while preventing transmission failures due to power budget exhaustion.
3Productivity
If carrier aggregation is implemented to enhance downlink performance, then spectral efficiency increases, but uplink channel reliability decreases due to path loss and power constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between carrier aggregation mode and single connectivity mode based on uplink channel quality assessment. When uplink path loss is high or power headroom is insufficient, the system dynamically deactivates carrier aggregation and switches to single connectivity, thereby maintaining uplink reliability while preserving downlink performance benefits when conditions allow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses uplink channel quality feedback (including path loss measurements and power headroom reports) to dynamically adjust carrier aggregation configuration. The network monitors uplink conditions and provides feedback to adjust whether carrier aggregation is active, ensuring that uplink reliability is maintained while maximizing downlink performance when uplink conditions are favorable.
Data Source
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AI summary
Uplink based selection of downlink connectivity configuration A node (110, 120) of a cellular network determines a characteristic of at least one UL channel (112, 122) between a device (10) and the cellular network. Depending on the determined characteristic of the at least one uplink channel (112, 114), the node (110, 120) selects a configuration for a downlink connection for the device (10), e.g., a dual connectivity configuration or a carrier aggregation configuration. Further, the node (110) indicates the selected configuration to the device (10).