Uplink MU-MIMO Grouping Efficiency for Dual-Connectivity Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in optimizing uplink data flow distribution between multiple access nodes in dual-connectivity scenarios, particularly in determining when to use single-connection-uplink mode versus split-uplink mode to maximize spectral efficiency and mitigate load issues.

Innovation Solution

A computing system determines the uplink MU-MIMO grouping efficiency of the air interface to decide whether dual-connected UEs should operate in single-connection-uplink mode or split-uplink mode, leveraging high efficiency to either limit or offload uplink data flow based on the MU-MIMO grouping efficiency threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If split-uplink mode is used to offload uplink data flow from the second access node to the first access node, then uplink load balancing is improved, but uplink spectral efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal MU-MIMO grouping efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink data flow distributionVSAvoiduplink spectral efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between single-connection-uplink mode and split-uplink mode based on real-time MU-MIMO grouping efficiency measurements. When efficiency exceeds a threshold, single-connection mode is used; when it falls below, split-uplink mode is activated. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the optimal operational mode according to current channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter (uplink mode) based on the MU-MIMO grouping efficiency parameter. By monitoring efficiency metrics and adjusting the uplink transmission mode accordingly, the system optimizes both load distribution and spectral efficiency under different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If single-connection-uplink mode is used to limit uplink data flow to the second access node, then uplink spectral efficiency is improved, but load balancing deteriorates when the second access node experiences high uplink load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink spectral efficiencyVSAvoiduplink load distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic mode switching that responds to both spectral efficiency metrics and load conditions. When the second access node experiences high load and MU-MIMO efficiency is low, the system transitions to split-uplink mode to distribute load. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between maintaining spectral efficiency and achieving load balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual-connectivity service is provided with split-uplink mode to enable flexible data offloading, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple uplink connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink mode flexibilityVSAvoiddual-connection management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automated mode selection based on pre-configured MU-MIMO efficiency thresholds. The network automatically determines whether to use single-connection or split-uplink mode without requiring complex manual configuration or user intervention, thereby achieving adaptability while managing complexity through rule-based automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention manages complexity by changing operational parameters (uplink mode) based on simple threshold comparisons of MU-MIMO efficiency metrics. This parameter-based control approach provides flexibility while avoiding the need for complex decision-making algorithms or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If MU-MIMO grouping efficiency is increased to improve uplink spectral efficiency, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but the ability to handle high-load scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink data transmission efficiencyVSAvoidload handling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its operational mode based on real-time monitoring of MU-MIMO grouping efficiency. When efficiency is high, single-connection mode maximizes data transmission efficiency. When efficiency drops (indicating high load or poor channel conditions), the system switches to split-uplink mode to maintain reliability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between optimizing for efficiency and ensuring reliability under varying load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11425770B1Use of uplink MU-MIMO grouping efficiency as basis to control split-uplink-mode operation for dual-connectivity service
Publication Date: 2022.08.23 SPRINT SPECTRUM LLC
  • US11425770B1 patent drawing
  • US11425770B1 patent drawing
  • US11425770B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for controlling dual-connectivity service in a system where a first access node provides service on a first air interface and a second access node provides service on a second air interface, and where (i) in a single-connection-uplink mode for the dual-connectivity service, uplink user-plane communication is carried on just the second air interface and (ii) in a split-uplink mode for the dual-connectivity service, uplink user-plane communication is split between the first air interface and the second air interface. An example method includes determining an uplink Multi-User Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) grouping efficiency of the second air interface and, based on the determined uplink MU-MIMO grouping efficiency of the second air interface, controlling whether to provide the dual-connectivity service in the single-connection-uplink mode or rather in the split-uplink mode.