Uplink MIMO Layer Reporting via Dual Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication networks, the existing signaling only supports uplink Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO) capabilities up to 4 layers, which does not adequately address the throughput imbalance between uplink and downlink, and handheld UEs cannot implement higher layer capabilities due to implementation constraints.
Innovation Solution
A reporting method and apparatus that allow User Equipment (UE) to report its maximum uplink MIMO layer number through two different signalings, where the first signaling supports reporting of 3 layers not supported by the second signaling, enabling the network device to configure appropriate MIMO layers without breaking implementation constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing signaling is used to report uplink MIMO capability, then the signaling structure remains simple and compatible with current standards, but the uplink throughput is limited and cannot achieve 3-layer MIMO capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MIMO capability reporting into two separate signalings: first signaling (e.g., featureSetsUplinkPerCC) and second signaling (e.g., MIMO-LayersUL). This segmentation allows the first signaling to carry comprehensive capability information including 3-layer support, while the second signaling maintains backward compatibility with existing 4-layer reporting. The network device can selectively process these signalings to achieve both improved uplink throughput and standard compatibility.
2Productivity
If handheld UEs implement higher layer MIMO capabilities, then uplink performance improves, but implementation constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic capability reporting where the UE can flexibly indicate its actual MIMO layer support through the first signaling. Handheld UEs can report 3-layer capability when needed while maintaining the ability to operate with fewer layers when implementation constraints are active. The network device dynamically configures the appropriate MIMO layer number based on the reported capability and current conditions, allowing adaptive performance optimization without hardcoding higher layer implementations.
3Measurement precision
If the first signaling reports 3-layer MIMO capability while the second signaling reports 4-layer capability, then accurate capability representation is achieved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the first signaling as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between actual 3-layer capability and the traditional 4-layer reporting structure. The first signaling (featureSetsUplinkPerCC) acts as a mediator that carries precise capability information, while the second signaling (MIMO-LayersUL) maintains the traditional interface. This intermediary approach allows accurate capability representation without fundamentally restructuring the existing signaling framework, thus limiting the increase in signaling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A reporting method is applied to a User Equipment (UE), and includes: reporting, through a first signaling, to a network device a maximum uplink Multiple-in Multiple-Out (MIMO) layer number supported by the UE, and reporting, through a second signaling, to the network device a maximum uplink MIMO layer number supported by the UE, wherein the maximum uplink MIMO layer number reported through the first signaling is different from the maximum uplink MIMO layer number reported through the second signaling; or reporting, through at least one of the first signaling or the second signaling, to the network device a maximum uplink MIMO layer number supported by the UE, wherein the maximum uplink MIMO layer number reported through the first signaling is the same as the maximum uplink MIMO layer number reported through the second signaling.