Uplink-Only Cell Configuration in 5G Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack efficient methods for supporting communications with uplink-only cells, which are essential for advanced carrier aggregation frameworks in networks like 5G NR.
Innovation Solution
UEs and network nodes exchange capability information to establish a carrier aggregation framework that includes uplink-only cells, enabling effective uplink communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing wireless communication methods are used, then basic communication functionality is maintained, but efficient communication with uplink-only cells is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The UE transmits capability information indicating support for uplink-only cells before establishing the carrier aggregation framework. The network node uses this preliminary information to configure the appropriate framework, enabling efficient uplink-only cell communication from the outset rather than attempting it without prior indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces new capability information parameters that explicitly indicate UE support for uplink-only cells. This parameter change allows the network to distinguish between UEs that can handle uplink-only configurations and those that cannot, enabling appropriate framework selection and resolving the contradiction between communication efficiency and framework adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If capability information exchange is implemented, then support for uplink-only cells is enabled, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capability information for uplink-only cell support is merged with existing UE capability reporting mechanisms. Rather than creating a completely separate signaling channel, the invention integrates the new capability indication into the existing capability exchange framework, thereby enabling uplink-only support while minimizing additional signaling overhead.
3Productivity
If carrier aggregation framework is established, then communication capability is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier aggregation framework is configured with local quality differentiation - specific cells are designated as uplink-only based on the UE's capability information. This allows the system to maintain standard full-duplex operation for cells where needed while applying uplink-only configuration locally to specific cells, enhancing communication capability without requiring complete system redesign and thus limiting complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may transmit UE capability information indicative of a capability of the UE to support communications with an uplink-only cell. The UE may receive, from a network node associated with a primary cell and based on transmitting the UE capability information, configuration information corresponding to a carrier aggregation framework including the primary cell and an uplink-only cell. The UE may transmit, to a network node associated with the uplink-only cell and based on the configuration information, an uplink communication. Numerous other aspects are described.