Uplink Sharing in Multi-RAT Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing uplink data transmission across multiple radio access technologies, leading to issues such as limited effective range and resource wastage due to disparities between uplink and downlink ranges, particularly in higher frequency radio access technologies like NR.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a blended uplink strategy where user equipment (UE) receives data using a higher frequency radio access technology on the downlink but switches to a lower frequency technology for uplink transmission, allowing acknowledgment data to be shared between base stations operating different radio access technologies to optimize resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher frequency radio access technology (NR) is used for downlink transmission, then data throughput is improved, but uplink transmission range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink acknowledgment transmission from the downlink data reception by using different radio access technologies for each direction. The downlink uses NR (higher frequency) for high throughput, while the uplink uses LTE (lower frequency) for extended range, effectively dividing the communication functions to optimize each direction independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements asymmetric communication where the downlink and uplink use different radio access technologies with different frequency characteristics. The downlink utilizes NR's high-frequency, high-capacity channels for data reception, while the uplink leverages LTE's lower-frequency, longer-range channels for acknowledgment transmission, creating an optimized asymmetric communication pattern.
2Use of energy by moving object
If higher frequency radio access technology is used for both downlink and uplink, then spectral efficiency is improved, but reliability of uplink acknowledgments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functions by assigning different radio access technologies to different directions. NR is used for downlink data reception where spectral efficiency is prioritized, while LTE is used for uplink acknowledgment transmission where reliability is prioritized, thus segmenting the optimization goals by transmission direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the radio access technology parameter between downlink and uplink transmissions. By switching from NR to LTE for uplink acknowledgments, the system changes frequency and modulation parameters to optimize for reliability rather than spectral efficiency in the uplink direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate base stations are used for different radio access technologies, then adaptability to multiple technologies is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple base stations by implementing inter-base station communication where one base station (running NR) can utilize acknowledgment resources from another base station (running LTE). This combining approach allows efficient resource utilization across different radio access technologies while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the base station system where a single NR base station can both transmit downlink data and receive uplink acknowledgments by leveraging resources from an LTE base station. This universal approach allows the NR base station to function effectively despite not natively supporting LTE uplink resources.
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for sharing uplinks in a multiple radio access technology environment. Such techniques may improve transmission and processing of acknowledgment data from a user equipment in the multiple radio access technology environment.