Wireless USF Segmentation for Modulation Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solution for downlink transmission in wireless communication networks, particularly in GERAN/EDGE Evolution, often results in non-optimal modulation choices due to the requirement of using the same modulation technique for consecutive blocks to support legacy terminals, leading to modulation segregation and suboptimal spectrum and hardware utilization.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining and using different modulation techniques for each data block, allowing the downlink scheduler to choose the most accurate modulation for each block independently, while ensuring legacy terminals can decode Uplink State Flags (USF) by defining new USF codewords that can be modulated using different techniques for their parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same modulation technique is used for two consecutive downlink blocks to support legacy terminals, then compatibility with legacy terminals is maintained, but modulation segregation occurs and spectrum utilization becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The USF value is segmented into two separate parts: first USF part transmitted in the first downlink block and second USF part transmitted in the second downlink block. This segmentation allows each block to use different modulation techniques optimized for their respective channel conditions, while legacy terminals can still decode the complete USF value by combining both parts, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Different modulation techniques are applied to different parts of the USF value transmission based on local channel conditions. The first USF part uses modulation optimized for the first block's channel, while the second USF part uses modulation optimized for the second block's channel. This local optimization eliminates modulation segregation and improves overall spectrum utilization while maintaining legacy terminal compatibility
2Productivity
If different modulation techniques are used for each data block to optimize spectrum utilization, then spectrum and hardware utilization improve, but legacy terminals cannot decode the USF values
Solution Approach 1:
The USF value is divided into two separable parts that can be transmitted independently in different blocks with different modulations. Legacy terminals receive both parts and combine them to reconstruct the complete USF value, enabling different modulations per block while maintaining backward compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented USF transmission mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables optimized modulation selection for each block (improving spectrum utilization) while simultaneously maintaining compatibility with legacy terminals (preserving adaptability). The same transmission framework supports both legacy and advanced terminals with different capabilities
3Device complexity
If the downlink scheduler is constrained to use the same modulation for consecutive blocks, then implementation complexity is reduced, but modulation segregation prevents optimal modulation selection
Solution Approach 1:
The USF value segmentation into two parts provides the scheduler with flexibility to independently select modulation for each block without increasing overall system complexity. The segmentation structure itself enables optimal modulation selection while the combining mechanism at the terminal side keeps the scheduler's task manageable
Data Source
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AI summary
Method, arrangement and computer program product in a base station for transmitting two USF values and two data blocks to a terminal. The base station and the terminal are comprised within a wireless communication network. The two USF values are to be sent across the first data block and the second data block. The first data block and first parts of the two USF values are modulated with a first modulation technique and the second data block and second parts of the two USF values are modulated with a second modulation technique. The modulated data blocks and USF parts are transmitted to the terminal. Further, a method, an arrangement and a computer program product in a terminal for receiving USF values and data blocks from a base station are described. In addition, a method, an arrangement and a computer program product in a control node are described.