Virtual Cell Bandwidth Aggregation for Non-Contiguous Subbands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing non-contiguous subbands for bandwidth aggregation, particularly in fractional spectrum integration, which limits the support for channel bandwidths that carrier aggregation cannot handle.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual cell composed of multiple non-contiguous subbands, with configurable bandwidth aggregation states, allows UEs to signal capabilities and receive scheduling information for communication over supported subband groups, enabling efficient utilization of non-contiguous subbands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If carrier aggregation is used for bandwidth aggregation, then channel bandwidth support is limited, but spectrum utilization efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth into non-contiguous subbands that can be independently aggregated. Instead of requiring contiguous carriers for bandwidth aggregation, the system divides the spectrum into multiple subbands separated by gaps, allowing flexible combination of these subbands to achieve various channel bandwidths while improving spectrum utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to bandwidth aggregation by allowing non-contiguous subbands to be aggregated across frequency gaps. This dimensional change from contiguous to non-contiguous subband aggregation enables the system to support channel bandwidths that were previously unachievable while maintaining spectrum utilization efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-contiguous subbands are aggregated, then channel bandwidth flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where the network can flexibly configure which subbands to aggregate based on available resources and UE capabilities. The system dynamically adjusts the subband aggregation configuration through signaling mechanisms, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the bandwidth aggregation system, including allowing non-contiguous subbands, introducing frequency gap configurations, and enabling variable subband groupings. These parameter changes enable greater bandwidth flexibility while managing complexity through standardized configuration approaches.
3Productivity
If fractional spectrum integration is implemented, then spectrum utilization efficiency is improved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring subband groups and their associated parameters before actual communication begins. The network entity provides configuration information about available subbands and their aggregation options in advance, allowing the UE to prepare accordingly and reducing the complexity of real-time signaling during active communication.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A network entity may configure a virtual cell for communication with a user equipment (UE) in accordance with a set of bandwidth aggregation states of the virtual cell. A bandwidth aggregation state may indicate a quantity of subband groups configured for the virtual cell, a frequency range of aggregated bandwidth supported by the virtual cell, a quantity of subbands within each subband group, and a frequency separation between adjacent subbands in the subband group. In some examples, a UE may transmit capability signaling to indicate to the network entity a subset of the set of bandwidth aggregation states of the virtual cell that the UE supports, and the network may schedule the UE for messages on communication resources that are based on one or more bandwidth aggregation states of the virtual cell that the UE supports.