Method for signaling a mobile wireless device to switch to a preset carrier in a multi-carrier 4G network

摘要

A method, a system and an evolved nodeB (eNodeB) that enable user equipment (UE) to switch between carrier groups in a multi-carrier network. A carrier selection and switching (CSS) utility identifies a first and a second set of pre-configured groups of carrier frequencies that are subsequently assigned to a particular UE. The CSS utility notifies the UE of the assigned, pre-configured groups of carrier frequencies and provides the UE with system parameters associated with the first and second pre-configured groups of carrier frequencies. The CSS utility signals the UE to initiate communication via the first preconfigured group of carriers. Based on the occurrence of pre-established conditions, the CSS utility utilizes a switch signal to indicate via physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to the UE (a) when to begin utilizing the second group of preconfigured carrier frequencies and (b) when to make subsequent switches between carrier groups.

主权项

1. In a wireless communication system having an evolved nodeB (eNodeB), a method for enabling a wireless device to switch between carriers on a multi-carrier network, the method comprising:
dynamically identifying a plurality of preconfigured groups of carrier frequencies for downlink communication with the wireless device; sending, to the wireless device, at least one information signal that specifies a first pre-configured group of carrier frequencies and an alternative, second pre-configured group of carrier frequencies from among the plurality of preconfigured groups of carrier frequencies identified; sending a request message to the wireless device to instruct the wireless device to communicate via the first pre-configured group of carrier frequencies during a first communication period; dynamically determining whether or not to trigger a switch from the first preconfigured group of carrier frequencies to the second preconfigured group of carrier frequencies, wherein triggering a switch from the first preconfigured group of carrier frequencies to the second preconfigured group of carrier frequencies occurs when one of the following occurs: (1) one or more carrier frequencies require designation to a common group of wireless devices, (2) the wireless device generates a request to listen to or operate on one or more particular carrier frequencies, (3) a particular carrier frequency provides the wireless device with less battery consumption, and (4) the second pre-configured group of carrier frequencies provides lower cost of service than the first pre-configured group of carrier frequencies; and in response to determining to trigger said switch, transmitting a switch message to request said wireless device to perform the switch.