{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853797","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853797","title":"Method and apparatus for time division coexistence in unlicensed radio frequency bands for mobile devices","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-09-30T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04B","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04W","H04W","H04B","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":18,"abstract":"Apparatus and methods for time division multiplexing of radio frequency channels in unlicensed radio frequency bands by a wireless device in communication with a cellular wireless network are disclosed. The wireless device obtains, from an eNodeB, a configuration for carrier aggregation using a primary component carrier (PCC) in a licensed radio frequency band and at least one secondary component carrier (SCC) in an unlicensed radio frequency band. The configuration information specifies an “on” time period and an “off” time period for a repetitive time division cycle to use the at least one SCC in the unlicensed radio frequency band. During an “on” time period, the wireless device can transmit or receive using the PCC and the at least one SCC, as scheduled by the eNodeB. During an “off” time period, the wireless device can transmit or receive using the PCC and not using the at least one SCC."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Method and Apparatus for Time Division Coexistence in Unlicensed Radio Frequency Bands for Mobile Devices patent introduces a novel approach to enhance mobile device connectivity by efficiently utilizing both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency bands. The core innovation lies in a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme that enables mobile devices to dynamically switch between these bands based on network conditions and scheduling information received from the eNodeB. This technology addresses the problem of spectrum congestion in unlicensed bands, where numerous devices compete for access, leading to degraded performance. The key technical approach involves configuring the mobile device with “on” and “off” time periods for using the unlicensed spectrum. During the “on” time, the device can transmit and receive data using both the primary component carrier (PCC) in the licensed band and the secondary component carrier (SCC) in the unlicensed band. During the “off” time, the device only uses the PCC, avoiding potential interference.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its ability to significantly improve data throughput, reduce latency, and enhance overall network capacity. Mobile network operators (MNOs) can leverage this innovation to deliver higher quality services to their subscribers, while device manufacturers can differentiate their products by offering superior connectivity and performance. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for mobile data continues to grow exponentially. By enabling more efficient use of available spectrum, the Method and Apparatus for Time Division Coexistence in Unlicensed Radio Frequency Bands for Mobile Devices paves the way for a more connected and seamless mobile experience. This innovation is particularly crucial in dense urban environments where spectrum is a scarce resource, making it a valuable asset for MNOs seeking to optimize their network infrastructure and deliver competitive services.","layman_explanation":"1. What Problem Does This Solve? (100-150 words)\nThe Method and Apparatus for Time Division Coexistence in Unlicensed Radio Frequency Bands for Mobile Devices addresses the issue of congested wireless networks. Think of it like a highway during rush hour – everyone is trying to get somewhere, but the road is packed, and traffic moves slowly. Similarly, wireless networks, especially those using unlicensed frequencies (like Wi-Fi), can become overcrowded with devices, leading to slower internet speeds and unreliable connections. Existing solutions, such as simply adding more Wi-Fi routers, often exacerbate the problem by further crowding the airwaves.\n\n2. How Does It Work? (200-300 words)\nThis technology is like a smart traffic management system for wireless signals. Imagine a highway where cars can switch between the main lanes (licensed frequencies, controlled by cellular companies) and express lanes (unlicensed frequencies, like Wi-Fi) based on traffic conditions. A central controller (the cellular base station, or eNodeB) tells the mobile device when to use the express lanes and for how long. During these “on” periods, the device can use both the main lanes and express lanes to send and receive data. During “off” periods, it sticks to the main lanes. This time-sharing approach prevents the express lanes from becoming too congested, ensuring that everyone gets a faster, more reliable connection. It's not about using Wi-Fi all the time, but about intelligently coordinating its use with the cellular network to optimize performance.\n\n3. Why Does This Matter? (150-200 words)\nThis innovation has a significant impact on the mobile communications industry. For mobile network operators, it means they can offer better service quality without having to invest heavily in new infrastructure. It allows them to offload some of the traffic from their licensed frequencies onto the unlicensed ones, freeing up capacity for other users. For consumers, it translates to faster download and upload speeds, smoother video streaming, and more reliable connections, especially in crowded areas. The market impact is substantial, as it enables more efficient use of existing resources and improves the overall user experience. A conservative estimate is that this technology could improve network performance by 20-30% in congested areas, leading to increased customer satisfaction and reduced churn.\n\n4. What's Next? (50-100 words)\nThe future applications of this technology are promising. As 5G and beyond become more prevalent, the need for efficient spectrum utilization will only increase. This technology can be further refined to incorporate more sophisticated algorithms for traffic management and resource allocation. We can expect to see this technology integrated into a wider range of mobile devices and network infrastructure, leading to even greater improvements in wireless performance. Investment in this area is likely to continue as companies strive to deliver the best possible mobile experience.","technical_analysis":"The Method and Apparatus for Time Division Coexistence in Unlicensed Radio Frequency Bands for Mobile Devices patent presents a technical solution for enhancing mobile device connectivity through efficient spectrum utilization. The technical architecture revolves around a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme that allows mobile devices to dynamically switch between licensed and unlicensed radio frequency bands. The implementation details involve configuring the mobile device with “on” and “off” time periods for using the unlicensed spectrum, based on scheduling information received from the eNodeB.\n\nThe algorithm specifics dictate how the eNodeB determines the optimal “on” and “off” time periods, taking into account factors such as channel quality, traffic load, and interference levels. This dynamic allocation ensures that the unlicensed spectrum is used efficiently, maximizing data throughput and minimizing interference. The integration patterns involve modifications to both the mobile device and the network infrastructure. On the device side, the radio frequency (RF) front-end must be capable of operating in both licensed and unlicensed bands, and the software stack must be updated to support the dynamic switching between these bands. On the network side, the eNodeB must be upgraded to support the coordination of licensed and unlicensed spectrum, as well as the dynamic allocation of resources.\n\nThe performance characteristics of this technology are influenced by factors such as the accuracy of the channel quality estimation, the efficiency of the scheduling algorithm, and the overhead associated with switching between licensed and unlicensed bands. The code-level implications involve modifications to the device drivers and network protocols to support the TDM scheme. Overall, this patent offers a technically sound approach to enhancing mobile device connectivity through efficient spectrum utilization, with potential applications in 5G and beyond.","business_analysis":"The Method and Apparatus for Time Division Coexistence in Unlicensed Radio Frequency Bands for Mobile Devices patent holds significant business implications for mobile network operators (MNOs), device manufacturers, and the broader telecommunications industry. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the ever-increasing demand for mobile data and the growing scarcity of available spectrum. The competitive advantages offered by this technology include improved data throughput, reduced latency, and enhanced overall network capacity. These advantages can translate into higher customer satisfaction, increased subscriber loyalty, and the ability to offer premium services.\n\nThe revenue potential for MNOs lies in their ability to attract and retain subscribers by delivering superior connectivity and performance. Device manufacturers can differentiate their products by incorporating this technology, offering consumers a more seamless and reliable mobile experience. The business models that can be supported by this innovation include traditional subscription-based models, as well as new models based on usage-based pricing and value-added services. The strategic positioning of this technology is as a key enabler of 5G and beyond, allowing MNOs to leverage unlicensed spectrum to enhance their network capacity and deliver competitive services.\n\nThe ROI projections for implementing this technology are compelling, driven by the potential for increased revenue, reduced operating costs, and improved customer satisfaction. By enabling more efficient use of available spectrum, the Method and Apparatus for Time Division Coexistence in Unlicensed Radio Frequency Bands for Mobile Devices can help MNOs to maximize their return on investment in network infrastructure and spectrum licenses.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Method and Apparatus for Time Division Coexistence in Unlicensed Radio Frequency Bands for Mobile Devices - Patent US-9853797","description":"Discover how this mobile device spectrum management patent optimizes radio frequency channels in unlicensed bands. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853797","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853797","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Method and apparatus for time division coexistence in unlicensed radio frequency bands for mobile devices\" (US-9853797). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853797","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853797","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853797","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T04:30:33.497Z"}