Dynamical time division duplex uplink and downlink configuration in a communications network

An enhanced node B (eNode B) operable to dynamically change a time duplex domain (TDD) uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration in a communications network, having computer circuitry configured to:

• establish a radio resource control connection with a user equipment (UE);
• receive, from the UE, a UE Capability Information information element (IE) to indicate an enhanced interference mitigation and traffic adaptation (eIMTA) capability of the UE;
• determine support of eIMTA functionality by the UE based on the UE Capability Information IE;
• and
• configure radio resource control (RRC) parameters for performing an eIMTA UL/DL reconfiguration of the UE.

A method for dynamically changing an uplink/downlink (UL/DL) ratio in a communications network, comprising:

• requesting a radio resource control (RRC) connection with an enhanced node B (eNode B);
• communicating, to the eNode B, a user equipment (UE) Capability Information message to indicate an enhanced interference mitigation and traffic adaptation (eIMTA) capability of the UE to support an eIMTA time duplex domain (TDD) UL/DL reconfiguration functionality;
• and
• receiving, at the UE, eIMTA configuration information within a RRCConnectionSetup message or a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message.