5G Acknowledgement Signaling Configuration for Low-Overhead Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio telecommunication technologies face challenges in achieving flexible and efficient acknowledgement signaling with low signaling overhead, particularly in 5G networks, which is crucial for processes like HARQ and ARQ.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method and user equipment that utilize a set of configured acknowledgement configurations and retransmission configurations for transmitting and receiving acknowledgement signaling, allowing for flexible and efficient acknowledgement processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional acknowledgement signaling processes are used in 5G radio access networks, then transmission reliability is maintained, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the acknowledgement signaling into multiple types (implicit and explicit acknowledgments) and organizes them into configurable sets. The network can selectively configure which acknowledgment types are used for different traffic types, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining necessary transmission reliability through appropriate acknowledgment selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration of acknowledgment signaling parameters through RRC signaling. The network can adaptively adjust acknowledgment behavior based on current network conditions, traffic characteristics, and QoS requirements, enabling the system to optimize between signaling overhead and transmission reliability dynamically rather than using fixed traditional approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible acknowledgement signaling is implemented, then adaptability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacknowledgement flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal acknowledgment configuration framework where a single RRC signaling mechanism can configure multiple acknowledgment types (implicit, explicit, different timing options) through unified parameter sets. This multi-functional approach allows the same system infrastructure to handle diverse acknowledgment requirements without proportionally increasing complexity, as the configuration system serves multiple acknowledgment scenarios through a common framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves flexibility through configurable parameters in RRC signaling that define acknowledgment behavior. By changing parameters such as acknowledgment timing, type selection, and configuration sets, the system adapts to different requirements without fundamental architectural changes. This parameter-based approach provides adaptability while containing complexity within the signaling layer rather than requiring complex processing changes throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If retransmission procedures are enhanced for correctness, then transmission reliability improves, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission correctnessVSAvoidretransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures acknowledgment and retransmission parameters in advance through RRC signaling before actual data transmission occurs. By pre-configuring acknowledgment timing, types, and retransmission parameters based on expected traffic characteristics and QoS requirements, the system prepares optimal retransmission paths beforehand, enabling faster response when retransmissions are actually needed rather than determining parameters in real-time during retransmission events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements configurable feedback mechanisms where acknowledgment timing and type are optimized based on feedback about traffic characteristics and channel conditions. The system can adjust acknowledgment behavior (implicit vs explicit, timing offsets) based on observed transmission patterns, allowing the feedback loop to learn and optimize retransmission timing to minimize latency while ensuring correctness through appropriate acknowledgment selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3982575B1Acknowledgement signaling processes for radio access networks
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3982575B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3982575B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3982575B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is dislosed a method of operating a user equipment 10 in a radio access network. The method comprises transmitting acknowledgement signaling based on a feedback configuration, the feedback configuration being selected from a set of configured acknowledgement configurations. The disclosure also pertains to related methods and devices.