Random Access ACK Resource Switching for Uplink Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

The static configuration of reserved uplink control channels in wireless communications systems reduces the potential uplink throughput data rate by making radio resources unavailable for data transfer during the connection setup phase.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communications system that dynamically allocates uplink resources by using an acknowledgement control marker in system information to determine whether the acknowledgement signal should be sent on a reserved uplink control channel or the uplink grant allocated for the connection request message, thereby freeing up resources for data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reserved uplink control channels are statically configured to allow UE to send acknowledgement signals during random access procedure, then connection establishment reliability is improved, but uplink throughput data rate deteriorates due to radio resources being unavailable for data transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment reliabilityVSAvoiduplink throughput data rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the uplink resource allocation flexible rather than static. The base station dynamically decides whether to allocate dedicated uplink resources for acknowledgement signals based on current system conditions, such as traffic load and channel state. This allows the system to adapt resource allocation in real-time, improving uplink throughput when dedicated resources are not needed while maintaining reliability when conditions require it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling uplink resources to serve multiple purposes. The same uplink resources can be used for both data transmission and acknowledgement signal transmission depending on the allocation decision. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated resources for acknowledgements, allowing resources to be universally utilized for either data or control purposes based on instantaneous needs.

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

2Reliability

If dedicated uplink resources are allocated for acknowledgement signals during random access procedure, then acknowledgement transmission reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacknowledgement transmission reliabilityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts acknowledgement transmission methods based on real-time conditions. When dedicated resources are allocated, reliable acknowledgement transmission is ensured. When conditions permit, the system switches to uplink grant-based transmission to improve resource efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource allocation mode based on system conditions. By switching between dedicated resource allocation and grant-based allocation modes, the system optimizes the balance between acknowledgement reliability and overall resource utilization efficiency according to traffic patterns and channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If static resource allocation is used for uplink control channels, then implementation simplicity is improved, but system flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation mechanisms that allow the system to adapt to varying traffic conditions and user demands. The base station can flexibly allocate uplink resources based on real-time system state, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized procedures and protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4156822B1Techniques relating to random access in a wireless communications network
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 AIRSPAN IP HOLDCO LLC
  • EP4156822B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4156822B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4156822B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a wireless communications system comprising a user device and a base station, the base station periodically broadcasts system information which is used by the user device in a random access procedure to connect to the base station. The base station grants uplink resource to the user device for sending a connection request message. In response to the connection request message, the base station transmits a contention resolution message, which the user device must acknowledge. The system information periodically broadcast by the base station comprises an acknowledgement control marker defining whether the acknowledgement is to be sent on a reserved uplink control channel using second uplink resource or via first uplink resource allocated to the user device in the uplink grant for the connection request message.