Adaptive BSR Format Selection for Mixed Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G NR networks, the increase in logical channel groups (LCGs) reported reduces the number of bits available for buffer size reporting, making it difficult to balance signaling overhead and reporting accuracy, especially for mixed traffic scenarios like VoIP and background data, where both short and long Buffer Status Reports (BSR) are needed.

Innovation Solution

The network configuration determines whether a short or long BSR is reported based on the configuration of logical channel groups (LCGs) or logical channels (LCHs), allowing flexibility in BSR format selection depending on the granularity of RRC configuration, whether per LCG or per LCH, to optimize reporting for varying traffic conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If long BSR is reported to provide detailed buffer status information for multiple LCGs, then reporting accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffer status reporting accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating BSR reporting requirements based on individual LCG characteristics. Each LCG is configured with a specific BSR reporting threshold, allowing the UE to report detailed buffer status only for LCGs that exceed their respective thresholds, while using shorter reporting formats for LCGs below thresholds. This resolves the contradiction by providing accurate reporting where needed while minimizing overhead where full detail is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the BSR reporting format adaptive rather than fixed. The UE dynamically selects between short and long BSR formats based on real-time buffer status and LCG configurations. When buffer status exceeds the configured threshold for an LCG, the UE switches to long BSR format for detailed reporting; otherwise, it uses short BSR format. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between accuracy and overhead by matching reporting granularity to actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of substance

If short BSR is used to minimize overhead for single LCG with data, then signaling overhead is reduced, but reporting granularity is insufficient for mixed traffic scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidbuffer status reporting granularity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different reporting requirements to different LCGs based on their traffic characteristics. Voice LCGs are configured with lower thresholds that trigger short BSR when minimal data is present, while background data LCGs have higher thresholds that enable long BSR when significant data accumulates. This resolves the contradiction by allowing short BSR for voice traffic (minimizing overhead) while enabling long BSR for data traffic (providing granularity) based on local traffic type requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the UE to switch between short and long BSR formats based on real-time buffer status and LCG-specific thresholds. For mixed traffic scenarios, the UE dynamically evaluates each LCG's buffer status against its configured threshold and selects the appropriate reporting format accordingly. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by using short BSR when overhead minimization is prioritized and long BSR when detailed reporting is needed, adapting to actual traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If fixed BSR format is used for all LCGs, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different traffic mixes is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBSR format selection complexityVSAvoidtraffic mix adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing LCGs into distinct groups with different reporting characteristics. Each LCG is independently configured with its own BSR threshold and reporting requirements, allowing differentiated treatment based on traffic type. Voice LCGs use one set of parameters while data LCGs use another, enabling the system to handle diverse traffic mixes without requiring complex unified processing logic. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining relatively simple per-LCG configuration while achieving high adaptability through the segmented approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying BSR reporting parameters (threshold values, report format) based on LCG-specific configurations. Instead of using fixed parameters for all LCGs, the system adjusts threshold values and reporting formats according to the traffic characteristics of each LCG. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by keeping the basic BSR mechanism simple while achieving versatility through parameter customization for different traffic types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3811711B1Optimal BSR for limited traffic mix
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3811711B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3811711B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3811711B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, device and computer readable storage media for optimizing buffer state report (BSR) for limited traffic mix. In example embodiments, whether a short or long BSR being reported is up to the configuration of LCG or the configuration of LCH within the LCG. In this way, minimum overhead for low bit rate services can be kept and thus a good coverage can be achieved, while the reporting information can be increased for other traffic.