Adaptive Buffer Status Reporting for Precise 5G Uplink Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buffer status reporting in 5G networks uses fixed, non-uniform quantization step sizes for uplink traffic, leading to inefficient resource allocation due to under-allocation or over-allocation of resources, especially in capacity and latency-demanding use cases like VR and AR, resulting in extended scheduling latency and degraded network capacity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a variable buffer status report configuration that adapts to the specific traffic conditions of each user equipment, using precision variables and index functions to determine precise buffer status reports, allowing for dynamic and type-specific resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fixed non-uniform step sizes are used for buffer status reporting, then reporting overhead is reduced, but measurement precision of buffer status is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed step sizes to variable step sizes that adapt based on buffer status ranges. The step size is dynamically adjusted according to the current buffer status, allowing for more precise reporting when needed while maintaining efficiency. This is implemented through a variable buffer status report configuration that enables the user equipment to determine different buffer status report indications based on current buffer conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of step size from fixed to variable based on buffer status ranges. By introducing a variable step size that changes according to the buffer status range (e.g., smaller step sizes for smaller buffers, larger step sizes for larger buffers), the system achieves both precision and efficiency. The variable buffer status report configuration allows the step size parameter to adapt to different operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If fixed buffer status report configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different traffic types and device classes is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a variable buffer status report configuration that can serve multiple device classes and traffic types through a single flexible framework. The configuration allows user equipment to adapt to different traffic characteristics (URLLC, eMBB, mMTC) without requiring separate fixed configurations for each type. The same variable configuration mechanism works across different device classes, providing multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to enable the buffer status report configuration to adapt to different traffic types and device classes in real-time. Instead of having separate static configurations for each traffic type, the system dynamically adjusts the buffer status report indications based on current traffic conditions and device characteristics. This dynamic adaptation provides versatility while maintaining a unified configuration approach.
3Ease of operation
If fixed step sizes are used for all buffer ranges, then ease of operation is improved, but scheduling latency is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the step size parameter dynamically based on buffer status ranges to reduce scheduling latency. By using smaller step sizes for smaller buffer ranges and larger step sizes for larger buffer ranges, the system achieves more precise buffer status reporting which enables faster and more accurate scheduling decisions. This parameter change directly addresses the scheduling latency issue while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the user equipment continuously monitors buffer status and adjusts the buffer status report indications accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the reporting remains accurate and up-to-date with current buffer conditions, enabling the network to make timely scheduling decisions and reduce latency. The variable configuration allows the feedback to be processed more efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable buffer status report configuration is transmitted from a wireless communication network node to a user equipment. The configuration may comprise one or more functions to calculate a buffer status report indication that indicates, or to calculate a table that is used to indicate, a metric related to a buffer, or related to uplink traffic stored in a buffer, of the user equipment. The configuration may comprise a function to determine a precision variable that corresponds to a step size between different criteria, or criteria functions, that are used to determine a buffer status report indication. Buffer status report indications may vary in size based on a value of the indication. A user equipment may apply different received configurations, or functions thereof, to determine buffer status report indications based on different parameters, such as traffic type, traffic Quality of Service, buffer size, or amount of buffered uplink traffic.