Adaptive PDCCH Symbol Allocation for RAN Throughput and Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) symbols in Radio Access Networks (RANs) lack flexibility and fail to adapt to changing network conditions, leading to inefficiencies and performance degradation, particularly in 5G RANs, due to fixed configurations and inadequate synchronization across clusters of sites and bands.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic method for determining PDCCH symbol counts in subframes based on RAN states, including SNR, congestion, and bandwidth, with the ability to align counts across multiple sites and bands, optimizing resource utilization and network reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PDCCH symbol count is increased to improve control signal reliability, then signal processing reliability is improved, but available PDSCH resources for data transmission are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the PDCCH symbol count adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically determines the optimal PDCCH symbol count based on real-time RAN state parameters including downlink SNR, congestion conditions, UE location, and bandwidth, allowing the control channel allocation to flexibly respond to changing network conditions and optimize the balance between control reliability and data throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of PDCCH symbol count based on multiple RAN state parameters. By monitoring SNR, congestion status, UE distance from transmit antenna, and bandwidth, the system adjusts the PDCCH symbol count parameter to optimize performance. For example, when SNR is strong or congestion is detected, the system reduces PDCCH symbols to increase PDSCH resources, while increasing PDCCH symbols when control reliability is more critical
2Productivity
If PDCCH symbol count is reduced to increase PDSCH resources, then data transmission throughput is improved, but control signal reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors RAN state parameters including downlink SNR reports from UEs, congestion indicators from the scheduler, and UE location information. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust the PDCCH symbol count in response to actual network conditions, reducing symbols when conditions permit to boost throughput, and increasing symbols when reliability becomes a concern
3Productivity
If PDCCH symbol count is dynamically adjusted per subframe, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the framework for dynamic PDCCH symbol determination and pre-configuring the monitoring of RAN state parameters. The system prepares the necessary measurement and evaluation mechanisms in advance, allowing for efficient real-time adjustments without requiring complex on-the-fly calculations or decisions during the actual subframe transmission
4Reliability
If PDCCH symbol count is aligned across clusters with multiple sites and bands, then system performance is improved, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified approach for determining PDCCH symbol counts that works across multiple sites and bands within a cluster. The same RAN state monitoring and evaluation framework is applied universally, allowing different sites and bands to be managed consistently. This universal method enables automatic alignment of PDCCH symbol counts across the cluster without requiring site-specific or band-specific coordination mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) in a Radio Access Network (RAN) involves dynamically determining a PDCCH symbol count in a subframe based on the RAN state, setting the PDCCH symbol count for the subframe accordingly, and transmitting the subframe. The method further includes aligning the determined PDCCH symbol count across a cluster of sites and bands. The PDCCH symbol count is an integer greater than zero and less than four, ensuring efficient and optimized PDCCH management within the RAN environment such as a 4G or 5G cellular RAN.