Adaptive Scheduling Request Resource Allocation in LTE Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The LTE network faces challenges in efficiently utilizing scheduling request (SR) resources due to the increasing number of connected UEs, leading to resource wastage and decreased uplink capacity, while maintaining Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring multiple SR periods based on traffic patterns and predefined triggering events, allowing unused SR resources to be recycled for other UEs or uplink data transmission, thereby adapting SR resource allocation to traffic demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional unified SR resource allocation scheme is used, then QoS requirement is maintained, but SR resource utilization is extremely low (0.04% to 0.67%)

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS requirementVSAvoidSR resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic SR resource allocation by configuring multiple SR periods (first SR period and second SR period) and allowing the UE to switch between them based on traffic conditions. The base station configures different SR periods adaptively - using a first SR period when uplink data is present and a second SR period when no uplink data is present, thereby dynamically adjusting resource utilization to match actual traffic demands while maintaining QoS requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If SR period is extended to increase utilization, then SR resource utilization increases (0.04% to 0.67%), but access delay increases extremely

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSR resource utilizationVSAvoidaccess delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing dynamic SR period selection. When uplink data is present, the system uses a first SR period that ensures low access delay. When no uplink data is present, the system switches to a second SR period that increases resource utilization. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to achieve better resource utilization (improving the 0.04%-0.67% statistic) without excessively increasing access delay, as the shorter period is available when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the SR period parameter based on traffic conditions. By configuring multiple SR periods with different durations and allowing switching between them, the system optimizes the balance between resource utilization and access delay. The parameter change is triggered by the presence or absence of uplink data, enabling the system to adapt to different traffic scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If more resources are reserved for SR, then QoS is maintained, but uplink capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoSVSAvoiduplink capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station configures multiple SR resources with different SR periods and allows the UE to switch between them based on traffic conditions. This dynamic approach ensures that SR resources are allocated efficiently - using more SR resources when uplink data is present (maintaining QoS) and reducing SR resource usage when no data is present (preserving uplink capacity for data transmission).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes SR resource allocation parameters dynamically based on traffic conditions. By configuring different SR periods and allowing switching between them, the system optimizes the balance between QoS maintenance and uplink capacity preservation, avoiding the need to permanently reserve excessive SR resources that would reduce uplink data transmission capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If number of connected UEs increases, then network capacity is increased, but SR resource wastage increases linearly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of connected UEsVSAvoidSR resource wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal SR resource allocation mechanism that serves multiple UEs with different traffic patterns using the same dynamic framework. The base station configures multiple SR periods that can be applied across different UEs, allowing the system to handle diverse traffic scenarios efficiently. This multi-functional approach allows SR resources to be optimized for each UE's actual traffic needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all allocation that wastes resources.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamic SR period configuration that adapts to each UE's traffic conditions. By allowing UEs to switch between different SR periods based on their individual traffic patterns, the system prevents linear increase in SR resource wastage even as the number of connected UEs increases. Each UE can optimize its SR resource usage dynamically, preventing the cumulative waste that would occur with static allocation across multiple UEs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2689623B1Methods and apparatus of allocating scheduling request resources in mobile communication networks
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 HFI INNOVATION INC
  • EP2689623B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2689623B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2689623B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Various schemes are provided to improve SR resource utilization by adapting SR resource allocation to traffic pattern. In a first Scheme, SR resource allocation is configured more accurately. In one example, UE provides assistant information for eNB to determine or adjust SR configuration based on the received assistant information. In a second Scheme, multiple SR periods are configured and adapted to traffic pattern. In one example, eNB configures a set of SR resources with multiple SR periods, and UE applies different SR periods based on predefined events. Unused SR resources could be recycled by eNB for PUSCH data transmission. In a third Scheme, multiple SR allocations are configured and adapted to concerned applications. In one example, eNB configures multiple sets of SR resources adapted to predefined applications, and UE applies SR configurations based on corresponding applications. The additional SR configurations could be activated and/or deactivated.