Buffer Status Report Versioning for Wireless Network Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wireless communication networks face inefficiencies in signaling buffer status reports (BSRs) due to limitations in the number of logical channel groups (LCGs) supported, leading to unnecessary overhead in IAB scenarios, particularly with the current MAC Control Elements (MAC CEs) that can only indicate up to 8 LCGs, which is insufficient for the increased number of channels required in advanced network configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of different versions of BSR MAC CEs that support varying numbers of LCGs, allowing the transmitter and receiver to select the appropriate version based on configured LCG indices, thereby optimizing the number of octets used and reducing unnecessary signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the current MAC Control Elements (MAC CEs) are used to indicate logical channel groups, then the signaling format remains simple and compatible with existing specifications, but the system can only support up to 8 LCGs which is insufficient for advanced network configurations requiring more channels
Solution Approach 1:
The BSR MAC CE is segmented into multiple versions based on the number of LCGs to be reported. When fewer LCGs are present, a compact version is used; when more LCGs are present, an expanded version with additional fields is used. This segmentation allows the system to support up to 256 LCGs while maintaining simplicity for smaller configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC CE structure is made dynamic by allowing it to change format based on the number of LCGs configured. The MAC CE can transition between different versions (e.g., 1-octet version for ≤8 LCGs, 2-octet version for ≤16 LCGs, 3-octet version for ≤24 LCGs, 4-octet version for ≤32 LCGs) depending on the configuration, optimizing the balance between support capacity and signaling overhead.
2Productivity
If multiple versions of BSR MAC CEs are implemented to support varying numbers of LCGs, then the system can efficiently handle diverse traffic characteristics with up to 256 LCGs, but the complexity of determining and processing different versions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the appropriate BSR MAC CE version based on pre-configured LCG information before actual buffer status reporting. The network configures the UE with multiple LCGs in advance, and the UE determines which version to use based on this pre-known configuration, avoiding complex real-time decisions during the reporting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of MAC CE size (in octets) based on the number of LCGs. By varying this parameter dynamically, the system achieves signaling efficiency - using smaller MAC CEs when fewer LCGs are present and larger MAC CEs when more LCGs need to be reported, thereby optimizing the balance between capability and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed large-size BSR MAC CE is used to support up to 256 LCGs, then the system gains maximum adaptability, but unnecessary signaling overhead is generated in scenarios with fewer LCGs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by making the MAC CE size adapt to the local configuration needs. Instead of uniformly using a large 4-octet version for all cases, the system uses smaller versions (1, 2, or 3 octets) for configurations that require fewer LCGs, and only uses the largest version when actually needed. This localized adaptation reduces signaling overhead while maintaining the capability to support up to 256 LCGs when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A first network node is configured for handling communication in a wireless communications network. Based on logical channel information configured at the first network node, the first network node determines a version of a buffer status report to use. For example, the version of the buffer status report to use may be determined from among multiple buffer status report versions, where two or more of the multiple buffer status report versions each support multiple logical channel groups, LCGs, e.g., a first version that supports up to 8 LCGs and a second version that supports up to 256 LCGs. Regardless, the first network node transmits the buffer status report of this determined version to a second network node.