Capability-Aware Downlink Scheduling Under Antenna Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
In small devices like wearables, incorporating four receive antennas is not feasible, leading to reduced network capacity and spectral efficiency when two receive antennas are mandated by standards, causing network operators to restrict access to frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A method for congestion-based scheduling in a network that prioritizes downlink transmissions based on device capabilities, allowing UEs with two receive antennas to access frequency bands requiring four by transmitting device capability messages and adjusting prioritization during network congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If small devices use only two receive antennas instead of four, then device form factor is reduced and manufacturing becomes easier, but network capacity and spectral efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling that adapts to device capabilities and network conditions. The network dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on whether a device has two or four receive antennas, changing transmission parameters such as MIMO layer configuration, modulation and coding schemes, and resource block allocation to optimize network capacity while accommodating devices with reduced antenna capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple transmission parameters including MIMO configuration (switching between 2x2 and 4x4 MIMO modes), modulation schemes (QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM), and resource allocation strategies based on the detected number of receive antennas at the user device, thereby maintaining network efficiency while supporting diverse device capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices with two receive antennas are allowed to access frequency bands requiring four antennas, then device accessibility is improved, but network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating devices with different antenna capabilities differently within the same network. Devices with four receive antennas receive optimized 4x4 MIMO configurations with higher order modulation schemes, while devices with two receive antennas receive adapted 2x2 MIMO configurations, ensuring each device operates at its optimal performance level without compromising overall network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network obtains feedback from user devices regarding their receive antenna capabilities through capability indication messages. This feedback mechanism enables the network to accurately identify device capabilities and adjust scheduling decisions accordingly, allowing devices with two receive antennas to access the network while maintaining performance through capability-aware resource allocation.
3Measurement precision
If four receive antennas are used, then signal to noise ratio and spectral efficiency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing 2x2 MIMO as a sufficient subset of the full 4x4 MIMO capability for devices with only two receive antennas. Rather than requiring full 4x4 MIMO configuration for all devices, the system uses the available two antennas effectively with appropriate modulation and coding schemes, achieving acceptable performance without the complexity of four antennas.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for providing congestion-based scheduling in a network, based on device capabilities are provided. A method begins with receiving, from a first user device, a device capability message, wherein the device capability message comprises a number of receive antennas of the first user device for each supported frequency band. Next, a determination that the number of receive antennas of the first user device is not equal to the number of receive antennas required by the network operator for the assigned frequency band. Based on the determining, the method continues with prioritizing at least one downlink transmission to at least one second user device. The at least one second user device comprises the number of receive antennas required by the network operator for the assigned frequency band. The prioritization information is then transmitted to the first user device and the at least one second user device.