Cellular Resource Allocation via DRB Co-Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resource allocation methods in cellular systems are inefficient in maximizing cell throughput, capacity, and user throughput and fairness, as they do not effectively utilize available resources to prioritize and co-schedule dedicated radio bearers (DRBs).
Innovation Solution
A method implemented in a network node that selects an available resource in a transmission time interval (TTI), determines sets of dedicated radio bearers (DRBs) that can be co-scheduled, and allocates the resource to a subset of these DRBs, prioritizing the highest priority DRB and partitioning the resource among it and other co-scheduled DRBs based on channel quality and utility metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional resource allocation methods are used to serve UE requests sequentially, then resource allocation is simple, but cell throughput and capacity are not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple DRBs that can be co-scheduled onto the same resource, merging their service requirements into a unified allocation decision. This allows the system to serve multiple bearers simultaneously on shared resources, increasing cell throughput while managing complexity through coordinated scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation where the network node evaluates channel quality indicators (CQI) and adjusts scheduling decisions in real-time. Resources are dynamically assigned to DRBs based on current channel conditions and priority levels, maximizing throughput adaptability rather than using static allocation.
2Productivity
If resources are allocated to maximize cell throughput, then capacity increases, but user fairness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different allocation strategies to different DRBs based on their specific requirements and priority levels. High-priority DRBs receive preferential treatment in resource allocation, while lower-priority DRBs are scheduled when resources are available, ensuring each user group receives appropriate service quality while maintaining overall system capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses CQI feedback from UEs to adjust resource allocation decisions. By monitoring channel quality and allocation outcomes, the network node can balance capacity optimization with fairness considerations, adjusting scheduling to prevent starvation of lower-priority users while maintaining high throughput.
3Productivity
If multiple DRBs are co-scheduled on the same resource, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource allocation process into distinct evaluation stages: identifying candidate DRBs, assessing co-scheduling compatibility, evaluating CQI metrics, and making final allocation decisions. This segmented approach manages scheduling complexity by breaking down the multi-DRB co-scheduling problem into manageable steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node performs preliminary evaluation of DRB compatibility and priority levels before final resource allocation. By pre-assessing which DRBs can be co-scheduled and their relative priorities, the system reduces the complexity of real-time scheduling decisions while maintaining high resource utilization efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for resource allocation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a network node includes selecting an available resource in a transmission time interval, TTI; determining at least one set of dedicated radio bearer, DRBs, that can be co-scheduled in the selected resource; and allocating the selected resource to at least a subset of the determined at least one set of DRBs. In another embodiment, a network node is configured to select an available resource in a transmission time interval, TTI; determine at least one set of dedicated radio bearer, DRBs, that can be co-scheduled in the selected resource; and allocate the selected resource to at least a subset of the determined at least one set of DRBs.