Common Search Space Signaling for Cross-Bandwidth Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio access networks face challenges in efficiently managing user equipment (UE) operations across different bandwidth parts, particularly in 5G networks, requiring improved methods for handling control signaling in common search spaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and network node for transmitting resource allocation messages with bit fields that allocate resources across different bandwidth parts with varying unit sizes, enabling efficient communication and resource utilization in 5G networks, including NR and LTE Evolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resource allocation messages are transmitted in a common search space associated with a first bandwidth part using the first unit size, then control signaling consistency is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates when the second bandwidth part has a different unit size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic adaptation mechanism where the network node determines a second unit size for resource allocation in the second bandwidth part based on its specific characteristics. This allows the system to dynamically adjust the resource allocation granularity to match the actual bandwidth part configuration, resolving the contradiction between maintaining control signaling consistency and achieving efficient resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of unit size from being fixed to being adaptable. By introducing a determination step that selects the appropriate unit size based on the second bandwidth part's characteristics, the system can optimize resource allocation efficiency while maintaining consistency through proper parameter selection and indication to the user equipment.
2Loss of substance
If a single resource allocation message is used for both bandwidth parts, then signaling overhead is reduced, but resource allocation precision deteriorates due to different unit sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource allocation information by introducing separate unit size indications for different bandwidth parts. This allows the system to maintain a unified signaling approach while providing precise resource allocation for each bandwidth part by specifying their respective unit sizes, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing signaling overhead and maintaining allocation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of unit size indication information that bridges the gap between unified resource allocation messaging and precise bandwidth-specific allocation. This intermediary element enables the network node to convey both the resource allocation and the appropriate interpretation context for each bandwidth part.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bandwidth part switching is enabled for user equipment, then network flexibility is improved, but control signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal resource allocation message format that can handle multiple bandwidth parts with different characteristics. By incorporating adaptable unit size indications and bandwidth part identifiers, the same message structure serves multiple functions across different bandwidth configurations, reducing control signaling complexity while maintaining network flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a method of operating a network node (100) in a radio access network, the method comprising transmitting a resource allocation message comprising a bit field, the resource allocation message being transmitted for reception in a common search space to which a first bandwidth part with a first unit size of resource allocation is associated, wherein the bit field allocates resources in a second bandwidth part with a second unit size of resource allocation.The disclosure also pertains to related devices and methods.