Configurable Time Domain Scheduling Unit for 5G Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4G and 4.5G mobile communication technologies face challenges in meeting the flexible resource scheduling and reduced processing time delay requirements for 5G services due to fixed frame structures and resource granularities, resulting in significant scheduling and feedback time delays.
Innovation Solution
A communication method where a base station determines and configures the length of a time domain scheduling unit, including downlink, guard period, and uplink symbols, and sends this configuration information to a terminal through radio resource control and downlink control signaling, enabling flexible scheduling and reduced time delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed frame structure and fixed resource granularity are used in LTE and LTE-A, then system stability and simplicity are maintained, but scheduling flexibility and time delay performance deteriorate (scheduling time delay ≥ 4 ms, feedback time delay ≥ 4 ms)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the frame structure and resource granularity configurable rather than fixed. The base station can dynamically adjust the time domain scheduling unit length and resource allocation based on different service requirements (eMBB, mMTC, URLLC), transforming the static LTE/LTE-A frame structure into a flexible 5G-compatible structure that adapts to varying traffic patterns and latency requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including the time domain scheduling unit length (configurable instead of fixed 1ms), subframe structure, and resource allocation granularities. By modifying these parameters, the system achieves both reduced scheduling time delay and improved adaptability for diverse 5G services while maintaining backward compatibility where applicable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed frame structure is used, then implementation complexity is reduced, but the ability to meet diversified 5G service requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time domain into configurable scheduling units with flexible lengths, allowing different service types to be allocated appropriate time resources. This segmentation enables independent optimization for eMBB (longer scheduling units), mMTC (intermediate granularity), and URLLC (shorter scheduling units with rapid retransmission capability), reducing the need for a single complex unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal frame structure that can serve multiple 5G service types through configurable parameters. The same basic framework supports diverse services by adjusting scheduling unit length, subframe composition, and resource allocation, eliminating the need for separate specialized structures for each service type and thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration information of the time domain scheduling unit is sent to the terminal, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration by establishing the time domain scheduling unit structure and parameters in advance through RRC signaling. Once configured, these parameters are reused for multiple scheduling decisions, reducing the need for repeated signaling. The terminal stores and applies these pre-configured parameters across multiple scheduling instances, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and a base station are provided, the method includes: determining, by a base station, a time length of a time domain scheduling unit, a downlink, a guard period and symbols occupied by an uplink, included in the time domain scheduling unit; generating length configuration information of the time domain scheduling unit according to the time length, the downlink, the guard period and the symbols occupied by the uplink; sending the length configuration information to a terminal through radio resource control signaling and/or downlink control information signaling, and informing the terminal of a length configuration of the time domain scheduling unit; implementing, by the base station, a communication with the terminal based on the length configuration. By utilizing the method, it is beneficial for the terminal to acquire time information of time domain resource scheduling, and utilization efficiency of time domain resources is improved.