Configurable Uplink Frame Structure for Bursty Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in managing uplink traffic efficiently, particularly for UEs with bursty traffic that require low latency, as demand assignment methods introduce unacceptable latency due to the request and scheduling process.
Innovation Solution
A configurable frame structure that partitions uplink frames into demand assigned, free assigned, and random access resources, allowing UEs to access resources without explicit requests, with prioritization and medium sensing to manage access and minimize collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If demand assignment method is used for uplink resource allocation, then resource allocation control is improved, but latency increases due to request and scheduling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink frame into multiple regions including a grant-free uplink transmission region and a demand assignment region. This segmentation allows different types of traffic to use different access methods simultaneously, enabling low-latency grant-free access for bursty traffic while maintaining controlled resource allocation for other traffic types, thus resolving the contradiction between operational control and latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically configures the uplink frame structure by adjusting the size and position of the grant-free region based on traffic conditions. When bursty traffic is detected, the grant-free region is expanded to accommodate more immediate transmissions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to reduce latency when needed while maintaining resource allocation control during normal conditions.
2Loss of time
If grant-free access is introduced for low latency traffic, then latency is reduced, but collision probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different access qualities to different regions of the uplink frame. The grant-free region is designed with specific properties (dedicated resources, no scheduling requests) suitable for low-latency traffic, while the demand assignment region maintains controlled access for other traffic. This local differentiation allows grant-free access to reduce latency without causing system-wide collision issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of traffic into grant-free eligible traffic and demand assignment traffic before the uplink transmission. By pre-identifying which traffic can use grant-free access, the system prepares the appropriate transmission path in advance, reducing latency while preventing unsuitable traffic from causing collisions in the grant-free region.
3Adaptability or versatility
If uplink frame is partitioned into multiple access types, then adaptability to different traffic types is improved, but frame structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the uplink frame into distinct segments (grant-free region, demand assignment region, reference signal regions) with clearly defined boundaries and functions. This segmentation provides a structured approach to supporting multiple access types, making the complexity manageable through systematic organization rather than ad-hoc configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the grant-free region to serve multiple purposes: it can accommodate different numbers of UEs, support various modulation schemes, and adapt to changing traffic conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate structures for different access types, thereby limiting the increase in overall frame structure complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
System and methods are disclosed in which an uplink frame is configured to accommodate each, some, or all of the following types of access: (1) demand assigned access in which a UE requests resources and is then granted a partition of resources of the uplink frame; (2) free assigned access in which one or more UEs are granted a partition of resources of the uplink frame without UEs requesting the grant of the resources; and (3) random access in which a partition of resources of the frame are used by UEs for random access communication. The frame may be configurable on a semi-static or dynamic basis. In this way, the base station may be able to better accommodate UEs having different traffic characteristics and/or different latency requirements.