Control Channel Modules for Flexible Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE systems face complexity in resource allocation for different classes of devices, leading to increased control signaling overheads and limited flexibility in providing tailored wireless access interfaces for high-bandwidth and machine-type communication devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a wireless access interface with a control channel formed from multiple, mutually exclusive control channel modules, allowing for flexible allocation of resources and reducing the need for devices to receive extensive control data, thereby increasing efficiency and enabling the provision of additional services through spare bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single control channel spanning the entire bandwidth is used, then all devices can receive control data, but device complexity and control signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in providing tailored wireless access interfacesVSAvoidcomplexity of resource allocation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control channel is divided into multiple control channel modules, each occupying a different portion of the bandwidth. Devices can be allocated to specific modules based on their requirements, reducing the complexity of resource allocation and allowing tailored wireless access interfaces for different device classes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the bandwidth are allocated to different control channel modules with different properties. This allows high-bandwidth devices to access modules with higher capacity while MTC devices access modules optimized for their specific requirements, providing localized optimization without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control channel spans the entire predetermined bandwidth, then all devices can access control data, but control signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to serve different device classesVSAvoidcontrol signaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control channel is segmented into multiple modules that can be selectively activated. Only the modules needed for current traffic requirements are transmitted, reducing control signaling overhead while maintaining the capability to serve different device classes when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of always transmitting the full control channel across the entire bandwidth, only the necessary portions (control channel modules) are transmitted based on current device requirements. This partial action reduces control signaling overhead while maintaining full adaptability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If high bandwidth is allocated for control channel, then all devices can be served, but narrowband devices cannot operate efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple device typesVSAvoidefficiency for narrowband devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control channel is divided into modules of different bandwidth sizes. Narrowband MTC devices can be allocated to smaller control channel modules that match their bandwidth requirements, improving their operational efficiency while still allowing wideband devices to access larger modules for their higher data rate requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different bandwidth portions are allocated to different control channel modules based on device type requirements. This local optimization allows narrowband devices to operate efficiently in their designated modules while the system maintains overall versatility to support multiple device types simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10321456B2Network element and method of communicating using a plurality of controls channels modules

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A network element forming a mobile communications network, and configured to provide a wireless access interface to one or more communications devices and to transmit downlink data to and receive uplink data from the communications devices via the wireless access interface. The downlink resources extend across a predetermined bandwidth and are time divided into plural timeframes. The network element includes a transmitter, and controller configured to control the transmitter to transmit control data to the communications devices in resources of a control channel formed from plural control channel modules formed from only part of the predetermined bandwidth and mutually exclusive from parts of the predetermined bandwidth from which the other control channel modules are formed. The plural control channel modules allow the control channel to be varied in bandwidth and adapted to the structure of the communications network, the communications devices being served and traffic conditions in the communications network.