Reallocating Unused Control Resources for User Data in 5G NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation mobile networks like 5G New Radio (NR) offer wider bandwidth and capacity, but not all devices need or can utilize the full communication resources, leading to underutilization of control resources in wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves reallocating unused control resources in a control region for carrying downlink or uplink user data, allowing for efficient reuse and reallocation of time and frequency resources in both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If control resources are allocated to all devices in 5G NR networks, then network capacity and bandwidth are improved, but resource underutilization occurs when not all devices need or can utilize the full resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where control resources are not statically assigned but are instead flexibly reallocated based on actual device needs. The base station determines which control resources remain unused after serving required devices and dynamically reassigns these resources to carry additional user data, transforming a static resource allocation system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying traffic conditions and device requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes control resources multi-functional by enabling them to serve dual purposes: primarily for control signaling transmission and secondarily for user data transmission when unused. Instead of dedicating control resources exclusively to control functions, the system allows these same resources to carry user payload data, effectively making the control resources universal resources that can adapt their function based on instantaneous network conditions.
2Reliability
If control resources are dedicated to control data transmission, then control reliability is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates when control resources remain unused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by identifying control resources that have completed their control data transmission function and are now unused, then recovering these resources for alternative use. Instead of leaving these resources idle after control transmission, the system recovers them and reuses them to carry user data, thereby eliminating waste while maintaining the original control function's reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing control resources to serve themselves through automatic reallocation. When control resources are not needed for their primary function, they automatically become available for user data transmission without requiring separate resource allocations or manual intervention, thus improving overall productivity while maintaining control reliability.
3Productivity
If full bandwidth is allocated to support maximum capacity, then network performance is improved, but device complexity increases as devices must support and process all allocated resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the available control resources into two segments: those actually used for control data transmission and those that remain unused. This segmentation allows the system to identify and isolate the unused portion for alternative use, enabling resource efficiency improvements without requiring devices to process or manage the entire bandwidth allocation, thus reducing effective device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide various methods and apparatuses configured to reuse, reallocate, reserve, or reassign available control resources in a control region for carrying downlink (DL) payload or user data. The inventive concept and idea may also be applied to reuse control resources for uplink (UL) and/or sidelink user data transmission in both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) configurations in other embodiments.