Cyclic Bandwidth Allocation with HARQ for VoIP
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current IEEE 802.16 standard for wireless communication systems is inefficient in VoIP capacity due to excessive bandwidth consumption by DL-MAP and UL-MAP messages and generic MAC headers, leading to high signaling overhead.
Innovation Solution
A cyclical bandwidth allocation method is introduced, where transmission resources are allocated for a first HARQ process across multiple frames, reducing signaling overhead by eliminating the need for per-frame bandwidth allocation messages and using a compressed MAC header to decrease MAC overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If per-frame bandwidth allocation messages (DL-MAP and UL-MAP) are used in current IEEE 802.16 standard, then dynamic bandwidth allocation is achieved, but signaling overhead becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements cyclic bandwidth allocation where transmission resources are allocated periodically across multiple frames for HARQ processes. Instead of sending bandwidth allocation messages every frame, the system establishes a cyclic pattern that repeats across frames, reducing per-frame signaling while maintaining dynamic allocation capabilities. The cyclic allocation information is sent less frequently, and the pattern automatically repeats, achieving both dynamic adaptation and reduced overhead.
2Ease of operation
If generic MAC header is included in every frame transmitting VoIP packets, then packet identification and routing are enabled, but MAC overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the generic MAC header from frames carrying VoIP packets in cyclic bandwidth allocation mode. Since the bandwidth allocation is already established cyclically, the MAC header becomes redundant for these specific packet types. The invention selectively removes unnecessary header information while retaining essential packet identification and routing data, thereby reducing MAC overhead without compromising packet handling capabilities.
3Loss of information
If cyclic bandwidth allocation is implemented without HARQ support, then signaling overhead is reduced, but transmission reliability for error-prone channels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cyclic bandwidth allocation with HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) mechanisms to create a unified resource allocation approach. The cyclic allocation pattern is extended to cover multiple HARQ processes, where transmission resources are allocated cyclically across frames for each HARQ process. This integration maintains the signaling overhead reduction benefits of cyclic allocation while incorporating HARQ's error correction and retransmission capabilities, thereby preserving transmission reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described which includes allocating transmission resources for transmitting data packets. The allocation of transmission resources includes a periodic allocation of the transmission resources that is applicable to a plurality of frames. The allocation of transmission resources includes an allocation of transmission resources for a first transmission of each HARQ process during the plurality of frames. The method includes receiving an indication of an allocation of transmission resources for data packets in a plurality of frames. Receiving and/or transmitting packets during the plurality of frames using the allocation of transmission resources is also included in the method. The frames in the plurality of frames may include a compressed MAC header. Apparatus and computer programs are also described.