Dynamic HARQ Feedback Channel Selection for URLLC Puncturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, the fixed HARQ feedback timing in LTE systems can lead to inefficiencies and reliability issues, especially when dealing with URLLC traffic, as it does not provide clear feedback on the decoding status of URLLC data punctured within eMBB transmissions, resulting in potential re-transmissions and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to select and configure HARQ feedback channels for both eMBB and URLLC data, allowing for options such as using only a slot-based channel, a mini-slot-based channel, or both for feedback, to improve latency and control channel overhead, enabling clear acknowledgement of both data types and facilitating re-transmissions as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed HARQ feedback timing is used in LTE systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but feedback reliability and latency performance deteriorate for URLLC traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic HARQ feedback timing mechanisms that adapt to different traffic types (eMBB vs URLLC). The system dynamically selects between slot-based and mini-slot-based feedback channels based on the punctured traffic type, enabling flexible adjustment of feedback timing to meet varying reliability and latency requirements while maintaining system simplicity through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the feedback timing parameter by introducing different feedback options (slot-based vs mini-slot-based) depending on the traffic type. For URLLC punctured in eMBB, the system can select mini-slot-based feedback to reduce latency and improve reliability, while for non-punctured eMBB traffic, slot-based feedback maintains simplicity. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between system simplicity and feedback reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed HARQ feedback timing is used, then implementation ease is maintained, but latency performance deteriorates for punctured URLLC data
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts feedback timing based on traffic type. When URLLC is punctured in eMBB transmissions, the system switches to mini-slot-based feedback channels that provide faster feedback with reduced latency. This dynamic adjustment maintains implementation ease through standardized procedures while significantly reducing feedback latency for time-sensitive URLLC traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the feedback mechanism into different channels: slot-based feedback channels for eMBB traffic and mini-slot-based feedback channels for URLLC traffic. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific traffic type, with mini-slot channels providing faster feedback for URLLC while slot channels maintain simplicity for eMBB, thus reducing overall feedback latency without compromising implementation ease.
3Quantity of substance
If single feedback channel is used for both eMBB and URLLC, then channel overhead is reduced, but feedback precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feedback mechanism into separate channels: slot-based feedback channels for eMBB traffic and mini-slot-based feedback channels for URLLC traffic. This segmentation enables precise feedback for each traffic type on dedicated channels, improving feedback precision by matching channel characteristics to traffic requirements while managing overhead through selective usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different feedback channel qualities to different traffic types: mini-slot-based channels provide faster, more precise feedback for URLLC traffic requiring low latency, while slot-based channels provide adequate feedback for eMBB traffic. This local quality differentiation improves overall feedback precision by optimizing each channel's characteristics for its intended traffic type while controlling total overhead.
4Productivity
If puncturing is used to transmit URLLC in eMBB resources, then resource utilization improves, but feedback clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feedback mechanism to provide separate feedback channels for punctured URLLC traffic and non-punctured eMBB traffic. By using mini-slot-based feedback channels specifically for punctured URLLC transmissions, the system maintains clear feedback information that identifies whether URLLC data was successfully decoded, preventing feedback confusion while maintaining high resource utilization through puncturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements enhanced feedback mechanisms that provide explicit acknowledgment of punctured URLLC data decoding status. The feedback includes clear indicators that distinguish between eMBB and URLLC decoding outcomes, ensuring feedback clarity even when URLLC is punctured in eMBB resources. This maintains resource utilization efficiency while preventing information loss in the feedback loop.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed by a network node (110) for deciding a feedback option of a message sent between the network node (110) and a User Equipment, UE, 120 in a wireless communication network (100) is provided. The message comprises a first data, which is punctured by a second data. The first data is sent in a slot of a radio resource. The second data is sent a mini-slot of the radio resource. The mini-slot is smaller than the slot. The network node (110) decides (401) a feedback option for feedback that is to be sent to the sender of the message. The deciding is based on any one or more out of: slot control resource capacity, mini-slot control resource capacity and requirements of the radio bearer. The feedback option may relate to any one out of: (1) Only a slot based channel is used for feedback of both the first data and the second data, (2) a mini-slot based channel is used for feedback of the second data and a slot based channel is used for feedback of the first data, and (3) only a mini-slot based channel is used for feedback of both the first data and the second data.