Dynamic OFDM Numerology Selection for Service-Specific Wireless Latency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless access technologies, such as LTE and 5G NR, face limitations in dynamically assigning optimal OFDM numerologies to user equipment (UE) based on the services being used, leading to suboptimal performance due to fixed subcarrier spacing and indirect changes that cause delays and inefficiencies during handovers.
Innovation Solution
A system and process where a base station dynamically assigns OFDM numerologies to a UE based on service attributes, involving the service layer, MAC layer, and other higher protocol layers, allowing for flexible subcarrier spacing selection to match the requirements of each service, enabling efficient resource allocation and reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed subcarrier spacing is used (as in LTE), then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different service requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic numerology selection where the base station and UE can switch between different subcarrier spacing configurations (e.g., 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz) based on service requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for different services (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) while maintaining operational simplicity through automated selection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the subcarrier spacing parameter dynamically based on service type and network conditions. By allowing the subcarrier spacing parameter to vary (15 kHz for legacy services, 30 kHz for enhanced services, 60 kHz for ultra-reliable low-latency services), the system achieves both ease of operation through standardized procedures and adaptability to different service requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible OFDM numerologies with scalable subcarrier spacing are used (as in 5G NR), then adaptability to different services is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service requirements into distinct categories (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) with predetermined numerology configurations. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by associating specific subcarrier spacing values with specific service types, reducing the cognitive load on devices while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where UEs automatically select appropriate numerology configurations based on service type indications from the base station. This automation reduces device complexity by eliminating manual configuration requirements while maintaining adaptability through service-based selection.
3Ease of operation
If indirect changes of OFDM numerology during handover are used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary numerology selection during service establishment and handover preparation phases. By pre-determining the appropriate subcarrier spacing configuration before actual data transmission begins, the system avoids time-consuming numerology changes during active communication, thereby reducing latency while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements rapid parameter changes for subcarrier spacing during handover procedures by using standardized signaling mechanisms. This allows the system to change numerology parameters quickly and efficiently during handover events, reducing the time loss associated with reconfiguration while maintaining ease of operation through automated procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station can select orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) numerologies that define subcarrier spacing values based on attributes associated with one or more services that a user equipment (UE) is using. The base station can use the selected OFDM numerologies for transmission associated with the services. When the UE is using multiple services simultaneously, the base station can select the same or different OFDM numerologies for the multiple services.