Dynamic Radio Resource Allocation for Shared Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for allocating radio resources among network operators are inefficient, leading to poor spectral efficiency and unnecessary limitations in peak data rates, as they either provide fixed and inflexible resource allocations or fail to fully utilize available resources, resulting in underutilization and increased scheduler complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic radio resource allocation apparatus and method that selects network operators for resource allocation based on probability, updates resource allocation probabilities, and prioritizes scheduling entities within transmission time intervals, allowing for flexible allocation of resources across multiple network operators and priority queues, ensuring optimal resource usage and reduced scheduler complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed PRB allocation is used for each network operator, then physical isolation between operators is achieved, but spectral efficiency deteriorates due to unused PRBs when one operator has low traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the set of PRBs allocated to each operator changes over time based on traffic conditions. The scheduler dynamically selects which operator receives resources in each TTI, transitioning from static fixed allocation to dynamic flexible allocation, resolving the contradiction between isolation reliability and spectral efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation parameter from fixed PRB sets to probabilistic selection based on traffic load. By monitoring traffic conditions and adjusting which operator receives PRBs in each TTI, the system adapts parameters dynamically to maximize spectral efficiency while maintaining fair access for both operators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If minimum fixed PRBs are reserved for each operator with shared PRBs, then resource flexibility is improved, but scheduler complexity increases and resources are not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reserving minimum PRBs for each operator, the patent allows one operator to use all available PRBs in a given TTI when its traffic load is high, while the other operator receives resources in subsequent TTIs. This partial allocation approach eliminates the need for complex minimum reservation management and reduces scheduler complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous resource utilization by alternating PRB allocation between operators based on their instantaneous traffic needs. Rather than reserving resources that may sit idle, the system continuously reallocates PRBs to the operator that needs them most, eliminating wasted capacity and reducing scheduling overhead.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated PRBs are assigned to each operator, then resource allocation simplicity is maintained, but peak data rate is limited when other operators have low traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PRB set universal by allowing the same physical resources to serve multiple operators at different times. The shared PRBs can be allocated to Operator 1 or Operator 2 depending on whose traffic load is higher, maximizing the utilization of available spectrum and enabling each operator to achieve peak data rates when needed without requiring dedicated exclusive resources.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (12) for allocating radio resources shared among a plurality of network operators (14) is provided. Each network operator (14) has at least one scheduling entity, SE, (18) and a respective resource allocation, RA, probability for being selected for radio resource allocation during a transmission time interval, TTI. The apparatus (12) includes a processor (24) and a memory (26). The memory (26) contains instructions executable by the processor (24) that are configured to cause the apparatus (12), within a TTI, to select a network operator (14) of the plurality of network operators (14) for resource allocation within the TTI based at least in part on the RA probability of the network operator (14), allocate radio resources to an SE of the selected network operator within the TTI and update the RA probability of selecting each of the plurality of network operators for a next selection of resource allocation.