Dynamic RAN L1 Scheduling for Real-Time Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current L1 scheduling in radio access networks is static and fixed, failing to adapt to changing environmental conditions and resource availability, leading to inefficient use of resources and potential system breakdowns, especially in high-demand scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Implement a scheduler that dynamically modifies scheduling parameters based on real-time network usage data, using AI/ML models to simulate and adjust L1 scheduling according to environmental conditions and traffic patterns, enabling dynamic resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If static and fixed L1 scheduling is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates under changing network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scheduling by allowing the scheduler to modify scheduling parameters in real-time based on network usage data and environmental conditions. The scheduling configuration is no longer static but adapts dynamically to changing traffic patterns, network load, and resource availability, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency while managing complexity through structured adaptation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes scheduling parameters such as resource block allocation, modulation and coding schemes, and timing advances based on real-time network conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed values, the system optimizes resource utilization efficiency in response to varying network demands and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If static scheduling instructions are used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to environmental conditionsVSAvoidscheduling system stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the scheduler receives real-time network usage data and environmental information, processes this feedback, and adjusts scheduling parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining stability through controlled, data-driven modifications rather than arbitrary changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple scheduling parameter sets and selecting appropriate configurations based on predicted or current network conditions. This allows the system to prepare adaptive responses in advance while maintaining operational stability through structured selection rather than reactive scrambling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If dynamic modification of scheduling parameters is implemented, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidscheduler complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the scheduling system into distinct functional components: data collection modules, analysis modules, parameter modification modules, and execution modules. This segmentation allows dynamic parameter modification while managing complexity through modular design, where each component handles specific tasks independently and can be developed, tested, and maintained separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Speed

If fixed frame slots are used for scheduling tasks, then timing precision is maintained, but responsiveness to changing demands deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speed to changing demandsVSAvoidscheduling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the frame slot structure dynamic by allowing timing parameters such as slot duration, slot format, and resource allocation within slots to be adjusted based on real-time network demands. This dynamic timing structure enables faster response to changing traffic patterns while maintaining the fundamental frame-based timing precision needed for synchronized operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4679311A1A method of scheduling data transmission in a radio access network, a controller and a computer program
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 VODAFONE GROUP SERVICES LTD
  • EP4679311A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4679311A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4679311A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of scheduling data transmission in a radio access network is provided. The radio access network comprises a scheduler configured to orchestrate communication of data between one or more base stations and a plurality of User Equipments, UEs, according to a set of instructions. The method comprises receiving real-time network usage data. The method further comprises dynamically modifying the set of instructions based on the network usage data. The method further comprises implementing the modified set of instructions so that the scheduler is configured to orchestrate communication of data between the one or more base stations and the plurality of UEs according to the modified set of instructions.