Dynamic Transmission Slot Allocation for Radio Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio access networks (RANs) allocate transmission slots uniformly across all user equipment (UEs) within a cell, failing to adapt to varying UE conditions and locations, which can lead to inefficient bandwidth utilization and conflicting spectrum usage among carriers.
Innovation Solution
A RAN system that dynamically allocates uplink and downlink transmission slots based on UE-provided indicia, such as location and application requirements, allowing for differentiated allocations to UEs, while considering RAN conditions and external network negotiations to optimize spectrum usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uniform transmission slot allocation is used across all UEs, then spectrum usage consistency is maintained, but bandwidth allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating different transmission slot configurations to different UEs based on their specific conditions. Each UE receives a customized slot allocation pattern (e.g., different uplink-downlink ratios, different slot formats) tailored to its location, service type, and channel conditions, rather than applying a uniform allocation across all UEs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the RAN to dynamically adjust transmission slot allocations in real-time based on changing UE conditions, traffic demands, and network state. The allocation can be modified through reconfiguration messages when conditions change, allowing the system to adapt to varying requirements of different UEs and services.
2Reliability
If standardized downlink-to-uplink ratios are applied, then carrier coordination is simplified, but communication quality for specific UEs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing transmission slot configurations for individual UEs based on their specific communication requirements. For example, UEs requiring high uplink throughput (e.g., video conferencing, cloud gaming) receive slot allocations with higher uplink ratios, while UEs primarily consuming downlink content (e.g., video streaming) receive allocations optimized for downlink capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the RAN to modify key transmission parameters including the downlink-to-uplink slot ratio, slot format indicators, and mini-slot configurations. These parameter adjustments are made based on UE-specific conditions such as channel quality, service type, and traffic patterns, enabling optimized communication quality for each UE.
3Productivity
If dynamic UE-specific allocations are implemented, then bandwidth efficiency improves, but RAN complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling the RAN to dynamically adjust transmission slot parameters including the number of downlink and uplink slots per frame, slot format indicators, and mini-slot configurations. These parameter modifications are based on UE-specific conditions and network state, allowing optimized bandwidth utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized parameter sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback mechanisms where the RAN monitors UE conditions, channel quality, and traffic patterns, then uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust slot allocations. The RAN receives feedback from UEs about their communication needs and channel conditions, and uses this information to optimize subsequent slot assignments, improving bandwidth efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through closed-loop control.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio access network (RAN) configured to provide allocations of transmission slots to user equipment (UEs) is described herein. The RAN may receive indicia about RAN conditions or about UEs in a vicinity of the RAN. Responsive to receiving the indicia, the RAN may determine, based at least in part on the indicia, a first allocation of uplink and downlink transmission slots to a first UE and a second allocation of uplink and downlink transmission slots to a second UE. The first allocation may differ from the second allocation. The RAN may then provide the first allocation to the first UE and the second allocation to the second UE.