Dynamic UL PRB Allocation for LTE PUCCH and PUSCH

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Solution Overview

Problem

Static allocation of Physical Resource Block (PRB) pairs for PUCCH in LTE networks leads to inefficient resource utilization, limiting uplink capacity and spectrum efficiency due to fixed allocation regardless of traffic load variations, resulting in unused PRB pairs that cannot be utilized by PUSCH even during low PUCCH traffic.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic allocation method for UL PRB pairs in FDMA RAN, where the bandwidth is divided into inner and outer regions, with PUCCH regions dynamically adjusting based on traffic load, allowing contiguous allocation of PRB pairs to SRs in outer regions and extending the inner region for PUSCH, optimizing resource utilization between PUCCH and PUSCH channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If static allocation of PRB pairs is used for PUCCH, then predictable resource management is achieved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to unused PRB pairs during low traffic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredictable resource managementVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic allocation of PUCCH PRB pairs by adjusting the number of allocated PRB pairs based on actual PUCCH traffic load. The base station monitors PUCCH resource usage and dynamically reconfigures the allocation between PUCCH and PUSCH, transitioning from a static to a dynamic allocation mechanism that adapts to varying traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the allocation parameters of PUCCH PRB pairs dynamically based on traffic load. By monitoring PUCCH resource usage and adjusting the number of allocated PRB pairs accordingly, the system modifies key parameters (allocation count, resource distribution) to optimize both predictability and utilization efficiency under different traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If more PRB pairs are allocated to PUCCH for maximum traffic load, then PUCCH capacity is sufficient, but PUSCH capacity deteriorates due to reduced available PRB pairs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePUCCH capacity sufficiencyVSAvoidPUSCH capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a dynamic allocation mechanism where the number of PUCCH PRB pairs is adjusted based on actual traffic demand. During low traffic periods, fewer PRB pairs are allocated to PUCCH, freeing up resources for PUSCH. During peak traffic, allocation increases to ensure PUCCH capacity sufficiency, thus dynamically balancing the trade-off between PUCCH reliability and PUSCH productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allocating PRB pairs for PUCCH at the maximum level always, the patent applies partial allocation based on actual needs. The system allocates only the necessary number of PUCCH PRB pairs required for current traffic load, avoiding excessive allocation that would unnecessarily reduce PUSCH capacity while still ensuring sufficient PUCCH capacity when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If dynamic allocation of PUCCH PRB pairs is implemented, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to reconfiguration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidreconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic allocation through automated monitoring and adjustment mechanisms at the base station. The system continuously monitors PUCCH resource usage and automatically triggers reconfiguration when thresholds are met, reducing the perceived complexity for operators while achieving improved resource utilization efficiency through adaptive, rule-based dynamic management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors PUCCH resource usage and uses this information to dynamically adjust allocations. The feedback loop (monitoring → threshold comparison → reconfiguration decision → implementation) automates the dynamic allocation process, improving resource utilization efficiency while managing system complexity through intelligent, feedback-driven control rather than manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10680766B2Dynamic UL PRB resource allocation
Publication Date: 2020.06.09 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US10680766B2 patent drawing
  • US10680766B2 patent drawing
  • US10680766B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for dynamic allocation of radio UL Physical Resource Block pairs of a plurality of subframes in a cell of an FDMA RAN. For each of the plurality of subframes, using a bandwidth layout in frequency domain for an UL bandwidth of the cell, in which the bandwidth layout has an inner region for a PUSCH positioned between outer regions for a PUCCH. For each of the outer regions, a PUCCH layout comprises an innermost section for PUCCH Format 1 and a middle section and an outermost section are PUCCH Formats 2 and 3. Depending on the traffic load of the cell, dynamically allocating, contiguously inwards, PRB pairs to Scheduling Requests in the outer regions and contiguously extending the inner region as allowed by the dynamic allocation of PRB pairs in the outer regions in each of the plurality of subframes.