Flexible HARQ Feedback Timing in 5G Radio Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G radio access networks face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving HARQ ACK/NACK feedback information due to rigid frame structures, which hinder flexible data transmission and meet the diverse requirements of scenarios like eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a user equipment (UE) receiving HARQ timing indication and uplink control channel resource indication information from a base station to transmit HARQ information through one or multiple uplink control channels in the same slot, allowing flexible frame structures for efficient HARQ ACK/NACK feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid frame structures are used in 5G radio access networks, then system stability and simplicity are maintained, but flexibility in data transmission and ability to meet diverse scenario requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic HARQ timing indication where the timing between downlink data channel and uplink control channel is not fixed but can be flexibly adjusted through indication information. This allows the system to adapt timing relationships dynamically based on different scenario requirements (eMBB, mMTC, URLLC), resolving the contradiction between maintaining stable frame structures and achieving flexible data transmission.
2Productivity
If multiple uplink control channels are used for HARQ feedback in the same slot, then feedback efficiency and data transmission rates are improved, but resource management complexity and interference potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces HARQ timing indication information and uplink control channel resource indication information as intermediary signaling mechanisms. These intermediaries coordinate between the base station and user equipment, enabling multiple uplink control channels to be used efficiently in the same slot for HARQ feedback while managing resources systematically. The indication information acts as a mediator that resolves resource allocation conflicts and manages the complexity of multi-channel operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible frame structures are implemented to meet diverse scenario requirements, then adaptability to different usage scenarios is improved, but system complexity and difficulty in maintaining stability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the HARQ feedback mechanism into distinct controllable components: downlink data channel reception, HARQ timing indication, uplink control channel resource indication, and actual feedback transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and controlled independently for different scenarios (eMBB, mMTC, URLLC) while maintaining overall system stability through standardized interfaces and procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method of transmitting and receiving HARQ ACK/NACK feedback information in a next-generation/5G radio access network. The method may include receiving, from a base station, HARQ timing indication information to a plurality of the downlink channels, receiving, from the base station, uplink (UL) control channel resource indication information for HARQ feedback to each DL data channel, and transmitting the HARQ information through one or the plurality of the UL control channels indicated by the UL control channel resource indication information in the same slot when the HARQ timing indication information indicates the same slot.