Flexible Resource Allocation for Contention-Based Uplink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contention-based uplink transmission in LTE networks experiences high latency and significant control channel overhead, particularly in scenarios with multiple small packet transmissions, leading to inefficient resource allocation and increased collision probability.

Innovation Solution

Implementing flexible resource allocation and selection by defining multiple sets of contention-based PUSCH transmission granularities, allowing user equipment to select the most suitable resource units based on packet size and Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process ID, and enabling the network to adapt resource allocation granularity according to the number of contention-based users, thereby reducing collision probability and improving throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If contention-based transmission is used for uplink data, then control channel overhead is reduced, but collision probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel overheadVSAvoidcollision probability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resource pool is segmented into multiple resource units with different granularities (first granularity and second granularity). The network device configures multiple sets of resource allocation granularities, allowing UEs to select appropriate granularity based on packet size. This segmentation reduces collision probability by providing diverse resource options while maintaining low control overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts resource allocation granularity based on the number of contention-based users and packet characteristics. When the number of contention-based users exceeds a threshold, the network switches to a different granularity set to reduce collisions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between collision probability and control overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed resource allocation granularity is used, then resource allocation is simple, but uplink throughput is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation complexityVSAvoiduplink throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs multiple predefined sets of resource allocation granularities (first set and second set) with different granularity levels. The network device dynamically selects which set to use based on the number of contention-based users. This dynamic granularity adaptation increases uplink throughput by optimizing resource allocation to match traffic conditions while keeping the allocation mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the resource allocation parameter (granularity) based on system conditions. When the number of contention-based users exceeds a threshold, the network switches from one granularity set to another, effectively changing the allocation parameters to reduce collisions and improve throughput without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple sets of resource allocation granularities are configured, then collision probability is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision probabilityVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resource pool is divided into multiple resource units with different granularities organized in predefined sets. By segmenting resources into different granularity levels (first granularity, second granularity, etc.), the system reduces collision probability through diverse resource options while maintaining structured allocation that limits complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by changing discrete parameters (granularity sets) based on simple thresholds (number of contention-based users). This parameter-based approach allows the system to adapt to different conditions and reduce collisions without implementing complex allocation algorithms, keeping device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3469848B1Contention-based uplink data transmission
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3469848B1 patent drawingFigure 1
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AI summary

The example embodiments of the invention provide at least a method and apparatus to configure a resource pool for a plurality of user equipment configured with contention based transmission; configure a resource allocation within the resource pool for a contention based transmission by a user equipment of the plurality of user equipment configured for contention based transmissions, wherein the resource allocation is configured with more than one predefined or preconfigured sets of resource allocation granularities; and send information comprising the resource allocation towards the user equipment, wherein the information comprises an indication of a set of the predefined or preconfigured sets of the resource allocation granularities that the user equipment is to use for the contention based transmission. Further, there is receiving resources allocated for a contention based transmission, the resource allocation configured with predefined or preconfigured sets of resource allocation granularities, the information comprises an indication of a set of the predefined or preconfigured sets of the resource allocation granularities to use; and identifying the resource allocation granularities set to use for the contention based transmission.