Fractional Resource Block Allocation for VoIP Capacity in LTE
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Solution Overview
Problem
The LTE system lacks resource allocation in units smaller than a Resource Block (RB), which is necessary for efficiently managing low-traffic services like VoIP, due to excessive control signal overhead associated with smaller resource allocations.
Innovation Solution
A fractional RB allocation method that allows resource allocation in units smaller than an RB by generating and multiplexing modulation symbol streams for multiple users, precoding, and frequency-first mapping to resource elements, enabling efficient resource utilization for delay-sensitive services like VoIP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If resource allocation is performed in units smaller than a Resource Block (RB), then resource utilization efficiency for low-traffic services like VoIP is improved, but control signal overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a Resource Block (RB) into smaller fractional units (e.g., 1/2 RB, 1/4 RB, 1/8 RB) to enable fine-grained resource allocation. This segmentation allows the system to allocate resources in units smaller than a full RB, improving resource utilization efficiency for low-traffic services like VoIP while maintaining manageable control signaling through standardized fractional units
2Productivity
If channel sensitive scheduling is used for delay-sensitive traffic like VoIP, then transmission efficiency is improved, but temporal margin for scheduling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fractional RB allocation where the resource allocation size (1/2 RB, 1/4 RB, 1/8 RB, or 1/16 RB) is adjusted based on channel conditions and service requirements. For delay-sensitive VoIP traffic, the system can dynamically select smaller fractional units with appropriate temporal margins, while for delay-tolerant traffic, larger units can be allocated to maximize transmission efficiency
3Productivity
If AMC changes modulation and coding scheme based on data amount, then transmission efficiency is improved, but control signal consumption increases for small data amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allocating fractional RBs (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, or 1/16 of a full RB) instead of always allocating full RBs or using detailed AMC adjustments. This partial allocation reduces control signal overhead for small data amounts while maintaining sufficient transmission efficiency, avoiding the excessive control signaling that would result from fine-grained AMC changes for every small data transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a fractional RB (Resource Block) allocation method which enables resource allocation in a unit smaller than RB to improve the capacity of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) in an LTE (Long Term Evolution) system. That is, the present invention introduces a resource arrangement method which allows different users to share the same resource, without even using an SDMA, and a method for informing the fractional RB allocation and how to use the same. A method for introducing multiplexation into an RB and changing the RE arrangement is proposed to support the downlink fractional RB allocation. A method for changing the RE arrangement is also proposed to support the uplink fractional RB allocation. According to the present invention, to provide a consistent service with a small amount of traffic generated as in the VoIP, resources of a smaller amount than a single RB can be used for a terminal with a good channel state. In the present invention, the occupancy of resources for the terminals of an excellent channel state is reduced so that the capacity of the VoIP can be improved.