HARQ Feedback Enablement Multiplexing in Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HARQ feedback and data/MAC control signaling multiplexing processes in non-terrestrial networks face inefficiencies when HARQ feedback enablement/disablement is configured, leading to HARQ stalling and throughput limitations due to long round-trip times and complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method where a base station transmits control information to indicate enabled or disabled HARQ feedback for specific HARQ processes, allowing for selective multiplexing of medium access control (MAC) control elements in transport blocks based on HARQ feedback status, enhancing multiplexing efficiency and reducing HARQ stalling by configuring HARQ feedback per process via RRC signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HARQ feedback is enabled for all HARQ processes, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides HARQ feedback configuration into per-process granularity, allowing different HARQ processes to have different feedback enablement states. This segmentation enables the system to selectively apply HARQ feedback only where needed, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability for critical processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different HARQ feedback configurations to different HARQ processes based on their specific requirements. Some processes have feedback enabled while others have it disabled, creating local quality variations that optimize both reliability and complexity for each individual process.
2Reliability
If HARQ feedback is enabled for all HARQ processes, then transmission reliability is improved, but throughput decreases due to HARQ stalling
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting HARQ feedback enablement by process, the patent allows certain processes to operate without HARQ feedback, eliminating the stalling effect that would occur if all processes required feedback before proceeding. This maintains throughput while preserving reliability for processes that need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies HARQ feedback partially - only to specific HARQ processes where it is beneficial - rather than universally to all processes. This partial application avoids the excessive overhead and stalling that would result from full application, thereby maintaining throughput.
3Reliability
If MAC CE is multiplexed in all transport blocks, then control signaling completeness is improved, but multiplexing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments MAC CE multiplexing decisions by HARQ process, determining whether to multiplex MAC CE in each transport block based on the associated HARQ process's feedback enablement status. This selective approach improves multiplexing efficiency by avoiding unnecessary MAC CE multiplexing while ensuring control signaling completeness where required.
Solution Approach 2:
Different multiplexing behaviors are applied locally to different transport blocks based on their associated HARQ process characteristics. Transport blocks associated with HARQ processes having feedback enabled receive complete control signaling, while others use simplified multiplexing, optimizing efficiency without sacrificing necessary signaling completeness.
4Device complexity
If HARQ feedback is disabled for all HARQ processes, then device complexity and processing overhead are reduced, but transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different HARQ feedback configurations to different HARQ processes based on their specific requirements. Some processes have feedback enabled to maintain reliability, while others have it disabled to reduce complexity, creating local quality variations that optimize both parameters simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback in a non-terrestrial network includes transmitting, by a base station to a user equipment (UE), control information indicating that: HARQ feedback for a first HARQ process number is enabled, and HARQ feedback for a second HARQ process number is disabled; multiplexing a first medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) of a first type in a first transport block that is associated with the first HARQ process number; and not multiplexing a MAC CE of the first type in a second transport block that is associated with the second HARQ process number.