HARQ Process Identifier Segmentation for Satellite Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication networks, particularly satellite communication networks, face an issue where the indication range of Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) processes is excessively small, limiting the number of parallel processes that can be supported due to the fixed four-bit HARQ process identifier in downlink control information (DCI), which can be insufficient for the higher requirements of satellite communication.
Innovation Solution
The HARQ process identifier is split into a first part and a second part for separate indication, allowing the use of additional bits in downlink control information, demodulation reference signals, bandwidth parts, and time domain information to extend the indication range without modifying the DCI format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a four-bit HARQ process identifier is used in DCI, then the DCI format remains simple and compact, but the indication range of HARQ processes is limited to 16 processes
Solution Approach 1:
The HARQ process identifier is segmented into two parts: a first part (4 bits) transmitted in DCI and a second part obtained from other sources (DMRS, BWP, or time domain information). This segmentation allows the DCI format to remain simple while the total HARQ process indication range is extended beyond 16 processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the HARQ process indication from a single dimension (DCI field only) to multiple dimensions by combining the first part from DCI with a second part from other sources such as demodulation reference signals, bandwidth parts, or time domain information, thereby expanding the total indication range without increasing DCI complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If additional bits are added to DCI to extend HARQ process indication range, then more parallel processes can be supported, but the DCI format must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The HARQ process identifier is segmented into two parts: a first part (4 bits) transmitted in DCI and a second part obtained from other sources (DMRS, BWP, or time domain information). This segmentation allows the DCI format to remain simple while the total HARQ process indication range is extended beyond 16 processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes existing communication elements (DCI, DMRS, BWP, time domain information) for multiple purposes: DCI carries the first part of HARQ ID, while the same or other elements carry or indicate the second part, achieving extended HARQ process indication without modifying the fundamental DCI format structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the HARQ process identifier is extended beyond 4 bits, then satellite communication requirements are met, but the indication mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The HARQ process identifier is segmented into two parts: a first part (4 bits) transmitted in DCI and a second part obtained from other sources (DMRS, BWP, or time domain information). This segmentation allows the DCI format to remain simple while the total HARQ process indication range is extended beyond 16 processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the terminal device autonomously obtains the second part of the HARQ process identifier from available information sources (DMRS initialization values, BWP indices, or time domain parameters) without requiring explicit network signaling, thereby reducing indication mechanism complexity while meeting satellite communication requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide communication methods and apparatuses. One method includes: receiving first indication information from a network device, where the first indication information indicates a first part of a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) process identifier scheduled by the network device, obtaining a second part of the HARQ process identifier, and determining the HARQ process identifier based on the first part of the HARQ process identifier and the second part of the HARQ process identifier.