HARQ Index Allocation via RB Mapping for PUCCH Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio communication networks face inefficiencies in HARQ index allocation due to conflicts between dynamic scheduling and Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS), leading to reduced flexibility and increased overhead, especially under heavy load conditions, and low PUCCH resource usage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A unified HARQ allocation method that uses a Resource Block (RB) index instead of a Control Channel Element (CCE) index to determine the HARQ feedback position, eliminating conflicts and improving resource efficiency by allocating DL RBs and determining UL control channel positions based on these RBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If CCE index is used to derive PUCCH HARQ index for dynamic scheduling, then HARQ feedback position can be determined, but HARQ index confliction occurs with SPS under heavy load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the basis parameter from CCE index to RB index for determining PUCCH HARQ index. This parameter substitution resolves the conflict between dynamic scheduling and SPS by using a different resource dimension (RB instead of CCE) that does not overlap with SPS HARQ index allocation, thereby maintaining allocation reliability while preserving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If separate PUCCH area is allocated for SPS HARQ feedback, then HARQ index confliction is avoided, but extra PUCCH resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HARQ feedback resource allocation for both dynamic scheduling and SPS into a unified PUCCH resource pool. By using RB index for dynamic scheduling HARQ index determination, the patent enables both dynamic and SPS UEs to share the same PUCCH resources without conflict, thereby eliminating the need for separate PUCCH areas and reducing overall PUCCH resource consumption.
3Ease of operation
If one-to-one mapping between CCEs and PUCCH HARQ indices is used, then HARQ feedback position is uniquely determined, but PUCCH resource usage efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mapping basis from CCE index to RB index, which fundamentally alters the distribution pattern of HARQ indices across PUCCH resources. Since the number of scheduled UEs is much smaller than the maximum number of CCEs, the CCE-based mapping results in sparse utilization. The RB-based mapping better matches the actual number of scheduled UEs, thereby improving PUCCH resource usage efficiency while maintaining unique determination of HARQ feedback positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method used in a BS for scheduling a UE, and an associated BS is disclosed. The method includes: allocating one or more DL Resource Blocks (RBs) for transmitting DownLink (DL) data to the UE (S910); determining an UpLink (UL) control channel position for the UE transmitting a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback of the DL data, based on the allocated one or more DL RBs (S920); and transmitting the DL data to the UE by using the allocated one or more DL RBs (S930). Said method also related to a method used in a UE for transmitting a HARQ feedback, and an associated UE.