Inconsistency-Free HARQ Resource Allocation for Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long roundtrip delays and limited resources in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) hinder the effectiveness of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes, leading to state inconsistency and inefficiencies in data transmission, particularly in satellite-based systems like LEO and GEO orbits.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that reserves physical layer resources exclusively for redundant transmission, allocates predetermined transmit blocks associated with downlink control information (DCI), and checks eligible HARQ process identifiers to split resources efficiently, thereby reducing the impact of long delays and improving reliability without relying on HARQ feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical layer resources are reserved exclusively for redundant transmission in NTN, then link robustness is enhanced and reliability is improved, but spectral efficiency is reduced due to dedicated resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where physical layer resources reserved for redundant transmission are adaptively shared based on the number of eligible HARQ processes. When HARQ processes are pending, resources are allocated for retransmission; when processes are complete, resources are released or reallocated, creating a dynamic balance between reliability and spectral efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of resource allocation based on HARQ process state. The number of eligible HARQ processes serves as a control parameter that determines how many resources are dedicated to redundant transmission versus available for new data, allowing optimization of the trade-off between reliability and spectral efficiency
2Loss of time
If physical layer resources are pre-allocated for redundant transmission, then the impact of long roundtrip delays is minimized, but device complexity increases due to resource management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-allocates physical layer resources for redundant transmission before they are needed. By reserving resources in advance based on predicted HARQ process requirements, the system minimizes the impact of long roundtrip delays without requiring complex real-time resource management during actual retransmission operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses downlink control information (DCI) to automatically determine the number of eligible HARQ processes and adjust resource allocation accordingly. This self-service mechanism reduces manual intervention and simplifies resource management complexity while maintaining efficient resource utilization
3Productivity
If the number of HARQ processes is increased to handle NTN delays, then data transmission coverage is improved, but resource allocation complexity and state inconsistency risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the state of HARQ processes and adjusts resource allocation based on this feedback. The downlink control information provides feedback about eligible HARQ processes, enabling dynamic adaptation that simplifies management complexity while maintaining comprehensive data transmission coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments resource allocation by HARQ process identifier, allowing independent management of each process while maintaining overall system coordination. This segmentation approach reduces state inconsistency risks by isolating process states and simplifies management complexity through modular resource allocation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for inconsistency free pipelined hybrid automatic repeat request scheme for non-terrestrial network channels. A method may include reserving or receiving reservation of physical layer resources exclusively for redundant transmission; allocating the physical layer resources and a predetermined number of transmit blocks, wherein the predetermined number of transmit blocks are associated with a downlink control information (DCI); checking a number of hybrid automatic repeat request process identifiers that are eligible for redundant transmission; and splitting the physical layer resources based on the number of hybrid automatic repeat request process identifiers that are eligible for redundant transmission.