HARQ Timer Control for NTN Throughput and Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial networks (NTN), the introduction of a HARQ feedback disabling mechanism necessitates further study to improve system throughput.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that determines, based on received information, whether to start a HARQ timer after data transmission, allowing the terminal device to enter a low power consumption state or continue monitoring the downlink control channel to enhance system throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal device starts a HARQ timer after data transmission to ensure reliable reception, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous monitoring of the downlink control channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the HARQ timer start behavior based on the HARQ feedback state. When HARQ feedback is disabled, the terminal device determines not to start the HARQ timer, transitioning from a continuous monitoring state to a low-power state. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the monitoring behavior adaptive to the actual feedback requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the HARQ timer (from started to not started) based on the HARQ feedback configuration. This parameter change allows the terminal device to switch between high-reliability monitoring mode and low-power saving mode, effectively resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the terminal device does not start a HARQ timer to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but system throughput decreases due to missed downlink control channel monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the HARQ timer start parameter based on the HARQ feedback state. When HARQ feedback is enabled, the timer is started to maintain high system throughput through continuous monitoring. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by aligning monitoring behavior with actual feedback requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic monitoring behavior that adapts to the HARQ feedback configuration. The terminal device transitions between monitoring and non-monitoring states based on whether HARQ feedback is enabled or disabled, thereby optimizing system throughput while reducing unnecessary power consumption.
3Productivity
If the terminal device continuously monitors the downlink control channel, then system throughput is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic monitoring behavior that adapts to the HARQ feedback configuration. When HARQ feedback is disabled, the terminal device determines not to start the HARQ timer and stops monitoring the downlink control channel, reducing power consumption. When HARQ feedback is enabled, monitoring continues to maintain system throughput. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making monitoring behavior conditional on actual feedback requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: A first apparatus determines, based on first information from a second apparatus and whether to perform HARQ feedback in a first HARQ process, to start or not to start a first timer after sending or receiving data of the first HARQ process. When the first timer is started, the first apparatus is in a low power consumption state. According to the method, the first apparatus may determine, based on the first information from the second apparatus, whether to start the first timer, so as to determine whether the first apparatus needs to be in the low power consumption state, reducing power consumption of the first apparatus. In addition, when determining not to start the first timer, the first apparatus may continue to monitor a downlink control channel of the first HARQ process, so that a system throughput can be improved.