Resource Allocation via Local Coordinator Indication in Relay Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communications systems, particularly in scenarios involving relay nodes with L2 and L3 relay functions, there is a pressing need to effectively allocate resources to ensure efficient utilization, especially when managing multiple terminal devices in a local area, as existing methods struggle to optimize resource allocation in such complex network environments.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for resource allocation in communications systems, where a first node, acting as a local coordinator, sends indication information to a radio access network device to manage terminal devices, and the radio access network device allocates resources based on the indication information, including channel sensing results and terminal device requirements, to optimize resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a local coordinator node is deployed to manage multiple terminal devices in a local area, then resource utilization can be optimized, but the complexity of resource allocation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a local coordinator node as an intermediary between terminal devices and the network. This coordinator receives resource allocation requests from multiple terminal devices, manages local resource distribution, and communicates with the network side, thereby simplifying the overall resource allocation complexity while improving resource utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the resource allocation function by separating it into network-side resource pool management and local coordinator-based distribution. The network maintains a resource pool while the local coordinator handles actual allocation to terminal devices, dividing the complex allocation task into manageable segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If dynamic resource allocation is implemented for local coordinators, then resource utilization improves, but the signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial dynamic allocation where the network side maintains a pre-configured resource pool and only performs partial dynamic adjustments based on actual needs. The local coordinator manages resources within this pool with limited dynamic signaling, reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining improved resource utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The network side performs preliminary resource pool configuration and allocation decisions before local coordination takes place. This preliminary action reduces the need for continuous detailed signaling during actual resource usage, as the local coordinator operates within pre-established parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3883281B1Method for allocating resources and communication apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3883281B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3883281B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3883281B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application provides a resource allocation method and a communications apparatus. The method includes: A first node sends, to a radio access network device, first indication information used to indicate that the first node is a node responsible for terminal device management. The radio access network device allocates a first resource to the first node based on terminal devices that the first node is responsible for managing, and sends first resource information to indicate the first resource. In other words, the first node sends, to the radio access network device, the first indication information used to indicate that the first node is the node responsible for terminal device management, so that the radio access network device allocates different first resources based on different terminal devices that the first node is responsible for managing. In this way, the first resource can be allocated to the first node more properly, so that resource utilization is improved.