Dynamic Buffer Allocation for LTE Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE multi-carrier systems, the current buffer space allocation method leads to inefficient resource utilization due to a linear increase in concurrent HARQ processes, resulting in buffer waste and the inability to store subsequent HARQ processes when the number of wrong HARQ processes exceeds the buffer limit, limiting the system to only ARQ functionality.

Innovation Solution

The method dynamically allocates buffer space based on the number of aggregated carriers, allowing for flexible division of buffer resources according to the concurrent HARQ processes, using strategies such as equal division based on carrier quantity or bandwidth, to optimize buffer space utilization and support both FDD and TDD systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the buffer space is allocated according to the maximum number of HARQ processes supported by terminal equipment, then the buffer can store all possible HARQ processes, but the buffer space utilization rate decreases due to buffer waste when fewer carriers are aggregated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ process storage capabilityVSAvoidbuffer space utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the buffer space allocation adaptive rather than fixed. The buffer is dynamically divided into multiple buffer spaces based on the actual number of aggregated carriers, allowing the system to adjust buffer allocation in real-time according to carrier aggregation configuration, thereby optimizing utilization while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of buffer space allocation from a static maximum value to a dynamic value based on the number of aggregated carriers. By varying the buffer allocation parameter according to the actual carrier configuration, the system achieves both high reliability for HARQ process storage and efficient buffer utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of concurrent HARQ processes increases with the number of aggregated carriers, then more carriers can be supported, but the buffer becomes full and subsequent HARQ processes cannot be stored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier aggregation capabilityVSAvoidHARQ process storage completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the buffer into multiple buffer spaces, where each buffer space corresponds to a specific number of HARQ processes. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate varying numbers of concurrent HARQ processes across different carrier aggregation configurations, preventing buffer overflow while supporting adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer allocation is made dynamic by adjusting the number of buffer spaces and their sizes according to the actual number of aggregated carriers. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the buffer can always accommodate the current HARQ process requirements without overflowing, maintaining reliability while supporting carrier aggregation versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the buffer space is divided into fixed allocations for each carrier, then the allocation method is simple, but the buffer waste increases when not all carriers are aggregated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffer allocation simplicityVSAvoidbuffer space utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed buffer allocation to dynamic buffer allocation. The buffer is divided into multiple spaces that can be activated or deactivated based on the number of aggregated carriers, maintaining simplicity in the allocation method while significantly improving buffer space utilization efficiency by avoiding waste when fewer carriers are used

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2640123B1Buffer space allocation method and device
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 CHINA ACAD OF TELECOMM TECH
  • EP2640123B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2640123B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2640123B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9

AI summary

Disclosed are a buffer space allocation method and a device. The solution of the present invention enables the division of the buffer space in the buffer resource of a terminal equipment according to the currently configured carrier aggregation mode of the terminal equipment, so that the number of buffer spaces in the buffer can be adjusted according to the number of aggregated carriers, thereby improving the utilization rate of the buffer resource. The method is simple, easy to implement, and applicable to both FDD and TDD systems.