MAC Layer Scheduling for Ultra-Low Latency 5G mmW Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly 5G networks operating at millimeter-wavelength frequencies, face challenges in achieving efficient data transmission and low latency due to complex antenna configurations and high overhead in control messaging, which limits bandwidth efficiency and increases latency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a time-division-duplexed (TDD) radio interface with a medium access control (MAC) processor that schedules transmissions using a plurality of time-domain symbols, allowing for flexible resource allocation and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, enabling efficient data transmission and reduced latency by optimizing antenna array configurations and beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple antennas are used in arrays with advanced signal processing techniques, then system capacity, coverage, and per-user data rate are improved, but device complexity and control messaging overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple panels, where each panel can be independently controlled and configured. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity by dividing the large-scale antenna array into manageable units, while still achieving high system capacity through coordinated multi-panel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming and resource allocation across the antenna arrays, allowing the system to adaptively adjust beam directions, widths, and power distribution based on real-time channel conditions and traffic demands, thereby optimizing system capacity without requiring static complex configurations.
2Reliability
If directional antennas are used to shape beams, then received signal strength is improved, but control messaging overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary beam alignment and channel estimation using pre-configured reference signals and synchronization sequences transmitted through the antenna arrays. This preliminary action establishes initial beam directions and channel state information before actual data transmission, reducing the need for continuous control messaging during data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receivers report channel quality indicators and beam measurement results back to transmitters, enabling adaptive beam refinement. This feedback-driven approach allows the system to maintain optimal signal strength with minimal control overhead by only exchanging essential update information rather than continuous control messages.
3Productivity
If flexible resource allocation is implemented in TDD systems, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter-based resource allocation where pre-defined resource allocation parameters (such as time offset, frequency offset, and resource block indices) are configured and exchanged between transmitter and receiver. This parameter change approach enables flexible resource allocation across different TDD configurations without requiring complex real-time scheduling decisions, thereby improving bandwidth efficiency while controlling scheduling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary communication apparatus comprising a MAC-layer processor configured to receive data for a downlink transmission to a first device; transmit a grant comprising resource allocations for the device to receive the data and to transmit a reception status for the data; and transmit the first grant and at least part of the data in a symbol. The grant can also be frequency-multiplexed with another grant to another device in the symbol, which can also be spatially multiplexed in streams directed to the respective devices. Other embodiments include determining a resource allocation for a device that encompasses resources previously allocated to at least one other device but comprises an indicator that such resource is unavailable to the device. Exemplary methods and computer-readable media can also be provided embodying one or more procedures the apparatus is configured to perform.