Master Scheduler for Multi-Carrier Forward Link Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in scheduling transmissions, particularly in packet-switched systems where VoIP and other delay-sensitive applications struggle with equal delay allocation, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and reduced system capacity.
Innovation Solution
A forward link scheduler is implemented with a master scheduler and packet builder, using a processor to select packets based on a highest packet metric across multiple carriers, prioritizing expedited forwarding flows and varying delay allocation based on load and coverage to optimize resource use and increase system capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If equal delay allocation is used for all users in packet-switched systems, then simplicity of scheduling is maintained, but system capacity and resource utilization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic delay allocation where the scheduler adjusts delay parameters adaptively based on current system conditions, user priorities, and traffic patterns. The master scheduler dynamically determines non-equal delay allocations for different users and carriers, transforming the static equal-delay approach into a dynamic system that optimizes capacity while managing complexity through adaptive control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delay parameter from a fixed equal value to variable non-equal values based on user priority, traffic type, and carrier conditions. By modifying the delay parameter dynamically across different users and carriers, the system achieves higher capacity utilization while the hierarchical scheduler structure manages the resulting complexity
2Productivity
If non-equal delay allocation is implemented to optimize resource utilization, then system capacity increases, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scheduling function into hierarchical layers: a master scheduler that makes high-level decisions about carrier selection and overall resource allocation, and individual packet builders for each carrier that handle specific packet construction. This segmentation distributes the complexity of non-equal delay allocation across multiple simplified components rather than requiring one complex centralized scheduler
Solution Approach 2:
The master scheduler acts as an intermediary between the packet sources and the individual carrier packet builders. It receives packet candidates from multiple carriers, applies the non-equal delay allocation logic, and selects which packets to forward to which carriers. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex decision-making while keeping individual carrier operations simple
3Loss of time
If expedited forwarding flows are prioritized across all carriers, then delay-sensitive applications improve, but throughput of other flows deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different delay allocation strategies locally to different carriers and different flow types. Each carrier can have its own packet builder that handles specific traffic types with appropriate delay parameters. Expedited flows receive priority on carriers optimized for low latency, while other carriers maintain configurations optimized for throughput, allowing each local component to have quality characteristics matched to its intended traffic type
Solution Approach 2:
The master scheduler applies partial prioritization to expedited flows by selecting only the most critical packets for expedited handling while allowing other packets to follow normal scheduling. Rather than giving expedited flows excessive priority across all carriers, the system applies selective prioritization that achieves sufficient delay performance for time-sensitive applications while preserving throughput for other flows through balanced allocation
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments disclosed here relate to scheduling packet transmission in a multi-carrier communication system. In an embodiment, a master scheduler having at least one processor and at least one memory operably connected to the at least one processor is adapted to execute instructions stored in the at least one memory, the instructions comprising selecting a packet with a highest packet metric from among candidate packets from one carrier of a plurality of carriers, whereby expedited forwarding flows do not have a higher metric on another carrier.