Network Element Supergroup Resource Allocation via Talkgroup Capability Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dynamic nature of communication supergroups, comprising talkgroups with disparate communication resource capabilities, complicates efficient resource allocation, leading to significant network resource consumption during supergroup communications.
Innovation Solution
A network element, such as a communication network zone controller, identifies talkgroups within a supergroup and determines their resource capabilities to allocate either FDMA or TDMA communication resources, using a count mechanism to dynamically adjust resource allocation based on the presence of FDMA-only talkgroups, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication resources are allocated to support all talkgroups in a supergroup, then all users can participate in supergroup communications, but network resource consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts communication resource allocation based on the composition of talkgroups in the supergroup. When FDMA-only talkgroups are present, the system allocates FDMA resources; when only TDMA-capable talkgroups remain, TDMA resources are allocated. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making resource allocation flexible rather than static, allowing the system to maintain supergroup formation capability while minimizing network resource consumption at each moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication resource parameters (FDMA vs. TDMA) based on the capabilities of talkgroups in the supergroup. By monitoring whether any talkgroup is FDMA-only and adjusting the resource allocation parameter accordingly, the system enables versatile supergroup formation while optimizing resource usage to prevent excessive network resource consumption.
2Reliability
If FDMA resources are allocated to support FDMA-only talkgroups, then all users can decode audio, but TDMA communication resources cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between FDMA and TDMA resource allocation based on the presence of FDMA-only talkgroups. When such talkgroups are detected, FDMA resources are allocated to ensure reliable audio decoding for all users. When no FDMA-only talkgroups remain, the system transitions to TDMA resources to improve productivity and resource utilization efficiency. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting resource allocation to current supergroup composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication resource parameter is changed from FDMA to TDMA (or vice versa) based on the capabilities of talkgroups in the supergroup. This parameter change ensures that when FDMA-only talkgroups are present, reliable audio decoding is maintained for all users, while when they are absent, TDMA resources can be utilized to improve overall system productivity and resource efficiency.
3Productivity
If the system tracks talkgroup constituency changes in real-time, then resource allocation can be optimized, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing supergroup establishment and modification signaling processes to self-determine talkgroup composition. Rather than requiring separate tracking mechanisms, the system leverages the natural signaling that occurs when talkgroups are added or removed from supergroups. This approach improves resource allocation efficiency while minimizing additional processing time, as the tracking information is obtained as a byproduct of normal system operation.
4Speed
If a count mechanism is used to track FDMA-only talkgroups, then resource allocation decisions can be made quickly, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The count mechanism is maintained and updated automatically by the existing system components that process supergroup establishment and modification requests. When a talkgroup is added or removed, the same logic that determines resource allocation also updates the count of FDMA-only talkgroups. This self-service approach enables quick resource allocation decisions through simple count comparison while avoiding additional system complexity, as the tracking is integrated into existing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A network element (300) can facilitate allocating first and second communication resources (such as, but not limited to, FDMA and TDMA communication resources) in support of supergroup communications. By one approach this comprises identifying (101) communication talkgroups as are to comprise a part of the communication supergroup and then determining (102) whether any of the communication talkgroups comprise first resource-only talkgroups. When any one of the communication talkgroups comprises a first resource-only talkgroup, the network element allocates (103) communication resources to support the communication supergroup wherein the communication resources do not comprise second resource communication resources (for example, the network element allocates first resource communication resources). On the other hand, when none of the communication talkgroups comprises a first resource-only talkgroup, the network element allocates (104) communication resources to support the communication supergroup wherein the communication resources comprise second resource communication resources.