Network Node Resource Allocation for Synchronization Reference Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-based D2D and V2X communications, existing solutions face challenges when a user equipment (UE) changes its synchronization reference, leading to potential service delays and resource wastage due to the need to suspend ongoing transmissions or reserve resources for both synchronization references.

Innovation Solution

A method where a network node grants and reserves resources identified by relative resource identifiers mapped to different synchronization references, allowing the UE to continue using granted resources without suspending transmissions, and dynamically adjusts resource configurations based on synchronization reference changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network node reserves resources for both synchronization references, then the UE can maintain continuous transmissions, but the resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to resource wastage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous transmissionVSAvoidresource wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network node receives synchronization reference information from the UE and dynamically adjusts the resource allocation accordingly. When the UE switches between synchronization references (e.g., from eNB to GNSS), the network node updates the resource grant to match the new reference, ensuring continuous transmission without reserving resources for both references simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the resource allocation parameters based on the synchronization reference being used. The network node monitors the synchronization reference information reported by the UE and modifies the resource grant parameters (time resources, frequency resources) to align with the current synchronization reference, thereby avoiding resource conflicts and wastage while maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the UE requests new resources after changing synchronization reference, then the resource allocation matches the new reference, but service delays occur due to suspension of ongoing transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource alignmentVSAvoidservice delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the network node proactively update the resource allocation before the UE needs to switch synchronization references. The network node receives the synchronization reference information from the UE in advance and prepares the new resource grant, then sends it to the UE before the current resources are exhausted, ensuring seamless transition without suspension or delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining resource allocation throughout the synchronization reference change process. The network node configures resources that are valid for both the old and new synchronization references during the transition period, or updates the resource grant in such a way that the UE can continuously transmit without interruption, preserving the continuity of the communication service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If the network node sends frequent resource grants to adapt to synchronization changes, then the resource allocation remains accurate, but the signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE reports its current synchronization reference information to the network node. Based on this feedback, the network node determines whether a resource allocation update is necessary. This selective update approach based on actual synchronization changes reduces unnecessary signaling while maintaining accurate resource allocation, as the network node only sends new resource grants when the UE's synchronization reference has changed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11039410B2Resource allocation methods and nodes with self-adapting to different synchronizations
Publication Date: 2021.06.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US11039410B2 patent drawing
  • US11039410B2 patent drawing
  • US11039410B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of operating a network node grants a first resource for UE transmissions and identified by a time identifier mapped to a first synchronization reference and by a frequency identifier. The time and frequency identifiers are identified by a relative resource identifier. A second resource is reserved for transmissions by the UE, and is identified by the time identifier mapped to a second synchronization reference and by the frequency identifier. The first and second synchronization references can be used by a UE for transmissions synchronization. The relative resource identifier is sent to the UE for use in controlling transmissions. Responsive to information reported by the UE indicating the UE is using the second synchronization reference for transmissions synchronization, a new relative resource identifier is sent that identifies a time identifier mapped to the second synchronization reference that corresponds to a location of the second resource and identifies the frequency.