Network Node Uplink Resource Management via Downlink Reference Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication networks face challenges in managing uplink resources efficiently, particularly in scenarios where wireless devices need to quickly switch between cells or beams, leading to delays in uplink scheduling, especially in next-generation 5G networks with stringent delay requirements.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves dynamically providing resource information associated with uplink resources based on downlink reference signals, allowing wireless devices to select and request uplink resources without the need for a conventional connected state, enabling faster scheduling and supporting different resource characteristics per beam and cell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a conventional connected state is required before uplink resource request, then resource allocation can be managed systematically, but scheduling latency increases due to connection establishment time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink scheduling latencyVSAvoidconnection management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network node pre-configures multiple uplink resources with different characteristics (e.g., different beams, powers, paths) and associates them with downlink reference signals before the wireless device needs to request resources. This preliminary configuration allows the device to immediately select and request resources without going through connection establishment procedures, thereby reducing scheduling latency while maintaining systematic resource management through pre-planned resource characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless device is empowered to autonomously select appropriate uplink resources from the pre-configured set based on current channel conditions and requirements, without needing explicit connection management commands from the network. The device self-determines which resource to request by evaluating associations with downlink reference signals, thereby eliminating connection establishment overhead while the network maintains overall resource coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple uplink resources with different characteristics are provided per beam and cell, then resource allocation flexibility improves, but resource management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Uplink resources are segmented into multiple distinct types, each with specific characteristics (different beams, power levels, transmission paths) and associated with specific downlink reference signals. This segmentation allows the network to provide diverse resource options for different transmission scenarios while maintaining clear organization through the association mechanism, enabling flexible allocation without overwhelming complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different uplink resources are tailored with specific local characteristics suited for particular beams, cells, or transmission conditions. Each resource is optimized for its specific context (e.g., certain beams for long-range, certain paths for high-interference scenarios), allowing the system to adapt to local conditions while the association with downlink reference signals provides a systematic framework for managing this diversity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If wireless devices can request uplink resources without initial connection establishment, then scheduling speed increases, but resource allocation control may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling speedVSAvoidresource allocation control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary configuration of uplink resources with well-defined characteristics and associations before the wireless device needs to request them. This pre-planning ensures that when the device autonomously selects and requests resources, it does so from a pre-approved set with known properties, maintaining network control and reliability while enabling fast scheduling without connection establishment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains feedback mechanisms where the network node monitors resource usage and can update or reconfigure the pre-configured uplink resources based on observed conditions. This feedback loop ensures that even though devices can request resources autonomously, the network maintains control by continuously validating and adjusting resource allocations based on system state, thereby preserving reliability while enabling fast scheduling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3314948B1Network node, wireless device and methods therein for managing uplink resources
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3314948B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3314948B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3314948B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A first network node (110; 111; 112; 130), a wireless device (120) and methods thereof, for managing one or more uplink resources between the wireless device (120) and a wireless communication network (100) are provided. The first network node (110; 11; 112; 130)compiles(204; 401) resource information about uplink resources available for the wireless device (120) to select and request for uplink scheduling. Said resource information associates each one of multiple such uplink resources with one or more downlink reference signals. The first network node (110; 111; 112; 130) sends(205; 402) the compiled resource information to the wireless device (120). The wireless device (120)10 is thereby enabled to select, based on the resource information and said one or more downlink reference signals, at least one of said uplink resources to request for uplink scheduling.