NR Uu Broadcast and Groupcast Scheduling for Unicast Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LTE and NR technologies lack efficient scheduling mechanisms for broadcast and groupcast communications, particularly in NR Uu interface, which are crucial for V2X, public safety, and IoT applications, due to higher reliability and lower latency requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implement group-based, UE-specific, and sub-group based scheduling schemes, including group common DCI, dedicated DCIs, and semi-persistent scheduling, with enhancements such as new RNTIs, BWP, CORESET, and search space configurations, to support broadcast and groupcast transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If LTE MBSFN is used for broadcast/multicast services, then coverage area is extended, but MIMO scheme is not supported and transmission reliability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broadcast/multicast service into two distinct modes: MBSFN mode for large-area coverage and SC-PTM mode for single-cell or small-area services. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently, with SC-PTM supporting MIMO for higher reliability in its coverage scope, while MBSFN maintains its advantage in extensive coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic scheduling mechanisms for SC-PTM transmissions, allowing the network to adaptively allocate resources and switch between transmission modes based on service requirements. The DCI-based dynamic scheduling enables flexible adjustment of transmission parameters to optimize both coverage and reliability for different service scenarios.
2Reliability
If SC-PTM is used for single-cell MBMS services, then transmission reliability is improved with MIMO support, but service coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent clearly segments service scenarios by coverage area: MBSFN is designated for large-area services while SC-PTM is designated for single-cell or small-area services. This segmentation ensures that SC-PTM can leverage MIMO for high reliability in its applicable scope without attempting to extend coverage beyond its optimal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key transmission parameters including introducing MIMO schemes, HARQ feedback, and CSI reports for SC-PTM, transforming it from a basic single-cell transmission mode into a high-reliability transmission mode suitable for services requiring strong error correction and channel adaptation capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic scheduling with DCI is used for SC-PTM, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases due to blind decoding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring BWPs, CORESETs, and search spaces for SC-PTM reception before actual data transmission. UEs are provided with RRC configurations that define the time-frequency resources and parameters for monitoring SC-PTM DCIs, enabling them to focus blind decoding efforts on predetermined, limited search spaces rather than scanning the entire spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having UEs continuously monitor all possible DCI formats across the entire bandwidth, the patent inverts the approach by having the network configure specific, restricted search spaces and BWPs where SC-PTM DCIs will only appear. This inversion significantly reduces the blind decoding burden on UEs while maintaining full scheduling flexibility.
4Reliability
If dedicated cell is used for broadcast and groupcast, then service reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes cells universal by enabling them to dynamically serve multiple functions: unicast, broadcast, and groupcast services can all be provided from the same cell using SC-PTM. The network can flexibly allocate cell resources among different service types based on demand, allowing a single cell to function as both a unicast cell and a broadcast/groupcast cell as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation and switching capabilities that allow cells to transition between serving different service types. The network can dynamically decide whether to provide SC-PTM services in a cell, switch between different SC-PTM configurations, and adapt resource allocation in real-time based on service requirements and channel conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses may assist scheduling for broadcast and groupcast on new radio Uu interface. In an example, there may be broadcast and groupcast transmission scheduling mechanism with: group based scheduling, UE specific based scheduling, or sub-group based scheduling. In another example, there may be a serving cell configuration for broadcast and groupcast transmission with dedicated cell for broadcast and groupcast, or broadcast and groupcast cell which is shared with the cell for unicast. In another example, there may be downlink control related configuration for broadcast and groupcast transmission with details of the BWP configuration, the CORESET configuration, or the search space configuration.