Enhanced Control Information for NTN HARQ Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-terrestrial network (NTN) approaches using time division duplexing (TDD) struggle to accommodate the time resource allocation for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback when the HARQ process number exceeds 16, as the existing control information fields are insufficient to support the required time resource allocation for HARQ-ACK feedback.
Innovation Solution
The enhancement of control information fields by introducing an extended bit field for the 'PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timing indicator' and 'time domain resource allocation' to support a larger range of HARQ process numbers, allowing for flexible time domain resource allocation and scheduling, particularly in 5G new radio (NR) systems, enabling efficient communication in NTN scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing control information fields are used for TDD in NTN, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility, but it cannot accommodate time resource allocation for HARQ feedback when HARQ process number exceeds 16
Solution Approach 1:
The control information field is segmented into multiple parts: a first bit field for indicating the first time resource allocation and a second bit field for indicating the second time resource allocation. This segmentation allows the system to independently configure different time resource allocations for different HARQ feedback scenarios, thereby supporting a larger number of HARQ processes while maintaining manageable complexity through modular field design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension to the control information structure by adding a second time resource allocation indicator alongside the first. This dimensional expansion enables the system to distinguish between different types of time resource allocations (e.g., for different HARQ feedback timings or different uplink/downlink configurations), effectively increasing the information capacity without fundamentally redesigning the entire control structure.
2Reliability
If the number of HARQ processes is increased to improve communication reliability, then feedback coverage is enhanced, but time resource allocation becomes insufficient with existing control fields
Solution Approach 1:
The network node pre-configures multiple time resource allocation values in the control information fields before HARQ feedback transmission is needed. By having these time resource allocations prepared in advance and explicitly indicated in the control information, the system ensures that sufficient timing information is available to accommodate a large number of HARQ processes, preventing information loss and ensuring reliable feedback delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing time domain resource allocation is used, then the system maintains backward compatibility, but it cannot provide flexible scheduling for large HARQ process numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The control information structure is made dynamic by introducing configurable bit fields that can be adapted based on the specific HARQ process number and timing requirements. The network node can dynamically adjust the values indicated in the time resource allocation fields to match the actual scheduling needs, providing flexibility for large HARQ process numbers while maintaining ease of operation through standardized field formats that work across different scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
This patent document describes, among other things, techniques, and apparatuses for providing non-terrestrial network connectivity to improve wireless network efficiency and performance. In one aspect, a method of wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a wireless device from a network node, an enhanced control information, wherein the enhanced control information includes one or more bit fields indicative of a timing information. The method further includes performing subsequent communication between the wireless device and the network node based on the enhanced control information.