PRB Utilization Calculation for Dynamic MIMO Layer Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating physical resource block (PRB) utilization in wireless communications networks fail to account for dynamic changes in MIMO layers and PRB allocation, particularly in Massive MIMO deployments, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method for calculating PRB utilization that considers dynamic changes in MIMO layers and PRB allocation using a double summation over time and the number of UEs, incorporating formulas to determine total PRB usage based on the number of PRBs and MIMO layers scheduled for each UE at each sampling instance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing PRB utilization calculation methods are used, then calculation simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to failure to account for dynamic MIMO layers and PRB allocation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PRB utilization calculation into multiple discrete components: identifying individual PRBs allocated to each UE, determining the number of MIMO layers for each UE, and calculating the product of PRBs and layers for each user. This segmentation allows the system to account for dynamic changes in MIMO layers and PRB allocation while maintaining a structured calculation approach that can be implemented through systematic measurement and reporting mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic changes in MIMO layers and PRB allocation are accounted for, then measurement precision improves, but calculation complexity increases due to double summation over time and number of UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network node identify and record the number of PRBs allocated to each UE and the number of MIMO layers scheduled for each UE before performing the utilization calculation. This preliminary identification and recording of parameters allows the double summation calculation to proceed systematically using pre-collected data, reducing the complexity of real-time computation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network node receives information about PRB allocations and MIMO layer configurations from the system, and uses this feedback information to update the utilization calculation. The calculation results can further feed into network optimization decisions, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves resource allocation based on accurate measurements.
3Reliability
If existing PRB utilization formulas are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates in Massive MIMO deployments due to inability to capture multiple layered deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the PRB utilization calculation from a two-dimensional view (time and frequency resources) to a three-dimensional view by incorporating the MIMO layer dimension. The calculation now considers PRBs allocated to each UE, the number of MIMO layers for each UE, and aggregates these across multiple users and time samples. This dimensional extension ensures reliable measurement in Massive MIMO deployments where multiple layers are simultaneously active.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, network node, and computer program are provided for operating the network node in a communications network. For each of a number (N(T)) of respective samples over a period of time (T), a respective number (M11,j(T)) of physical resource blocks (PRBs) for a first communication device for the respective sample is determined. For each of the number (N(T)) of respective samples over T, a respective number (L1,j(T)) of multiple input multiple output, MIMO, layers scheduled for the first communication device for the respective sample is determined. A PRB usage value is determined for T based on the respective number (M11,j(T)) of PRBs for the first communication device for each of the number (N(T)) of respective samples over T and based on the respective number (L1,j(T)) of MIMO layers scheduled for the first communication device for each of the number (N(T)) of respective samples over the period of time (T).