Radio Access Network Control Information Transmission Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radio-access networks, especially in LTE systems, it is challenging to transmit control information from a network node to an intermediate node without interfering with user equipment transmissions, and to efficiently use time-frequency resources within a subframe, while ensuring timely decoding of data payload at the intermediate node.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting control information in a time-frequency region after the control region in a subframe, with time-critical information sent earlier and less time-critical information sent later, allowing the intermediate node to receive and decode control information without interfering with user equipment transmissions and optimizing resource use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control information is transmitted in the control region at the beginning of the subframe, then user equipment can receive control signalling timely, but intermediate nodes cannot receive control information without interfering with their transmissions to user equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The subframe is segmented into different time-frequency regions: a control region at the beginning for user equipment control signalling, and a data region for transmitting control information to intermediate nodes. This spatial segmentation in the time-frequency domain allows different types of control information to be transmitted simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves control information transmission for intermediate nodes from the time domain (control region at subframe beginning) to the frequency domain (data region within the same subframe). By utilizing the frequency dimension and allocating specific resource blocks, the system can transmit control information to intermediate nodes without interfering with their uplink transmissions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If control information is transmitted after the control region in the data region, then intermediate nodes can receive control information without interference, but time-critical information may experience increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the data region are allocated with different qualities for control information transmission. Time-critical control information is transmitted in resource blocks closer to the control region boundary, while less time-critical information uses resource blocks further in the data region. This local differentiation optimizes latency for different types of control information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary allocation of resource blocks for control information transmission before the actual data transmission begins. By pre-designating specific resource blocks in the data region for control information and notifying intermediate nodes of their locations, the system minimizes decoding latency when control information is received.
3Reliability
If separate channels are created for control information to intermediate nodes, then transmission reliability improves, but device complexity and resource overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges control information transmission for intermediate nodes with the existing data region structure. Instead of creating a separate physical channel, control information is multiplexed into the data region using the same resource block allocation mechanisms already present in the system. This approach maintains reliability while avoiding the complexity of additional channel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The data region is given multi-functionality: it serves both as the primary data transmission channel and as a vehicle for control information to intermediate nodes. By making the data region universal, the system eliminates the need for dedicated control channels while maintaining reliable control information transmission through proper resource block allocation and signaling.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and arrangement for transmitting and receiving control information in a radio-access network. A network node transmits first control information in a first part and second control information in a second part of a time-frequency region that is transmitted after a control region in a subframe. The second part is located later in the subframe than the first part. The second control information may be less time-critical than the first control information. An intermediate node receives and decodes the first control information at the end of the first part. When the first control information indicates that the subframe comprises data payload to the intermediate node, the intermediate node receives and decodes the data payload. The intermediate node receives second control information at the end of the second part.