Multi-Dimensional Radio Resource Allocation for WLAN Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack effective methods for radio resource allocation in wireless communications networks, particularly in random access technologies like Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) and multi-Radio Access Technology (RAT) networks, where shared radio resources lead to inefficiencies and interference, especially in noisy environments.

Innovation Solution

A method for allocating radio resources across multiple dimensions by defining traffic partitions and using credit-based algorithms to dynamically manage channel time and frequency spectrum, ensuring proportional fairness and bandwidth policing across multiple resource dimensions, including uplink and downlink traffic, MU-MIMO transmissions, and multiple Radio Frequency channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If radio resources are shared among multiple users in random access networks, then network capacity and resource utilization are improved, but interference and allocation inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments radio resources across multiple dimensions including channel time, frequency spectrum, spatial domains, and power levels. By dividing the shared radio resources into distinct segments along these dimensions, the system enables multiple users to access the network simultaneously while reducing interference through orthogonal or near-orthogonal resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends resource allocation from traditional single-dimension (time or frequency) to multi-dimensional allocation including channel time, frequency spectrum, spatial domains (via MIMO), and power levels. This dimensional expansion allows the system to accommodate more users and traffic flows while maintaining low interference through careful orchestration across dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If centralized control is used for radio resource allocation, then allocation efficiency and fairness are improved, but system complexity and control overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveallocation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized controller's functionality into distributed components at access points and user equipment. Each entity performs local resource allocation decisions based on received allocation parameters, while the central controller provides overall coordination and policy management. This segmentation reduces control complexity at any single point while maintaining allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hierarchical control structure that operates across multiple levels: central controller for policy and coordination, access points for local resource management, and user equipment for autonomous transmission decisions. This multi-level hierarchy distributes control complexity while maintaining efficient resource allocation through coordinated action across dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If dynamic resource allocation is implemented across multiple dimensions, then throughput and resource utilization are improved, but measurement and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidmeasurement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement and control functions into distinct modules for each resource dimension (channel time, frequency, spatial, power). Each module independently measures and controls its specific dimension, reporting to a central coordination point. This segmentation makes the complex multi-dimensional measurement task manageable by breaking it into smaller, specialized sub-tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where user equipment reports channel conditions, interference levels, and transmission success/failure across multiple dimensions. The access points and central controller use this feedback to dynamically adjust resource allocation parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing network conditions while managing measurement complexity through iterative refinement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3304989B1Systems and methods for radio resource allocation across multiple resource dimensions
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3304989B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3304989B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3304989B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for radio resource allocation across multiple resource dimensions are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of operation of a network node in a wireless communications network to allocate one or more radio resources to two or more traffic partitions includes obtaining radio resource allocation policies for the two or more traffic partitions; obtaining radio resource usage for the two or more traffic partitions across multiple resource dimensions; and allocating the radio resources to the two or more traffic partitions based on the radio resource usage of the two or more traffic partitions across the multiple resource dimensions and the radio resource allocation policies for the two or more traffic partitions. In this way, the radio resource allocation policies may be enforced across multiple resource dimensions of the wireless communications network.