Radio Access Network Resource Allocation Policy Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio access network (RAN) management systems lack efficient mechanisms for optimizing physical channel resource allocation and resizing in 3GPP communications networks, leading to suboptimal performance and increased time for changes in channel sizes, particularly for physical uplink control channels (PUCCH).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of application programming interfaces (APIs) between RAN nodes and controllers allows for dynamic adjustments to physical channel resource allocations based on policy indications, such as minimizing resource consumption, reducing fragmentation, and equalizing load, enabling immediate or scheduled changes to PUCCH sizes, and notifying user equipment (UE) accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dynamic adjustments to physical channel resource allocations are implemented based on policy indications, then resource utilization is improved and channel resizing time is minimized, but device complexity and system configuration complexity increase due to the need for new interfaces and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary entity that manages physical channel resource allocations between RAN nodes and user equipment. The controller receives policy indications from the management system and translates them into specific resource allocation decisions, thereby enabling dynamic adjustments without directly modifying the complexity of RAN node operations. This intermediary layer centralizes the complexity management while maintaining fast response capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical channel resource allocations are dynamically adjusted based on multiple policy indications, then resource utilization and load distribution are optimized, but the complexity of detecting and measuring system state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where RAN nodes report their resource allocation status and system state to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to make informed decisions about resource reallocations based on multiple policy indications. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt dynamically while managing the complexity of state monitoring through structured reporting and centralized processing.
3Speed
If immediate changes to PUCCH sizes are implemented, then responsiveness to traffic conditions is improved, but the reliability of maintaining consistent behavior within the cell may be compromised during transition periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary actions by having the controller prepare and coordinate resource allocation changes before they are implemented at the RAN nodes. The controller receives policy indications in advance, calculates the necessary adjustments, and coordinates the timing of changes across multiple nodes to ensure consistent behavior within the cell. This preliminary coordination maintains reliability even during rapid transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including an input configured to receive at least one notification from at least one radio access network node controller, the at least one notification caused to notify the apparatus of at least one physical channel assignment policy indication; an assigner configured to implement at least one physical channel assignment based on the at least one physical channel assignment policy indication; an output configured to generate and transmit at least one assignment notification to at least one user equipment associated with the apparatus, the assignment notification caused to notify the at least one user equipment of the at least one physical channel assignment.