Radio Access Network Scheduling With Real-Time L1 Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current L1 scheduling in radio access networks is static and fixed, failing to adapt to changing network conditions and resource availability, leading to inefficient resource utilization and potential system breakdowns, especially in environments requiring on-demand high-performance services.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically modifying L1 scheduling based on real-time network usage data, using AI/ML algorithms to simulate and adjust scheduling parameters according to environmental changes and hardware capabilities, enabling dynamic resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If static and fixed L1 scheduling is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates under changing network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static L1 scheduling system into a dynamic one by introducing runtime modification capabilities. The scheduler instructions are no longer fixed at compile time but can be adjusted during operation based on network conditions, hardware performance feedback, and workload characteristics. This allows the system to adapt scheduling parameters dynamically while maintaining a relatively simple base architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the scheduler monitors actual hardware performance, network conditions, and resource utilization metrics. This feedback is used to iteratively refine and modify scheduling instructions, enabling the system to learn from operational data and continuously optimize resource allocation without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If static scheduling parameters are used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to network conditionsVSAvoidscheduling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-defining multiple scheduling instruction sets with different parameters and characteristics. When network conditions change, the system can rapidly switch between pre-prepared instruction sets or combine them, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations that might compromise stability. This preparation in advance enables quick adaptation while maintaining systematic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves adaptability by modifying scheduling parameters such as time slot allocations, frequency resource distributions, and priority weights without changing the fundamental scheduling architecture. These parameter adjustments allow the system to respond to varying network conditions while preserving the stable core scheduling logic and maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If manual curation of L1 scheduling parameters is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but performance optimization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the scheduling system to self-optimize by automatically generating and adjusting scheduling instructions based on observed performance data and network conditions. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-tuning, reducing the need for manual parameter curation while achieving superior performance optimization through data-driven decisions and automated adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary simulation and training phases where scheduling strategies are pre-optimized using historical data and predictive models. This preliminary action allows the system to start with pre-tuned parameters that have already been optimized through offline analysis, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining high performance potential that can be further refined during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Speed

If fixed frame slot scheduling is used, then timing predictability is maintained, but response to on-demand services deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidscheduling latency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic time slot allocation where the duration, timing, and structure of frame slots can be adjusted based on real-time service demands. High-priority on-demand services can trigger immediate scheduling opportunities or compressed time slots, allowing the system to respond rapidly while maintaining predictable scheduling for standard services through the preserved frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260020011A1Method of scheduling data transmission in a radio access network, a controller and a computer program
Publication Date: 2026.01.15 VODAFONE GROUP SERVICES LTD
  • US20260020011A1 patent drawing
  • US20260020011A1 patent drawing
  • US20260020011A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of scheduling data transmission in a radio access network is provided. The radio access network comprises a scheduler configured to orchestrate communication of data between one or more base stations and a plurality of User Equipments, UEs, according to a set of instructions. The method comprises receiving real-time network usage data. The method further comprises dynamically modifying the set of instructions based on the network usage data. The method further comprises implementing the modified set of instructions so that the scheduler is configured to orchestrate communication of data between the one or more base stations and the plurality of UEs according to the modified set of instructions.