Relay Buffer-Aware Scheduling for Out-of-Coverage Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently scheduling communication resources for devices with indirect network connections, particularly in scenarios involving relay communication devices with limited buffer memory, leading to potential buffer overflows and data loss.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for scheduling communication resources that considers buffer capacity information from directly and indirectly connected devices, allowing for optimal resource allocation and preventing buffer overflows by adjusting parent relay communication devices and managing buffer capacities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication resources are allocated to relay communication devices without considering buffer capacity, then resource allocation simplicity is maintained, but buffer overflow and data loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where relay communication devices report their buffer capacity information to the access device. The access device uses this feedback to dynamically adjust resource allocation decisions, preventing buffer overflow while maintaining reliable data transmission. This resolves the contradiction by introducing information-based control rather than complex real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having relay communication devices proactively report their buffer capacity status before resource allocation occurs. The access device receives this advance information and pre-adjusts resource allocation to prevent buffer overflow, eliminating the need for complex real-time intervention mechanisms.
2Reliability
If buffer capacity monitoring is implemented for all relay devices, then data loss is prevented, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the buffer capacity reporting mechanism universal by integrating it into the existing uplink communication framework. Relay devices report buffer status using the same signaling channels already allocated for normal data transmission, eliminating the need for dedicated monitoring channels and reducing additional signaling overhead.
3Productivity
If resource allocation is optimized for each device type, then resource usage efficiency is improved, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring resource allocation parameters to specific device characteristics. Different relay device types (e.g., IoT devices vs. mobile phones) receive customized buffer capacity thresholds and reporting frequencies based on their specific capabilities and requirements, optimizing resource usage without requiring a completely complex scheduling framework.
Data Source
AI summary
Enhanced scheduling in wireless networks with relay function In cellular or other wireless networks, relay terminal devices can be introduced to support an indirect network connection for remote terminal devices in out-of-coverage (OoC) areas to thereby improve network coverage. Such relay terminal devices buffer upstream and downstream data from/to other terminal devices that are indirectly connected. However, a relay terminal device may have a limited memory allocation for buffering. This limitation has a high impact on the optimal resource scheduling performed by network access devices. It is therefore proposed to have relay terminal devices report information about their available or maximum buffer capacity to their respective network access devices to enable optimal resource scheduling by the access devices.