Resource Block Mapping to Network Slices via Aggregate SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless networks, the efficient allocation of resource blocks to network slices is challenging, particularly for mission-critical traffic, as low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) lead to increased retransmissions and resource consumption, affecting network performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The RAN node determines aggregate SNRs for resource blocks and maps them to network slices based on index values corresponding to the type of network traffic, prioritizing high SNR blocks for mission-critical traffic to reduce retransmissions and conserve network resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resource blocks are allocated to network slices without considering SNR, then network slice deployment is simplified, but retransmissions increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SNR as a new parameter for resource block characterization and uses it to stratify resource blocks into different quality levels. By changing the allocation approach from uniform distribution to SNR-based stratification, the system achieves more reliable mission-critical communications while maintaining manageable complexity through automated threshold-based classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating resource blocks based on their individual SNR characteristics. Instead of treating all resource blocks uniformly, the system identifies and allocates high-SNR blocks specifically for mission-critical traffic, while assigning lower-SNR blocks to other traffic types, thereby optimizing reliability where it matters most.
2Productivity
If low SNR resource blocks are allocated to network slices, then resource utilization increases, but retransmissions increase and network resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of resource blocks by measuring and categorizing their SNR values before allocation occurs. By pre-stratifying resource blocks into different SNR-based groups and establishing allocation policies in advance, the system prevents inefficient retransmissions from occurring in the first place, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining high resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of low-SNR resource blocks into a beneficial differentiation mechanism. Instead of uniformly allocating all resource blocks and suffering from retransmissions, the system uses SNR measurements to identify which blocks are suitable for mission-critical traffic and which are not, thereby transforming raw SNR data into an effective allocation guide that reduces retransmission energy waste.
3Reliability
If resource blocks are mapped to network slices based on traffic type, then mission-critical traffic reliability improves, but mapping complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource blocks into distinct groups based on SNR thresholds, creating clear categories (e.g., high-SNR blocks for mission-critical traffic, low-SNR blocks for other traffic). This segmentation transforms the complex task of intelligent allocation into a simpler multi-stage process: measure SNR, classify blocks into segments, and apply predetermined mapping rules, thereby reducing mapping logic complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A RAN node may determine an aggregate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of each resource block of a plurality of resource blocks, where the aggregate SNR of a given resource block of the plurality of resource blocks is based on SNRs of subcarrier frequencies of the given resource block. The RAN node may determine, based on a type of network traffic on each network slice of a plurality of network slices, an index value of each network slice of the plurality of network slices. The RAN node may map, based on the aggregate SNR of each resource block, based on the index value of each network slice, and for each resource block of the plurality of resource blocks, a resource block of the plurality of resource blocks to a network slice of the plurality of network slices.