Sidelink Carrier Aggregation Buffer Status Reporting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in supporting the coexistence of different resource allocation modes for aggregated multiple sidelink carriers in NR sidelink communication, and in coordinating or prioritizing transmissions between carriers with different resource allocation modes.

Innovation Solution

A radio terminal and a radio access network node configuration that allows for the use of a first sidelink carrier with resource allocation mode 1, where resources are allocated by the network, and a second sidelink carrier with resource allocation mode 2, where resources are autonomously selected by the terminal. The terminal generates buffer status reports and traffic pattern information considering the transmission status on the second sidelink carrier and transmits this information to the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple sidelink carriers with different resource allocation modes are aggregated, then resource allocation flexibility and transmission efficiency are improved, but resource management complexity and coordination difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidresource management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sidelink resource management into two independent parts: mode 1 resources managed by network allocation and mode 2 resources managed by autonomous selection. This segmentation allows each mode to operate independently with its own resource pool, reducing the complexity of managing mixed modes while maintaining the benefits of carrier aggregation for transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coordination mechanism where the terminal reports buffer status and traffic pattern information to the network, and the network provides mode 1 resource allocations. This intermediary coordination allows seamless integration of mode 1 and mode 2 carriers without requiring complex terminal-side resource management, thus improving transmission efficiency while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If network-managed resource allocation (mode 1) is used, then resource allocation control and reliability are improved, but resource allocation flexibility and terminal autonomy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation controlVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines network-managed mode 1 carriers with autonomous mode 2 carriers in a single sidelink aggregation configuration. This merging allows the system to leverage both the reliability of network-controlled allocation and the flexibility of autonomous selection, achieving a balance where each mode complements the other rather than competing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different resource allocation qualities to different carriers: mode 1 carriers receive high-control network management for reliable transmissions, while mode 2 carriers use autonomous selection for flexible adaptations. This local differentiation of allocation quality allows each carrier to operate optimally for its specific requirements while contributing to overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If autonomous resource selection (mode 2) is used, then resource allocation flexibility and terminal autonomy are improved, but resource allocation control and coordination with network deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidresource allocation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary network configuration where the network provides mode 2 resource pool configurations and parameters before autonomous selection begins. This preliminary action ensures that autonomous mode 2 operations remain within network-defined boundaries, maintaining coordination and control while preserving the flexibility benefits of autonomous selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes feedback loops where terminals report buffer status, traffic patterns, and resource usage information to the network. This feedback enables the network to monitor and adjust mode 2 autonomous selections, ensuring coordination and reliability while maintaining the flexibility of autonomous operation. The network can intervene when necessary based on received feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250175850A1Radio terminal, radio access network node, and methods therefor

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 NEC CORP

AI summary

A radio terminal (1A) generates a buffer status report or traffic pattern information, considering a transmission status of transmission on the second sidelink carrier. The radio terminal (1A) transmits the generated buffer status report or traffic pattern information to a radio access network node (2). This helps, for example, to avoid the radio terminal receiving an excessive amount of grant in excess of what is actually needed for transmission on a first sidelink carrier in the case of aggregating the first sidelink carrier to which a first resource allocation mode is applied, in which resources are allocated by a radio access network node, with the second sidelink carrier to which a second resource allocation mode is applied, in which the radio terminal autonomously selects resources.