Multi-Point Signalling Path Selection for Time Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-point communication systems, flexible scheduling often disrupts time alignment mechanisms, particularly in 5G cellular systems with higher carrier frequencies, leading to difficulties in maintaining uniform coverage and accurate round trip delay measurements due to beamlike radio propagation and increased radio shadowing.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting a second signalling path for acknowledgement messages based on signalling path information associated with the received data item, allowing for reliable scheduling and time alignment by attaching path identity information to the acknowledgement message.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flexible scheduling is implemented in multi-point transmission systems, then resource utilization and scheduling efficiency are improved, but time alignment mechanisms are disrupted and round trip delay measurements are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces path information as an intermediary element that mediates between flexible scheduling requirements and time alignment needs. By attaching path information to data items and using it to select appropriate acknowledgement paths, the system enables flexible scheduling while maintaining the ability to measure round trip delays accurately through dedicated measurement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the acknowledgement signalling into different paths: measurement paths dedicated for round trip delay measurements and data paths for normal data transmission. This segmentation allows flexible scheduling on data paths while preserving time alignment mechanisms on dedicated measurement paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If acknowledgement messages travel over different data paths than the data they acknowledge, then flexible scheduling is enabled, but time alignment mechanisms are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection for acknowledgements based on the type of signalling required. The system can dynamically choose between using the same path as the data item for time-critical applications or different paths for flexible scheduling, making the acknowledgement mechanism adaptable to different operational requirements while maintaining time alignment when needed.
3Reliability
If multiple non-co-located transmit points are used, then uniform coverage is improved, but path management complexity and scheduling coordination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching path information to data items before transmission. This allows the receiving device to immediately determine the appropriate acknowledgement path without complex real-time decisions, simplifying path management in multi-point systems while maintaining reliable coverage through coordinated transmit points.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling acknowledgement signalling in a multi-point communication system comprises receiving (S10), in a wireless device, a data item over a first signalling path out of a plurality of possible signalling paths. Signalling path information associated with the received data item is obtained (S20). A transmission of an acknowledgement message for the data item is initiated (S40) to be performed over a second signalling path out of the plurality of possible signalling paths selected in dependence of the obtained signalling path information. Alternatively, or in combination, initiating of a transmission of an acknowledgement message comprising attaching of information of the identity of the second signalling path to the acknowledgement message. Methods, performed in a network node, assisting the wireless device are also disclosed. Devices for the methods are also presented.