SPS AN Resource Allocation for LTE Uplink Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, especially in LTE networks, semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) for uplink resources faces challenges in efficiently managing PUCCH resources, leading to potential unavailability and increased signaling overhead, particularly in scenarios like VoLTE where resource allocation must be flexible and minimize blocking probabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine and configure SPS AN resources by forming metrics based on the number of user equipments (UEs) for which resources are activated, not activated, and resources allocated during SPS activation, selecting optimal resources to minimize unavailability and maximize flexibility in sub-frame configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual resource allocation signaling is used for each UE, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but control channel bandwidth and signaling overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource allocation process into two parts: (1) pre-configuration of multiple candidate PUCCH resources for SPS AN, and (2) dynamic selection from these pre-configured resources. This segmentation allows the system to maintain flexibility in resource allocation while reducing the control channel bandwidth required for signaling, as the detailed resource parameters are pre-established rather than individually signaled for each allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring a set of candidate PUCCH resources for SPS AN before actual resource allocation occurs. The eNB configures multiple candidate resources with different metrics (such as number of sub-frames, number of UEs) in advance, so that when resource allocation is needed, the system can quickly select from these pre-prepared options without requiring extensive real-time signaling.
2Reliability
If more PUCCH resources are allocated for SPS AN, then resource availability is improved, but the total number of resources set aside increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing multiple metrics to evaluate and select PUCCH resources based on different characteristics such as the number of sub-frames a resource is available, the number of UEs configured with that resource, and the number of UEs for which that resource is the best option. By changing the selection parameters from a simple fixed allocation to a multi-metric evaluation system, the patent achieves better resource availability while using fewer total resources, as the selection is optimized based on current network conditions and UE requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If fixed SPS AN resource configuration is used, then signaling overhead is reduced, but flexibility in sub-frame configuration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the PUCCH resource selection adaptive rather than fixed. The eNB evaluates multiple candidate resources using defined metrics and selects the most appropriate resource based on current network conditions, UE requirements, and sub-frame availability. This dynamic selection process maintains low signaling overhead (as resources are selected from pre-configured candidates) while providing flexibility in sub-frame configuration, as the system can adapt to different traffic patterns and resource availability scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining semi-persistent scheduling acknowledge/negative acknowledge (SPS AN) resources; configuring as a first metric for each SPS AN resource a number of user equipments (UEs) for which the SPS AN resource has been configured but is not activated; configuring as a second SPS AN resource a count of a number of sub-frames in which the SPS AN resource has been activated for a UE; configuring as a third metric for each SPS AN resource a number of UEs for which the resource is configured but some other SPS AN resource is allocated; forming a fourth metric using the first, second and third metrics; selecting N SPS AN resources from the SPS AN resources based at least on the fourth metric; and selecting one of the N SPS AN resources based at least on the fourth metric when the UE is activated for SPS operation.