Scheduling Request Resource Assignment via MAC Layer Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing reconfiguration mechanism for Dynamic Scheduling Request (D-SR) resources in user equipment is too slow and costly in terms of overhead, failing to efficiently adapt to variations over time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses a lower-layer protocol, such as Medium Access Control (MAC), to assign additional Temporary Scheduling Request (T-SR) resources in conjunction with the existing semi-static RRC protocol, allowing for more frequent and timely resource allocation with reduced overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the semi-static RRC protocol is used to assign D-SR resources, then the overhead is kept low, but the reconfiguration mechanism is too slow and cannot adapt to variations over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource assignment mechanism into two parts: semi-static RRC-configured D-SR resources and dynamic T-SR resources. The dynamic T-SR resources are assigned separately using MAC layer signaling, allowing the system to adapt to variations without reconfiguring the entire D-SR mechanism, thus reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary RRC configuration to set up D-SR resources, then supplements them with dynamic T-SR assignments via MAC signaling. This preliminary action establishes a baseline resource allocation that can be quickly adjusted later without full reconfiguration, reducing adaptation time while maintaining low overhead.
2Productivity
If the semi-static RRC protocol is used to assign D-SR resources, then the overhead is low, but the resource allocation frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides resource assignment into semi-static RRC configuration and dynamic MAC layer assignments. The MAC layer can assign T-SR resources more frequently without triggering full RRC reconfiguration, thereby increasing resource allocation frequency while keeping RRC overhead low.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using full RRC reconfiguration for every resource adjustment, the patent applies partial action by using MAC layer signaling for dynamic T-SR assignments. This partial approach provides sufficient resource allocation frequency for dynamic needs without the excessive overhead of complete RRC reconfiguration cycles.
3Loss of time
If additional T-SR resources are assigned using MAC layer protocol, then the resource availability increases and latency is reduced, but the protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol stack functionality by assigning different resource types to different layers: D-SR resources are configured at the RRC layer while T-SR resources are assigned at the MAC layer. This segmentation allows latency-critical dynamic assignments to use the faster MAC layer without requiring changes to the higher-layer RRC protocol, thus reducing latency without significantly increasing overall protocol complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC layer acts as an intermediary between the RRC configuration and the physical layer transmission. It receives semi-static D-SR configurations from RRC and supplements them with dynamic T-SR assignments, mediating the complexity by handling dynamic resource management at the MAC layer without requiring RRC protocol changes, thus reducing latency while containing protocol complexity increases.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method in a user equipment for handling a scheduling request, SR, is provided. The user equipment is served by a base station in a cellular communications network. The user equipment receives (201) a first message from the base station. The first message comprises a first assignment of SR resources. The first message is received using a first protocol. The first assignment of SR resources is semi-static. The user equipment further receives (205) a second message from the base station. The second message comprising a second assignment of SR resources. The second message is received using a second protocol. The second protocol is associated with a layer that is lower than a layer associated with the first protocol. The user equipment then applies (206) the SR resources according to the first assignment and the SR resources according to the second assignment at the same time or separately.