Symbol-Masked Control Messages for Low-Overhead 5G Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in resource allocation and overhead management in control plane messages, particularly in next-generation networks like 5G, which can be addressed by implementing symbol masks to optimize modulation parameters and resource element allocations.
Innovation Solution
The use of symbol masks in control plane messages to specify modulation scalers and symbol allocations within time slots, reducing overhead and improving resource utilization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional control plane messages are used without symbol masks, then resource allocation can be performed, but overhead in control plane messages increases and resource allocation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time slot into multiple symbols and applies individual symbol masks to each symbol. This segmentation allows precise control over which symbols carry data versus which carry reference signals or other specialized content, reducing the overhead needed to describe resource allocations while maintaining flexibility in resource allocation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different symbol mask patterns to different symbols within the same time slot based on their specific functions. For example, certain symbols are masked to indicate they contain reference signals while others are unmasked for data transmission. This local differentiation optimizes resource allocation by providing targeted control without requiring comprehensive overhead for every symbol.
2Productivity
If detailed resource allocation is specified for each resource element, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but device complexity and message overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple resource elements into symbol-level masks. Instead of individually configuring each resource element, the symbol masks group resource elements by symbol, allowing the system to maintain detailed resource utilization control while reducing the complexity of processing control messages through aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The symbol masks serve multiple functions simultaneously: they indicate resource allocation, specify modulation parameters, and identify reference signal positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive resource utilization efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to a control message that includes at least one symbol mask to be applied to a set of symbols of a time slot. In some examples, the control message may also include at least one resource element mask to be applied to at least one resource element of the time slot. In some aspects, information may be communicated during the time slot according to the at least one symbol mask.