TDD Special Subframe for Small Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular wireless networks, especially those using LTE with TDD carriers, base stations face inefficiencies when transmitting small quantities of data to devices like MTC devices, as the allocation of PRBs results in resource wastage due to the smallest allocable unit being a full PRB, even if only a portion is needed.
Innovation Solution
The base station determines if the data quantity is threshold small and schedules the transmission in the downlink portion of a special subframe instead of a regular downlink subframe, utilizing smaller PRBs within the special subframe to minimize resource wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the base station allocates a full PRB for data transmission to a WCD, then the data can be transmitted reliably, but resource wastage occurs when the data quantity is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the downlink subframe into two types: regular downlink subframes for large data transmissions and special downlink subframes for small data transmissions. This segmentation allows the system to allocate resources appropriately matched to the data quantity, avoiding the waste of allocating a full PRB when only small amounts of data need to be transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating special downlink subframes with different resource allocation characteristics tailored to specific needs. These special subframes have shorter durations and are specifically designed for small data transmissions to MTC devices, providing locally optimized resource allocation rather than using a uniform approach for all transmissions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the base station uses regular downlink subframes for all data transmissions, then the transmission duration is sufficient, but resource efficiency decreases for small data quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation by allowing the base station to flexibly select between regular downlink subframes and special downlink subframes based on the actual data quantity. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt the transmission duration and resource allocation to match the specific requirements of each transmission, improving overall resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the downlink subframe by creating special downlink subframes with different durations and resource block structures. These parameter changes allow the system to optimize resource usage for small data transmissions while maintaining sufficient transmission duration when needed, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system to help control transmission over an air interface from a base station to a served WCD. When the base station has a threshold small quantity of data to transmit over the air to a WCD, the base station will schedule the transmission to occur in a downlink PRB of a special subframe, rather than in a PRB of a regular downlink subframe. As the downlink PRB of the special subframe likely has fewer useable resource elements than the PRB of the regular downlink subframe, this process could help to minimize waste of air interface resources resulting from not making use of resource elements in an allocated PRB.