Timeslot Assignment in Wireless Networks Without Timing Advance Offset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current GSM/EDGE radio access networks face limitations in supporting high multislot configurations without timing advance offset, leading to restricted timeslot allocations and inefficient resource utilization, particularly for mobile stations of classes 38-39 and 44-45, due to inconsistencies in standard specifications and requirements for TA offset usage.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of new multislot configurations and techniques that allow flexible timeslot assignments without relying on timing advance offset, such as using shifted USF and alternative switching times combinations (Tra/Ttb or Tta/Trb), enabling expanded timeslot allocations and improved resource management for high multislot classes, even when TA offset is not used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If timing advance offset is used to support high multislot configurations, then the number of supported timeslots increases, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of timeslotsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the timing reference parameter from frame-based to superframe-based (10-frame period), allowing mobile stations to use alternative switching times combinations (Tra/Ttb or Tta/Trb) without TA offset. This parameter change enables high multislot configurations while reducing signaling overhead and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If timing advance offset is required for high multislot classes, then timeslot allocation flexibility improves, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to restricted allocations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetimeslot allocation flexibilityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring TA offset to achieve flexible timeslot allocations, the patent inverts the approach by using superframe-based timing references that naturally support alternative switching times combinations. This inversion enables both allocation flexibility and efficient resource utilization without the restrictions imposed by TA offset requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If shifted USF and alternative switching times are used, then data transmission efficiency increases, but compatibility with existing standards decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidstandard compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic timing reference mechanisms where mobile stations can adaptively switch between frame-based and superframe-based timing references depending on their multislot class and network configuration. This dynamic approach maintains compatibility with existing GSM/EDGE standards while enabling enhanced data transmission efficiency through alternative switching times combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2779769B1Systems and methods for timeslot assignment in a wireless network
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2779769B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2779769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2779769B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of a mobile station, comprising: transmitting device capability information to a wireless network, the device capability information indicating a multislot class of the mobile station; receiving a timeslot assignment from the wireless network, wherein the timeslot assignment indicates an advanced multislot configuration not requiring a use of a timing advance offset by the wireless network, and is based on the multislot class of the mobile station; and operating the mobile station based on the timeslot assignment.