UE Scheduling Control for OFDMA Signalling Overhead Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OFDMA scheduling schemes in LTE networks face high signalling overhead and performance degradation due to inefficient switching between localized and distributed scheduling methods.
Innovation Solution
A mobile radio communications device estimates signal-fading characteristics to dynamically switch between localized and distributed scheduling schemes by determining fading type and rate, reducing signalling overhead and maintaining system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the eNodeB MAC scheduler autonomously selects scheduling schemes based on CQI reports, then scheduling decisions can be made, but high signalling overhead arises in uplink
Solution Approach 1:
The UE device autonomously estimates its own fading characteristics and determines the appropriate scheduling scheme based on local measurements of signal-to-noise ratio and fading rate, eliminating the need for extensive uplink signalling to the eNodeB for scheduling decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The scheduling decision function is extracted from the eNodeB MAC scheduler and transferred to the UE device, allowing the UE to independently determine whether to use localized or distributed scheduling based on its channel conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent switching between scheduling schemes is performed, then system adaptability improves, but system performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The UE device performs preliminary estimation of fading characteristics and predicts future channel conditions, allowing it to proactively select the appropriate scheduling scheme before performance degradation occurs, rather than reacting to rapid changes
Solution Approach 2:
The scheduling scheme selection is performed periodically based on measured fading rates, preventing excessive switching by establishing a regular evaluation rhythm that filters out transient channel variations
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention provides for a method of controlling selection of a localised scheduling scheme or a distributed scheduling scheme within an OFDMA downlink and including the step of estimating a fading characteristic and initiating switching between the scheduling schemes responsive to the result of the said estimation, wherein the fading characteristic can comprise one of fading rate or fading type, and wherein the invention can provide for such estimating functionality within a mobile radio communications device.