UL OMA-NOMA Switching Through Layered RRC, MAC, and DCI Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack efficient mechanisms for switching between Orthogonal Multiple Access (OMA) and Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) modes in user equipment (UE), particularly in NR networks, which is necessary for optimizing uplink transmission based on service and network conditions.
Innovation Solution
Switching between OMA and NOMA modes can be determined and indicated by a gNB to a UE using RRC configuration messages, MAC CE signaling, DCI signaling, or a combination of these, allowing for dynamic mode selection based on UE requests and network rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signaling methods (RRC, MAC CE, DCI) are used for OMA-NOMA switching, then switching flexibility and adaptability are improved, but signaling complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the OMA-NOMA switching mechanism into multiple independent signaling layers (RRC layer for configuration, MAC CE layer for mid-state switching, DCI layer for dynamic switching). Each layer handles specific switching scenarios, allowing flexible combination based on network conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal switching framework where multiple signaling methods (RRC, MAC CE, DCI) can be used individually or in combination depending on the specific scenario. The same switching mechanism supports both grant-based and grant-free NOMA operations, making the system adaptable to various network conditions without requiring completely separate solutions for each case.
2Productivity
If dynamic OMA-NOMA switching is enabled, then network performance and resource utilization are improved, but control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the gNB monitors network conditions and UE capabilities, then adjusts the switching decision accordingly. The UE provides feedback on its preferred access mode, and the network uses this feedback along with real-time traffic conditions to make informed switching decisions, improving performance while keeping control manageable through structured feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RRC configuration to pre-configure OMA-NOMA switching parameters and capabilities before actual switching is needed. This preliminary setup includes configuring switching thresholds, preferred modes, and control parameters, so that when switching is triggered by MAC CE or DCI, the UE already has the necessary parameters ready, reducing real-time control complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Switching between Orthogonal Multiple Access (OMA) and Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) modes of a user equipment (UE) can be determined and indicated by a gNB to a UE at an RRC connected state using one or more of the following schemes: at an RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer with an RRC configuration message, at a MAC (Medium Access Control) layer with MAC CE (MAC control element) signaling, at a PHY (Physical) layer with DCI (Downlink Control Information) signaling, jointly with RRC configuration and DCI signaling, and/or jointly with RRC configuration and MAC CE signaling. The OMA or NOMA mode that the UE operates after the transition may be requested by the UE, indicated by the gNB, and/or may be based on one or more rules for OMA-NOMA switching.