Uplink Buffer Status Reporting in Dual Connectivity Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual connectivity in wireless communication networks faces challenges with non-ideal backhaul communication between small cell and macro base stations, leading to latency issues and the need for adapted scheduling mechanisms to support multiple independent schedulers, particularly in handling uplink buffer status reports for efficient traffic offloading.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to structure and transmit uplink buffer status reports independently to each scheduler, using a buffer status report MAC control element with cell ID indexing or implicit indication, allowing for efficient data flow information exchange between macro and small cell schedulers, even with non-ideal backhaul latency, and enabling traffic offloading across cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual connectivity is implemented with multiple independent schedulers, then traffic offloading capability is improved, but scheduling mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buffer status reporting mechanism by introducing separate buffer status reports for each scheduler (macro base station and small cell base station). The uplink buffer is divided into multiple buffers, each associated with a specific scheduler, allowing independent status reporting without requiring complex coordinated scheduling across multiple schedulers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the buffer status reporting by introducing a buffer indicator field that identifies which buffer the status report refers to. This allows multiple buffer status reports to be transmitted in a single uplink transmission, effectively adding a dimension of multiplexing without increasing scheduling mechanism complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent schedulers are deployed for dual connectivity, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but information exchange overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the buffer status information for multiple schedulers into a single uplink transmission. By combining multiple buffer status reports (each with its own buffer indicator) into one MAC control element, the system reduces the number of separate information exchange transactions between user equipment and multiple schedulers.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer status report structure is designed to be universal, serving multiple schedulers simultaneously. The buffer indicator field allows the same reporting mechanism to function for both macro and small cell schedulers, eliminating the need for scheduler-specific reporting protocols and reducing overall information exchange overhead.
3Measurement precision
If buffer status reports are transmitted to multiple schedulers, then scheduling accuracy is improved, but transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial reporting by only transmitting buffer status information that is relevant to each scheduler. The buffer indicator allows the network to selectively process only the portions of the buffer status report that pertain to its specific scheduler, avoiding unnecessary transmission and processing of redundant information while maintaining scheduling accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transmitting an indication of user equipment uplink buffer status in a wireless communications network in which user equipment is configured to communicate with one or more base stations using dual connectivity techniques, a computer program product and user equipment operable to perform that method. The method comprises: receiving an indication of a dual connectivity configuration to be used by the user equipment for uplink transmission; structuring an uplink buffer status report to group uplink buffer status by one or more scheduler to be used by the user equipment according to the received indication of a dual connectivity configuration; and transmitting the structured uplink buffer status report to the one or more base stations. Aspects and embodiments provide a method for providing buffer status reports in a network offering dual connectivity functionality according to which user equipment is served by multiple independent schedulers which may be connected via a non-ideal backhaul link.