Uplink Buffer Status Report Triggering for 5G Multi-Hop Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing uplink buffer status reports in multi-hop networks, particularly in 5G NR systems, where scheduling delays and resource allocation inefficiencies occur due to the accumulation of data across multiple hops, leading to increased latency and potential service disruptions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves triggering a buffer status report (BSR) that estimates the amount of data expected to arrive, allowing for proactive uplink resource requests and reducing scheduling delays by differentiating between self-generated and child node-delivered uplink traffic, and separating the reporting of data available for transmission and data expected to arrive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional buffer status report mechanisms are used in multi-hop networks, then existing protocols can be maintained, but scheduling delays accumulate and resource allocation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by triggering buffer status reports before data actually arrives at the buffer. The WTRU estimates the amount of data that will arrive and proactively requests uplink resources in advance, rather than waiting for data to accumulate and then reporting. This eliminates the waiting period and reduces scheduling delays in multi-hop networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the buffer status report into two distinct types: regular BSR for data already available in the buffer, and estimated BSR for data expected to arrive soon. This segmentation allows the system to handle different data scenarios separately, improving resource allocation efficiency by proactively requesting resources for estimated data without waiting for actual arrival.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If buffer status reports are triggered only when data is actually available, then reporting accuracy is maintained, but resource allocation responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffer status reporting accuracyVSAvoidresource allocation responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by estimating the amount of data that will arrive in the buffer and triggering buffer status reports based on these estimates before the data actually arrives. This allows the system to maintain accuracy by using estimation mechanisms while achieving faster resource allocation responsiveness by proactively requesting resources in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the WTRU reports estimated buffer status to the network, and the network adjusts uplink resource allocation based on these estimates. This feedback loop enables the system to respond proactively to upcoming data arrivals, improving both accuracy and responsiveness by continuously monitoring and adapting to buffer conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If uplink resources are allocated reactively after data arrives, then resource allocation simplicity is maintained, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation mechanism simplicityVSAvoidtransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the WTRU estimate future data arrivals and proactively request uplink resources before data actually needs to be transmitted. This reduces transmission latency by eliminating the reactive waiting period, while the complexity increase is managed through standardized estimation procedures and existing protocol frameworks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic buffer status reporting where the system adapts its behavior based on real-time conditions. The WTRU dynamically decides when to trigger estimated BSRs based on data arrival patterns and network conditions, allowing the resource allocation mechanism to optimize between simplicity and performance based on actual operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11711721B2Method and apparatus for triggering uplink buffer status report in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2023.07.25 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • US11711721B2 patent drawing
  • US11711721B2 patent drawing
  • US11711721B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and devices are disclosed from the perspective of a first wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU). In one method, the method includes triggering a first buffer status report (BSR), wherein the first BSR indicates an estimated amount of data expected to arrive.