Uplink Grant Overprovisioning for Control Plane Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE wireless communication networks, control plane latency is high due to the need for wireless devices to perform Random Access procedures, which involve timing synchronization and resource allocation, leading to potential collisions and increased latency in uplink transmissions.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves overprovisioning uplink grants by providing multiple time locations for uplink transmissions, allowing network nodes to differentiate between legacy and new-type wireless devices, thereby reducing signaling latency by offering shorter timing options for new-type devices, such as n+k2 instead of the traditional n+k1, where k2 is less than 6.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional Random Access procedures with single time location grants are used, then timing synchronization and collision resolution are maintained, but control plane latency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Random Access procedure into two distinct paths: legacy RA procedure for traditional devices and fast RA procedure for new-type devices. This segmentation allows new-type devices to skip certain steps (Msg1 and Msg2 exchange) and directly transmit Msg3 using pre-configured grants, reducing latency while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices that follow the traditional multi-step procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The network node performs preliminary configuration by providing multiple uplink grants with different time locations (k1 and k2) to wireless devices before the actual Random Access procedure. This preliminary action allows new-type devices to immediately use the pre-configured fast grant (k2) without waiting for network response, eliminating the need for Msg1 and Msg2 exchange and reducing control plane latency
2Loss of time
If multiple time locations are provided for uplink transmission, then latency is reduced for new-type devices, but device differentiation and compatibility management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different time location configurations to different device types: legacy devices receive grants with time location k1≥6, while new-type devices receive additional grants with shorter time location k2<6. This localized differentiation allows each device type to use the appropriate timing configuration for its capabilities, reducing signaling latency for new-type devices while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices
Solution Approach 2:
The network node maintains universal compatibility by supporting both legacy RA procedure and fast RA procedure through the same infrastructure. The multiple uplink grants with different time locations serve multiple functions: they provide backward compatibility for legacy devices while enabling accelerated access for new-type devices, making the system versatile across different device generations
Data Source
AI summary
A network node, wireless device and methods for provisioning uplink transmission are provided. In one embodiment, the network node includes node processing circuitry configured to: transmit at least one random access (RA) message and receive a response message. The at least one RA message includes an indication of radio resources, wherein the radio resources are valid in a plurality of time locations, for uplink transmission to respond to the at least one RA message. The response message is received according to one of the plurality of time locations for uplink transmission.