Uplink MIMO Control Signaling Rank and Resource Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless communication networks, existing technologies face inefficiencies in uplink signaling due to conflicting signals, leading to decreased network performance, particularly in decoding multiple data streams from user equipment to base stations.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to interpret control channel signaling by using a single bit to indicate the transmission rank and happiness with resource allocation, allowing base stations to determine the actual transmission rank used by user equipment without increasing signaling overhead, and to optimize resource allocation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If uplink MIMO is implemented to increase data throughput, then network capacity and reliability are improved, but conflicting signaling occurs leading to decreased overall network efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The single bit in control channel signaling is made multi-functional: it simultaneously indicates transmission rank information and conveys resource allocation feedback (happy bit). This allows the system to support uplink MIMO operations and maintain network efficiency without requiring separate signaling mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between increased throughput and signaling overhead.
2Productivity
If multiple data streams are transmitted from user equipment to base station, then uplink data throughput is increased, but base station hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station determines and communicates the maximum transmission rank to the user equipment in advance. This allows the user equipment to configure its transmission accordingly, enabling the base station to prepare its receiving and processing capabilities beforehand, thus managing hardware complexity while supporting multiple data streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission rank parameter is dynamically adjusted based on channel conditions and base station capabilities. By controlling the rank parameter (number of simultaneous data streams), the system can optimize uplink throughput while keeping base station processing complexity within manageable limits.
3Measurement precision
If transmission rank information is signaled explicitly, then accurate decoding of MIMO streams is achieved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control channel bit is assigned multiple functions: it indicates transmission rank when uplink MIMO is active, and serves as a happy bit for resource allocation feedback when rank is 1. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated signaling for rank information, achieving accurate decoding without increasing overall signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of interpreting control channel signalling between user equipment and a base station in a multiple input multiple output wireless communication network and a base station and computer program product operable to perform that method. The method comprises: determining a maximum transmission rank for communication of data between the user equipment and the base station; communicating the determined maximum transmission rank to the user equipment; receiving a control channel signalling transmission from the user equipment comprising a single bit; interpreting from the single bit a transmission rank being used for communication of data between the user equipment and the base station; and, if the transmission rank being used for communication of data between the user equipment and the base station is interpreted as being greater than one, interpreting from a further single bit of the control channel signalling from the user equipment whether the user equipment wishes for an allocation of further transmission link resources. Also provided is a method of encoding an indication of a transmission rank being used for communication between user equipment and a base station in a multiple input multiple output wireless communication network and encoding an indication of a wish for an allocation of further transmission link resource, together with user equipment and a computer program product operable to perform that method. The method comprises: receiving an indication of a maximum transmission rank for communication of data between the user equipment and the base station; assessing an allocation of transmission link resource; encoding an indication of transmission rank to be used for communication of data between the user equipment and the base station in control channel signalling comprising a single bit; and if the transmission rank to be used for communication of data between the user equipment and the base station is greater than one, encoding whether the user equipment wishes for an allocation of further transmission link resource in control channel signalling comprising a further single bit; and communicating the single bit and the further bit to the base station. Aspects allow user equipment to indicate the rank being used for uplink MIMO transmissions together with whether it is happy or unhappy with current uplink resource allocations. That indication is possible using existing control channel signalling formats.