Uplink Resource Allocation via Contention-Based Request
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems face inefficiencies in uplink resource allocation, particularly in scheduling and timing alignment, leading to increased latency, reduced spectral efficiency, and potential collisions during contention-based access, which hinder the achievement of high data rates and system capacity targets in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks.
Innovation Solution
A flexible scheduling scheme that utilizes both scheduled and contention-based channels for uplink resource allocation, allowing mobile terminals to request resources on a contention-based channel and receive grants for scheduled channel use, with optional resource allocation for scheduling information and reference signal transmission, enabling channel-dependent scheduling and improved timing alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile terminals use contention-based channels to request uplink resources, then access flexibility is improved, but collision probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink resource allocation process into two distinct phases: a contention-based phase for resource request and a scheduled phase for actual data transmission. The terminal first contends for resources to send a resource request message, and upon successful contention, receives a scheduled resource allocation from the base station. This segmentation allows terminals to flexibly access the channel while the base station maintains control to prevent collisions during the actual data transmission phase.
2Productivity
If dynamic resource allocation is implemented, then spectral efficiency is improved, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resource request message as an intermediary mechanism between the terminal and base station. The terminal uses this standardized message format to request resources, and the base station uses it to trigger scheduled resource allocation. This intermediary simplifies the scheduling complexity by providing a clear, structured interface that reduces the complexity of dynamic resource allocation while maintaining high spectral efficiency through adaptive resource granting.
3Device complexity
If uplink timing alignment is not optimized, then system simplicity is maintained, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary timing alignment through the resource request message exchange. The terminal sends the resource request with preliminary timing information, and the base station uses this to pre-align the terminal's uplink timing before allocating scheduled resources for data transmission. This preliminary action reduces latency by ensuring timing alignment is established before actual data transmission begins, while maintaining system simplicity through the existing message-based interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and mobile terminal for requesting resources for transmitting data on uplink within a mobile communication system. Further the invention relates to a network entity for allocating uplink resources to mobile terminal. To provide a flexible scheduling scheme for uplink transmission, the invention proposes different scheduling procedures based on a request grant scheme. The resource request of the mobile terminal is provided via a contention-based channel, while all further communication uses scheduled resources. Consequently subsequent transmissions of user data and/or scheduling information utilize scheduled resources.