Uplink Scheduling in Unlicensed Bands via Multi-Grant LBT

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in communication networks is to efficiently schedule uplink transmissions in unlicensed bands, where communication nodes face limited transmission opportunities and interference from other devices, leading to suboptimal performance compared to licensed bands.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a terminal and base station operation in a communication network that dynamically configures and schedules uplink subframes using a multi-uplink grant scheme, allowing for flexible allocation of resources and adaptive channel access based on channel conditions, enabling efficient use of unlicensed bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If LBT scheme is used for coexistence in unlicensed band, then coexistence with WLAN is achieved, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to inability to transmit at desired time points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoexistence capabilityVSAvoidtransmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary scheduling of uplink transmissions before LBT execution, determining which UEs should transmit in upcoming opportunities. This advance planning allows the system to maximize utilization of limited LBT-success moments while maintaining coexistence requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the base station receives LBT success/failure information from UEs and adjusts subsequent scheduling decisions accordingly. This feedback loop enables adaptive resource allocation that responds to actual channel conditions while maintaining reliable uplink service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If LBT scheme is used for unlicensed band access, then interference management is improved, but transmission opportunities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference managementVSAvoidtransmission opportunities

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling system dynamically adapts to actual LBT outcomes by adjusting resource allocation in real-time. When LBT succeeds, pre-scheduled transmissions proceed; when it fails, the scheduler reassigns resources to different UEs or time slots, optimizing throughput under varying channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If multi-subframe scheduling is implemented, then control signaling overhead is reduced, but scheduling flexibility is constrained by channel state stability requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signaling overheadVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-subframe scheduling is segmented into groups based on channel state stability. Different scheduling granularities are applied to different UE groups or traffic types, allowing efficient resource allocation for stable channels while maintaining flexibility for dynamic conditions through finer-grained scheduling options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3413671B1Method for scheduling uplink transmission in communication network

Publication Date: 2023.04.19 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for scheduling an uplink transmission in a communication network. A terminal operation method comprises the steps of: detecting a control channel of a subframe #n transmitted from a base station; receiving an uplink grant from the control channel; and transmitting, to the base station, a plurality of subframes scheduled by the uplink grant. Thus, the performance of the communication network may be improved.