Uplink Short TTI Configuration for Latency Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks face inefficiencies in using short subframes for uplink transmissions, as existing technologies are limited to fixed 1 ms subframes, which hinder the optimization of spectral efficiency and increase latency, particularly in LTE systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for network nodes to transmit configuration messages with short TTI operations, allowing for flexible subframe durations and dynamic switching between legacy and short TTIs, enabling efficient scheduling of uplink transmissions and reducing packet latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If fixed 1 ms subframes are used for uplink transmissions, then existing control channels can be used, but packet latency increases and spectral efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket latencyVSAvoidsubframe flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic TTI length adjustment where the network node can select between different TTI lengths (1 ms or shorter TTIs) based on traffic conditions and device capabilities. This allows the system to adapt the subframe duration dynamically, using shorter TTIs for latency-sensitive traffic and standard 1 ms TTIs for other traffic types, thereby reducing packet latency while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the 1 ms subframe into shorter TTIs for uplink transmissions. By dividing the standard subframe into smaller time units, the system enables faster transmission cycles and reduces the time a device needs to wait for acknowledgment, directly addressing the packet latency issue while maintaining compatibility with existing control channel structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If shorter TTIs are introduced for uplink transmissions, then packet latency decreases, but existing control channel structures become insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol signaling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing PDCCH control channel multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional 1 ms subframe scheduling information and new short TTI scheduling information. The control channel structure is enhanced to support multiple TTI lengths without requiring completely new control channels, thus improving spectral efficiency while limiting the increase in control signaling complexity to manageable levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the TTI parameter from a fixed 1 ms value to a variable parameter that can take different values depending on the transmission requirements. This parameter change allows the system to optimize spectral efficiency by using shorter TTIs when needed while maintaining backward compatibility with existing network infrastructure, avoiding the need for entirely new control channel designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If dynamic TTI switching is implemented, then resource utilization improves, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring devices with multiple TTI length options in advance through network-side signaling. Before actual transmission occurs, the network node provides configuration information about available TTI lengths and associated parameters, allowing the device to be pre-prepared for dynamic switching. This reduces the operational complexity of dynamic TTI switching by handling the configuration setup beforehand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network node monitors transmission conditions and device responses, then adjusts TTI length selections accordingly. This feedback loop enables optimal resource utilization by adapting TTI lengths to actual traffic patterns while managing configuration complexity through intelligent, data-driven decision-making rather than complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If short subframes are used, then capacity increases, but compatibility with existing LTE systems decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic TTI length adjustment where the network node can select between different TTI lengths (1 ms or shorter TTIs) based on traffic conditions and device capabilities. This allows the system to adapt the subframe duration dynamically, using shorter TTIs for latency-sensitive traffic and standard 1 ms TTIs for other traffic types, thereby reducing packet latency while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the 1 ms subframe into shorter TTIs for uplink transmissions. By dividing the standard subframe into smaller time units, the system enables faster transmission cycles and reduces the time a device needs to wait for acknowledgment, directly addressing the packet latency issue while maintaining compatibility with existing control channel structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11324023B2Configuration of uplink transmission for a wireless device
Publication Date: 2022.05.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US11324023B2 patent drawing
  • US11324023B2 patent drawing
  • US11324023B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for providing configuration for uplink transmission to a wireless device. A method is performed by a network node. The method comprises transmitting a message comprising configuration for uplink transmission with short TTI operation. The method comprises transmitting a fast grant comprising scheduling of an uplink short TTI for the wireless device.