Differentiated Xcast Traffic Scheduling in Radio Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for high-quality content in 5G wireless networks, combined with limited spectral resources, poses challenges in efficiently scheduling multicast/broadcast traffic, especially in dynamic conditions such as varying system throughput and congestion, which traditional static configurations cannot effectively address.
Innovation Solution
Implementing differentiated scheduling of Xcast traffic based on real-time traffic conditions and access network conditions, allowing the radio access network to dynamically adjust transmission modes between unicast, multicast, and broadcast to optimize system throughput and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static scheduling configuration is used for multicast traffic, then network simplicity is maintained, but system throughput and resource utilization cannot adapt to dynamic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling for Xcast traffic by allowing the radio access network to switch between unicast, multicast, and broadcast modes based on real-time conditions such as system throughput and congestion levels, moving away from static pre-configured scheduling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes scheduling parameters dynamically by adjusting transmission modes (unicast/multicast/broadcast) and scheduling decisions based on varying system conditions, enabling adaptation to different traffic scenarios and congestion levels
2Loss of energy
If multicast transmission is used to improve resource efficiency, then spectral resources are conserved, but system throughput may decrease under congested conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between unicast and multicast transmission modes based on real-time congestion conditions and system throughput requirements, allowing the system to optimize between spectral efficiency and throughput depending on current network state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission mode parameter from fixed multicast to dynamic selection among unicast, multicast, and broadcast modes, enabling the system to adjust spectral resource usage versus throughput trade-offs based on current conditions
3Productivity
If differentiated scheduling is implemented to optimize throughput, then resource allocation improves, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies differentiated scheduling specifically to Xcast traffic while maintaining simpler scheduling for other traffic types, implementing complexity only where needed to optimize throughput without unnecessarily complicating the entire scheduling system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes scheduling parameters for Xcast traffic based on congestion conditions and system throughput, applying differentiated treatment only to multicast/Xcast flows rather than all traffic, thereby limiting the increase in scheduling complexity
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided an access node for a radio access network. The access node comprises means for determining, in response to receiving a plurality of data packets associated with one or more radio bearers for scheduling to terminal devices, an over-the-air transmission mode of each radio bearer. The means are further configured to, in response to determining that the one or more radio bearers comprise one or more first explicit multi-unicast, Xcast, radio bearers using multicast and one or more second radio bearers using unicast, schedule the one or more radio bearers according to a first scheduling mechanism. The first scheduling mechanism prioritizes the one or more first Xcast radio bearers to maximize a system throughput.