U.S. patent application number 12/538588 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-03 for method for control of contention-based wireless access.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERDIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Christopher Cave, Eldad Zeira.
Application Number | 20090298528 12/538588 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29254152 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090298528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cave; Christopher ; et
al. |
December 3, 2009 |
METHOD FOR CONTROL OF CONTENTION-BASED WIRELESS ACCESS
Abstract
The present invention is a method for controlling access to a
contention-based communication channel. Error types of a
transmitted communication signal over the communication channel are
classified and corresponding parameters of the communication
channel are adjusted in response to the classification to control
the rate at which individual error types occur.
Inventors: |
Cave; Christopher;
(Montreal, CA) ; Zeira; Eldad; (Huntington,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.;DEPT. ICC
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600, 30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
INTERDIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
CORPORATION
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
29254152 |
Appl. No.: |
12/538588 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10217126 |
Aug 12, 2002 |
7590386 |
|
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12538588 |
|
|
|
|
60373463 |
Apr 18, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/522 ;
455/63.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 74/08 20130101;
H04W 24/00 20130101; H04L 1/0061 20130101; H04W 28/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/522 ;
455/63.1 |
International
Class: |
H04B 7/005 20060101
H04B007/005; H04B 15/00 20060101 H04B015/00 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling access to a contention-based
communication channel, the method comprising: receiving a
communication signal transmitted over the contention based
communication channel; performing an error detection test to
determine whether a transmission error has occurred; determining a
threshold value based on averages of previous
signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) determinations; classifying
transmission errors according to error type using a threshold test,
the threshold test including comparing a SIR to the threshold
value; determining an occurrence rate of each error type, including
insufficient transmission power errors; and maintaining an error
occurrence rate for each error type, wherein an insufficient
transmission power error occurrence rate is maintained by adjusting
a transmission power parameter by a value equal to a sum of a power
offset and an interference power level.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the error detection test is a
cyclic redundancy check.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the threshold test compares a
signal-to-interference ratio to a dynamic threshold value.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the dynamic threshold value is
updated using signal-to-interface ratio values of previously
classified errors.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the threshold test compares
received signal code power to a dynamic threshold value.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein determining an occurrence rate of
each error type includes determining a collision error occurrence
rate.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein collision error occurrence rate is
maintained by adjusting at least one parameter of the communication
channel.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein a dynamic persistence level
parameter is adjusted to control the collision error occurrence
rate.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the interference power level
corresponds to a value of individual timeslot interference.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: transmitting a power
control signal to adjust the power of at least one user equipment
(UE).
11. A Node B configured to control access to a contention-based
communication channel, the Node B comprising: a receiver configured
to receive a communication signal over the communication channel;
and a processor configured to: perform an error detection test to
identify whether a transmission error has occurred, determine a
threshold value based on averages of previous signal-interference
ratio (SIR) determinations, classify identified errors according to
error type using a threshold test, the threshold test including
comparing a SIR to the threshold value, determine an occurrence
rate of each error type, including insufficient transmission power
errors, and maintain an error occurrence rate for each error type,
wherein an insufficient transmission power error occurrence rate is
maintained by adjusting a transmission power parameter by a value
equal to a sum of a power offset and an interference power
level.
12. The Node B of claim 11 further comprising: a transmitter
configured to transmit a power control signal to adjust the power
of at least one user equipment (UE).
13. The Node B of claim 11, wherein the error detection test is a
cyclic redundancy check.
14. The Node B of claim 11 wherein the threshold test compares a
signal-to-interference ratio to a dynamic threshold value.
15. The Node B of claim 14 wherein the threshold test compares
received signal code power to a dynamic threshold value.
16. The Node B of claim 11 wherein the processor is further
configured to determine a collision error occurrence rate.
17. The Node B of claim 16 wherein a collision error occurrence
rate is maintained by adjusting at least one parameter of the
communication channel.
18. The Node B of claim 11 wherein the interference power level
corresponds to a value of individual timeslot interference.
19. The Node B of claim 17 wherein a dynamic persistence level
parameter is adjusted to control the collision error occurrence
rate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/217,126, filed on Aug. 12, 2002, which
claims the benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/373,463, filed on Apr. 18, 2002, which are hereby incorporated
by reference as if fully set forth.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This application is related to wireless communications. More
specifically, it relates to the control of contention-based
wireless access.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified wireless spread spectrum
code division multiple access (CDMA) or time division duplex (TDD)
or frequency division duplex (FDD) communication system 18. The
system 18 comprises a plurality of Node Bs 26, 32, 34, a plurality
of radio network controllers (RNCs) 36, 38, 40, a plurality of UEs
20, 22, 24 and a core network 46. The plurality of Node Bs are
connected to the plurality of RNCs 36, 38, 40, which are, in turn,
connected to the core network 46. Each Node B 26, 32, 34
communicates with its associated user equipment (UE) 20, 22, 24.
Data signals are communicated between UEs and the Node B over the
same spread spectrum. Each data signal in the shared spectrum is
spread with a unique chip code sequence. Upon reception, using a
replica of the chip code sequence, a particular data signal is
recovered.
[0004] In the context of a CDMA system, signals are distinguished
by their chip code sequences (codes) and separate communication
channels are created using different codes. Signals from the Node B
to the UEs are sent on downlink channels and signals from the UEs
to the Node B are sent on uplink channels.
[0005] In many CDMA systems, a random access channel (RACH) is used
for some uplink communications. A RACH is capable of carrying
packets of data from multiple UEs. Each packet is distinguishable
by a combination of time slot and code. For detection by the Node
B, the packets have a sequence which also distinguishes it from
other packets. The RACH is a contention-based uplink transport
channel which may carry control information from the UE to set up
an initial connection with the Node B, for example, to register the
UE after power-on to the network or to perform location updates or
to initiate a call. Transmissions are sent using repeating frames,
each having a plurality of time slots, such as fifteen time slots
with only one or two timeslots per frame typically dedicated to
RACH. When a packet is transmitted over the RACH, it may last for
multiple frames. Those frames however, are not necessarily
consecutive because a back-off process must be performed between
each transmission to control the rate at which UEs access the
RACH.
[0006] A UE may attempt a RACH transmission and select a timeslot
using one of N code identifiers, for example in a TDD CDMA system,
one of eight midambles. If no other UE transmits in the same slot
with the same midamble and if there is sufficient transmission
power, then the UE's RACH transmission succeeds. If another UE
transmits in the same slot with the same midamble, then they both
fail. This transmission error is known as a collision error.
Generally, whenever two or more UEs transmit using the same channel
in a wireless system, a collision occurs. Another type of
transmission error results when there is insufficient transmission
power. The necessary power is generally a function of the channel,
the interference, and other PRACH transmissions in the same
slot.
[0007] In some communication systems, such as with a 3GPP system,
there is a relatively long delay, on the order of seconds, before
which a UE realizes a transmission error has occurred and decides
to retransmit the failed packet. The recommended operating
condition for the RACH is therefore preferably biased toward having
very few collisions or insufficient transmission power errors. The
failed packet may be retransmitted on data link layer 2 (L2) or
data link layer 3 (L3) depending on the mode of operation.
[0008] The radio access network has no prior information regarding
which RACH codes, or more generally which channels were
transmitted. The detection of transmitted transport block sets
(TBS) or bursts is performed at the receiver, where the number of
UEs that transmitted using the detected code is unknown. In the
event of a RACH transmission error, the cause remains unidentified.
The error might be the result of a code collision or insufficient
transmission power.
[0009] A parameter of dynamic persistence (DP) is defined which is
set by the RNC to avoid saturation of the RACH. The DP level (DPL)
is broadcast from the Node B to the UEs and the UEs adjust their
rate of access to the RACH time slots as a function of DP. A RACH
constant value (CV) parameter is defined which is managed at the
RNC and is used by the UEs to determine the power of RACH
transmissions.
[0010] In current systems, the DP parameter, RACH CV parameter, and
other parameters are set and adjusted in order to avoid collisions
and insufficient transmission power errors or, in the alternative,
to maintain a predetermined target collision error and target
insufficient transmission power error probability. The DP parameter
is generated at the Node B and the RACH CV is generated at the
RNC.
[0011] A prior art method of controlling these parameters utilizes
the number of successful and failed UE transmissions in a timeslot
for individual system frames. Another prior art method broadcasts
these parameters to the UEs, which then adjust their uplink
transmission accordingly. It is difficult, however, to
appropriately control these parameters because they are separately
generated at the Node B and RNC and because the cause of the
transmission error remains unknown.
[0012] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved method of
controlling parameters in a contention-based channel wherein the
cause of transmission errors is identified and the rate at which
such errors occur is identified and controlled by adjusting
parameters at the Node B.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present invention is a method of controlling access for
any type of contention-based communication channel, such as for
example a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system, where a DPL
is broadcast to mobiles that controls the rate at which the channel
is accessed, and where a method is available for controlling
transmission power. Error types of a communication signal
transmitted over a communication channel are classified and
corresponding parameters of the communication channel are adjusted
in response to the classification to maintain a predetermined level
of errors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a prior art simplified wireless
spread spectrum code division multiple access (CDMA) of time
division duplex (TDD) or frequency division duplex (FDD)
communication system.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a control process for a
contention-based wireless access system in accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a RACH error classification
process in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a RACH parameter control process
in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0018] The present invention will be described with reference to
the drawing figures where like numerals represent like elements
throughout.
[0019] The control process 50 of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 2. The purpose of the control process 50 is to maintain
satisfactory delay and throughput characteristics for uplink
transmission over a random access channel (RACH) or a physical
random access channel (PRACH). This is achieved by ensuring that
the number of transmission errors due to channelization code
collisions and insufficient transmission power remain at an
acceptable level. The process 50 separately addresses the causes of
code collisions and insufficient transmission power. The cause and
frequency of transmission errors are determined so that an
appropriate parameter may be adjusted, if necessary, to ensure the
rate of errors falls within a predetermined range.
[0020] The process 50 commences with the reception of a RACH
transport block set (TBS) (step 52). The detection of transmitted
codes is performed at the Node B receiver by means of midamble
detection and code lookup. For each RACH TBS that is received, a
cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is performed (step 54). It should be
noted that while a CRC is preferred, any other method for detecting
transmissions errors may be used. The CRC is preferably performed
at the Node B. If there is no CRC error, the received RACH TBS is
recorded as a successful access attempt (step 58). If, on the other
hand, there is an error, the type of error is classified in step 56
and then recorded at step 58.
[0021] The process carried out during step 56 for classifying the
type of error that has occurred is shown in FIG. 3 and indicated
generally with reference numeral 70. The first step 72 is to
determine a signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) of an erroneous TBS.
Preferably, the SIR is compared to a dynamic threshold value, T, to
identify the cause of a transmission error as described below. It
should be noted, however, that received signal code power (RSCP)
may be used instead of the SIR in process 56.
[0022] If it is the first time the error classification process is
being performed, a predetermined value of T is used (step 74). For
subsequent cycles, the value of T is updated every N frames using
SIR values of previously classified errors (step 76). The value of
N may also be adjusted to account for the level of traffic on the
PRACH. The value of T is identified in step 78 and compared to the
SIR in step 80. If the SIR is greater than T, the cause of the
transmission error is determined to be code collision (step 82). If
the SIR is less than or equal to T, the cause of the transmission
error is determined to be insufficient transmission power (step
84). SIRs having values greater than T and therefore corresponding
to code collision errors are, for convenience purposes, designated
SIR.sub.COLL. Similarly, SIRs having values less than or equal to T
and therefore corresponding to insufficient transmission power
errors are, again for convenience, designated SIR.sub.TxPwr. The
SIR value of each error is stored in step 86 according to error
type.
[0023] As briefly mentioned above, the value of T is updated using
the SIR values (SIR.sub.COLL and SIR.sub.TxPwr) of previously
classified errors. The previously calculated values of T stored at
step 86 are transmitted as needed at step 88 to update T at step
76. Specifically, T is updated at step 76 according to:
T = mean ( SIR TxPwr ) + mean ( SIRTxPwr ) - mean ( SIR COLL )
.sigma. COLL .sigma. TxPwr + 1 , Equation ( 1 ) ##EQU00001##
where .sigma..sub.COLL and .sigma..sub.TxPwr represent respectively
the standard deviation of SIR.sub.COLL and SIR.sub.TxPwr. The
updated threshold corresponds to the midpoint between the mean of
the SIR values stored for both SIR.sub.COLL and SIR.sub.TxPwr,
weighted by their variances.
[0024] Referring again to FIG. 2, the SIR values calculated during
step 56 (error classification) are used in step 58 to record the
number of RACH opportunities where failed access attempts occurred
because of insufficient transmission power and because of code
collision. These statistics, in addition to the number of
successful attempts, are gathered over N frames as desired so that
the following is known: [0025] The number of RACH access
opportunities where successful access attempts occurred, i.e. the
number of access opportunities where there was no CRC error. [0026]
The number of RACH access opportunities where failed access
attempts occurred because of a PRACH code collision, i.e. the
number of SIR.sub.COLLs that occurred in step 56. [0027] The number
of RACH access opportunities where failed access attempts occurred
because of insufficient transmission power, i.e. the number of
SIR.sub.TxPwrs that occurred in step 56.
[0028] The information in step 58 is compiled over a window of N
frames and used in step 60 to calculate the following statistics:
[0029] R.sub.SUCCESS which is the rate of successful access
attempts per access opportunity, measured over N frames; [0030]
R.sub.COLL which is the rate of failed access opportunities per
access opportunity due to PRACH code collisions, measured over N
frames; and [0031] R.sub.TxPwr which is the rate of failed access
opportunities per access opportunity due to insufficient
transmission power, measured over N frames.
[0032] In step 62, appropriate parameters are adjusted as necessary
to ensure R.sub.COLL and R.sub.TxPwr remain within acceptable
levels. The process carried out during step 62 for maintaining
acceptable levels of collision and power errors is shown in FIG. 4
and indicated with reference numeral 100. In general, the process
100 evaluates the values of R.sub.COLL and R.sub.TxPwr with respect
to a predetermined range and, if necessary, adjusts parameters
capable of controlling R.sub.COLL and R.sub.TxPwr to maintain an
acceptable rate of errors.
[0033] More specifically, upon reception of R.sub.COLL and
R.sub.TxPwr (step 102), R.sub.COLL is evaluated (step 104). If
R.sub.COLL is less than a predetermined minimum value,
R.sub.COLL.sub.--.sub.min, a parameter capable of controlling
R.sub.COLL is decreased preferably by 1, thereby permitting
R.sub.COLL to increase (step 106). If R.sub.COLL is greater than a
predetermined maximum value, R.sub.COLL.sub.--.sub.max, the same
parameter is increased preferably by 1, thereby causing R.sub.COLL
to decrease (step 108). If R.sub.COLL is within
R.sub.COLL.sub.--.sub.min and R.sub.COLL.sub.--.sub.max, the
parameter remains unchanged (step 109).
[0034] The preferred parameter for controlling R.sub.COLL is DPL
and the DPL is preferably controlled at Node B. Current UTRAN
architecture allows the Node B to generate the contents of certain
system information blocks (SIBs) such as SIB 7 which generates the
DPL making it possible to control the DPL and therefore R.sub.COLL
at Node B. The DPL is updated following every execution of the
process according to:
PL=min(max(PL+.DELTA..sub.PL,PL.sub.MIN),PL.sub.MAX), Equation
(2)
where PL represents the persistence level, .DELTA.PL represents the
change in persistence level, and PL.sub.MIN and PL.sub.MAX
represent the minimum and maximum values of PL, respectively.
[0035] Referring again to FIG. 4, the next step 110 is to evaluate
R.sub.TxPwr. If R.sub.TxPwr is less than a predetermined value,
R.sub.TxPwr.sub.--.sub.min, a parameter capable of controlling
R.sub.TxPwr is decreased preferably by 1, thereby permitting
R.sub.TxPwr to increase (step 112). If R.sub.TxPwr is greater than
a predetermined maximum value, R.sub.TxPwr.sub.--.sub.max, the same
parameter is increased preferably by 1, thereby causing R.sub.TxPwr
to decrease (step 114). If R.sub.TxPwr is between
R.sub.TxPwr.sub.--.sub.min and R.sub.TxPwr.sub.--.sub.max, the
parameter remains unchanged (step 116).
[0036] The preferred parameter for controlling R.sub.TxPwr is a
power offset which allows UE transmission power to be controlled at
the Node B along with the DPL. An IBTS parameter corresponds to the
IE "individual timeslot interference" that is broadcast at the Node
B in SIB 14. Conventionally, the value of the IE "individual
timeslot interference" should correspond to the Interference Signal
Code Power (ISCP) per timeslot measured at the Node B receiver.
Assuming that RACH timeslots are dedicated for RACH transmission
only, however, a power offset can be added as follows,
IBTS=ISCP+Power Offset, Equation (3)
so that the power offset determines the increase or reduction in
transmission power and corresponding R.sub.TxPwr. Controlling UE
transmission power by adding a power offset to the ISCP which
represents the IE allows mobiles to be fooled into increasing or
decreasing their transmission power by trying to overcome a level
of interference that is different from the level of interference
that is measured at the Node B. Again, this allows R.sub.TxPwr to
be adjusted by adjusting the power offset. The primary advantage of
controlling UE transmission power through SIB 14 is that it can be
performed at the Node B along with the DPL. A secondary advantage
of using the power offset is that changes in UE transmission power
can be updated more rapidly because they are being managed at the
Node B and not the RNC. As a result, the system can react more
rapidly to required changes in UE transmission power.
[0037] The power offset is updated according to:
TxPwr=min(max(TxPwr+.DELTA..sub.TxPwr,TxPwr.sub.MIN),TxPwr.sub.MAX),
Equation (4)
where TxPwr represents transmission power level, .DELTA..sub.TxPwr
represents the change in transmission power level, and
TxPwr.sub.MIN and TxPwr.sub.MAX represent the minimum and maximum
values of TxPwr, respectively.
[0038] The parameter control process 100 gathers RACH statistics
over N frames, at which point updated RACH parameters are
suggested. Outputs of the process 100, which as explained above,
are the updated DPL and the updated power offset, are provided
every N frames. The parameter control process 100 execution period,
N, typically lies in a range of 25 to 100 frames. The choice of
window size has a large impact on the performance of the process.
Since the process 100 is executed every N frames, N should be small
enough such that the process 100 promptly responds to rapid changes
in RACH load. On the other hand, N should be large enough such that
RACH statistics are well averaged. Sporadic behavior in RACH
statistics is detrimental when comparing to theoretical
statistics.
[0039] Referring to again to FIG. 3, although a preferred method
for updating T is described in connection with Equation 1, it is
important to note that T may updated in a variety of ways.
Additional examples of how T may be updated include the following.
First, the threshold may be updated following the reception of an
error-free RACH burst. If the SIR or RSP of the error-free burst is
below the threshold T, the threshold is reduced by .DELTA..sub.1.
If the SIR or RSP of the error-free burst is above the threshold T,
the threshold is increased by .DELTA..sub.2. The threshold
increment, .DELTA..sub.1, and decrement, .DELTA..sub.2, could be
either fixed, change with time or change with other conditions. For
example, the threshold could be a function of the difference
between the measured SIR and the threshold, T.
[0040] Additionally, it is possible to consider the number of codes
that were transmitted in the RACH timeslot when determining the
cause of a transmission error. As the number of received codes
increases, the required SNR for successful detection should
increase. Different thresholds could be established for different
numbers of transmitted codes. Furthermore, a correction factor may
be added to the threshold T that depends on the number of
transmitted codes within the timeslot.
[0041] Finally, in systems that employ open loop power control for
transmission over a RACH, it is proposed to consider power control
parameters when determining the comparison threshold, T. For
example, consider the UTRA TDD system whose power control equation
for RACH is shown in equation 3. The computation of UE transmission
power involves an IBTS term, which is based on the ISCP measured
when SIB 14 was last acquired. It is highly possible that the ISCP
measurement of the current timeslot differs from the ISCP
measurement that was used to generate the IE "individual timeslot
interference." The current timeslot ISCP may be used in conjunction
with the measured ISCP that was used to generate the IE "individual
timeslot interference." The SIR measurements for both erroneous and
error-free RACH burst may also be normalized by the difference
between the two ISCP measurements.
[0042] Although the present invention has been described in detail,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto,
and that various changes can be made therein without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the
attached claims.
* * * * *