APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING INDICATION OF PERSISTENT ALLOCATION ON L1/L2

CONTROL CHANNEL

TECHNICAL FIELD:

The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of this invention relate generally to wireless communication systems, methods, devices and computer program products and, more specifically, relate to techniques to provide a persistent resource allocation to a network node, such as a user equipment.

BACKGROUND:

Various abbreviations that appear in the specification and/or in the drawing figures are defined as follows:

3GPP third generation partnership project aGW access gateway

ARQ automatic repeat request

CDM code division multiplexing

CQI channel quality indicator

DL downlink

DRX discontinuous reception eNB EUTRAN Node B (evolved Node B)

EUTRAN evolved UTRAN

FDD frequency division duplex

FDMA frequency division multiple access

HARQ hybrid automatic repeat request

HO handover

HSDPA high speed downlink packet access

HSUPA high speed uplink packet access

LTE long term evolution

MAC medium access control

NDI new data indicator

i

Node B base station

OFDM orthogonal frequency domain multiplex

PDCCH physical downlink control channel

PDSCH physical downlink shared channel

PHY physical (layer 1 or Ll)

PS packet scheduler

RRC radio resource control (layer 3 or L3)

RSN retransmission sequence number

RV redundancy version

SCCH shared control channel

SC-FDMA single carrier, frequency division multiple access

TBS transport block size

TTI transmission time interval

UE user equipment

UL uplink

UTRAN universal terrestrial radio access network

VoIP voice over internet protocol

A proposed communication system known as evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN, also referred to as UTRAN-LTE or as 3.9G/LTE) is currently under discussion within the 3GPP. The current working assumption is that the DL access technique will be OFDMA, and the UL technique will be SC-FDMA.

In LTE some type of persistent allocation is planned to be used, such as for VoIP users. In this context 'persistent allocation' means allocating some resources to a given UE in a persistent or continuous manner, in contrast to allocating the resources dynamically each time they are needed. The purpose of the persistent allocation includes conserving Ll control signaling which would normally be used for dynamic allocation. Persistent allocation may be typically given to a UE having some low bit rate service with a fairly constant bit rate, e.g., a UE involved in VoIP, hi general, persistent allocation defines the time-frequency resources the UE is allowed to use, as well as the transport format (e.g., modulation and coding scheme, transport block size) to be used during the

allocation.

In HSDPA a type of persistent allocation is the HS-SCCH-less transmission. There the allocation is given via RRC signaling. The Ll control channel (HS-SCCH) is only used for retransmissions (the HS-SCCH type 2 is indicated with a special value of the TBS field). For HSUPA, a non-scheduled transmission mode is specified which may be viewed as a type of persistent allocation, and which is configured via RRC signaling.

For LTE the persistent allocation has been proposed to be signaled via RRC signaling or via both RRC and Ll control signaling. In the case of Ll control signaling the persistent allocation has been proposed to be indicated with separate bit(s) which indicate whether the allocation is persistent or dynamic (a one time allocation), and possibly also to indicate a persistency pattern.

Reference may be had to, for example, 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 #55, R2-062788, Seoul (Korea), 9 - 13 Oct 2006, NEC, "Persistent scheduling and dynamic allocation"; 3ϋPP TSG-RAN WG2 Ad Hoc on LTE, R2-061920, Cannes, France, 27 ^th -30 ^th June 2006, NTT DoCoMo, Inc. "Persistent Scheduling"; 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Ad Hoc on LTE, R2-061994, Cannes, France, 27 ^th -30 ^th June 2006, Motorola,. "Rl-061734 Scheduling for Voice"; 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #57, R2-070475, St. Louis, USA, 12 - 16 February 2007, Nokia, "Downlink Scheduling for VoIP "; and 3GPP TSG- RAN WG2 Meeting #57, R2-070476, St. Louis, USA, 12 - 16 February 2007, Nokia, "Uplink Scheduling for VoIP ".

Reference can also be had to 3GPP TR 25.814, Vl.5.0 (2006-5), 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; Physical Layer Aspects for Evolved UTRA (Release 7), specifically section 9.1.2.5.

SUMMARY

The following summary provides exemplary and non-limiting example in accordance with this invention.

An exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is a method providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The method includes

allocating resources for use in a persistent transmission of data packets. An indication of the persistent allocation is transmitted on a physical layer channel and one or more parameters for using the allocated resources are also transmitted. The indication includes one or more predetermined values of either a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version or a retransmission sequence number.

Another exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is a method providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The method includes receiving an indication of a persistent allocation on a physical layer channel. One or more parameters for using the allocated resources are also received. The indication of the resource allocation classification includes one or more predetermined values of either a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version or a retransmission sequence number.

A further exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is an apparatus providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The apparatus includes a processing unit and a transmitter. The processing unit can allocate resources for use in a transmission of data packets and to transmit via the transmitter an indication of a persistent allocation on a physical layer channel and one or more parameters for using the allocated resources. The indication includes one or more predetermined values of a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version and/or a retransmission sequence number.

Another exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is an apparatus providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The apparatus includes a processing unit and a receiver. The processing unit can receive via the receiver an indication of a persistent allocation on a physical layer channel and receive via the receiver one or more parameters for using the allocated resources. The indication of the resource allocation classification includes one or more predetermined values of a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version and/or a retransmission sequence number.

A further exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is an apparatus providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The apparatus includes a means for allocating resources for use in a transmission of data packets. A means for transmitting an indication of a persistent allocation on a physical

layer channel and one or more parameters for using the allocated resources is also included. The indication includes one or more predetermined values of a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version and/or a retransmission sequence number.

Another exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is an apparatus providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The apparatus includes a means for receiving an indication of a persistent allocation on a physical layer channel and one or more parameters for using the allocated resources. A means for storing the one or more parameters for using the allocated resources is also included. The indication of the resource allocation classification includes one or more predetermined values of a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version and/or a retransmission sequence number.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the attached Drawing Figures:

Figures 1-4 illustrate various exemplary embodiments in accordance with this invention:

Figure 1 shows the use of a predetermined RV value to indicate persistent allocation;

Figure 2 shows the use of a predetermined RSN value to indicate persistent allocation;

Figure 3 shows the use of predetermined HARQ id and RV values to indicate persistent allocation; and

Figure 4 also shows the use of a predetermined RSN value to indicate persistent allocation, but for the UL.

Figure 5 illustrates conventional N-process SAW HARQ.

Figure 6 shows a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention.

Figure 7 is a logic flow diagram that illustrative of a method and operation of computer programs product(s) in accordance with exemplary embodiments of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There are several possible techniques to indicate the persistent allocation to the UE. These can include the use of RRC signaling, MAC signaling, or L1/L2 control signaling. An exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is concerned with the L 1 /L2 control signaling approach, where a problem that arises is how best (e.g., most efficiently) to indicate that the allocation is a persistent allocation and not a normal dynamic/one-time allocation.

Reference is made first to Figure 6 for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention. In Figure 6, a wireless network 1 is adapted for communication with a UE 10 via a Node B (base station) 12, also referred to herein as an eNB 12. The network 1 may include a network control element (NCE) 14, such as an aGW through which an external network connection may be made, such as one to the Internet. The eNB 12 may also be connected directly to the Internet.

The UE 10 includes a data processor (DP) 1OA, a memory (MEM) 1OB that stores a program (PROG) 1OC, and a suitable radio frequency (RF) transceiver 1OD for bidirectional wireless communications with the Node B 12, which also includes a DP 12 A, a MEM 12B that stores a PROG 12C, and a suitable RF transceiver 12D. The Node B 12 is coupled via a data path 13 to the NCE 14 that also includes a DP 14A and a MEM 14B storing an associated PROG 14C. At least one of the PROGs 1OC and 12C is assumed to include program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP, enable the electronic device to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as will be discussed below in greater detail.

That is, the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented at least in part by computer software executable by the DP 1 OA of the UE 10 and by the DP 12 A of the Node B 12, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

In general, the various embodiments of the UE 10 can include, but are not limited to,

cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

The MEMs 1OB, 12B and 14B may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The DPs 1OA, 12A and 14A may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Discussing now in further detail the exemplary embodiments of this invention, for asynchronous HARQ it is possible to reserve one (or several) HARQ process(es) for persistent allocation. The reservation may be performed, e.g., via RRC signaling. Thus, the HARQ process identification (id) is descriptive of whether the allocation is a normal dynamic (one-time) allocation or is a persistent allocation to be stored and used for subsequent transmissions. The redundancy version (RV) or retransmission sequence number (RSN) may be used to distinguish between an initial transmission (which is sent with Ll control only if the persistent allocation is changed) and retransmission (e.g., RV=0/RSN=0 is reserved only for initial transmission).

For synchronous HARQ (where the HARQ process id is not explicitly signaled), and also for asynchronous HARQ, the persistent allocation can be indicated with a special value of the RV or RSN, e.g., one value of RV or RSN is reserved to indicate that the allocation is persistent and should be stored for future use. The special value can be defined to indicate, in addition to the persistent allocation, also a given value for the

corresponding field.

First, though, a review of the current understanding in EUTRAN is that the resource allocation sent to the UE 10, for either the DL or UL, is sent in the DL L1/L2 control channel or PDCCH. The allocation indicates (at least): the modulation scheme to be used, (2 bits); the frequency allocation (for DL the PRBs (physical resource blocks) to be used, for UL the RUs (resource units) to be used), where the number of bits depends on the bandwidth; the transport block size (the number of information bits or, more precisely, the number of bits coming from layers higher than Ll, (5-7 bits)); alternatively, the modulation scheme and the transport block size can be signaled together as MCS (modulation and coding scheme)

HARQ parameters (HARQ process id for asynchronous HARQ (3 bits), redundancy version (RV) (2-3 bits) or retransmission sequence number (RSN) (2-3 bits), and possibly also a new data indicator (NDI) (1 bit), although RSN (or RV) can carry this information as well);

MIMO related information; and possibly the duration of the transmission.

Note in the foregoing that the numbers of bits indicated are suggestions, as at the present time these have not been finalized.

The PDCCH is sent during the first (maximum) three OFDM symbols of a TTI (where the TTI is currently specified to be 1 ms in duration and contain 14 OFDM symbols). The PDCCH is convolutionally coded. There may be several PDCCHs (sent to different UEs) and one UE 10 may follow a subset (or all) of the PDCCHs.

Described now in further detail, and in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, a persistent allocation is indicated with the HARQ process id for the case of asynchronous HARQ, or may be indicated by defining a special value for the RV or RSN.

Discussing first the exemplary embodiments where persistent allocation is indicated with the HARQ process id: for N-process stop and wait (SAW) HARQ, the minimum number of HARQ processes is dictated by the minimum round trip time (RTT) of the HARQ ₅ and fewer HARQ processes require faster processing at both the transmitter and receiver.

Reference in this regard can be made to Figure 5, which shows a conventional N-process stop-and-wait (SAW) HARQ operation (N=4 in this example). There are N parallel HARQ processes, each operating in the SAW mode. A packet is sent in process 0 (HARQ id=0). After a predefined delay an ACKTNAK is sent for this process. Here a NAK (N) is sent and the packet is retransmitted in process 0. Parallel to process 0, other data packets are sent in other processes (here 1 , 2, and 3). The HARQ can be synchronous as shown, where the processes are at predefined locations and retransmissions always occur after the predefined delay.

For synchronous HARQ, the HARQ process id is not necessarily transmitted (it can be associated instead, e.g., to system frame numbers). The HARQ can also be asynchronous, meaning that the retransmissions may be delayed (e.g., if the channel is occupied by some other user). For asynchronous HARQ, the HARQ process id may be explicitly signaled. It can be signaled, e.g., on the L1/L2 control channel (PDCCH) together with other parameters.

A current understanding is that a maximum of five or six HARQ processes will be required for LTE. If asynchronous HARQ is used, then the HARQ process id is sent on the Ll control channel. For a case where five or six HARQ processes can be used, a three bit process id is needed instead for identification purposes. For normal operation only the five or six, out of eight possible processes (those possible to be encoded by three bits), are used. During normal dynamic scheduling the HARQ process id is used to indicate which transmissions should be combined. In addition to the HARQ process id, the new data indicator (NDI) and/or redundancy version (RV) or retransmission sequence number (RSN) are used to indicate a new transmission or a retransmission.

In the HSDPA case the NDI field is used to indicate which packets within one HARQ process should be combined (e.g., those with the same value of NDI). Whenever the NDI bit is toggled, the HARQ memory is flushed and the transmission is interpreted as a new transmission. In HSUPA, RSN is used to indicate whether a packet is a new packet (i.e., first transmission) by RSN=O, or a retransmission by RSN>0. In HSUPA the value of RSN also indicates the RV to be used for that transmission. In addition to NDI or RSN, RV may also be used to indicate where a new transmission starts by reserving one RV (e.g., RV=O) for initial transmission only, and using the other RV values for retransmissions.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, one (or more) of the HARQ processes can be reserved for persistent allocation. The reservation can be done, e.g., with RRC (Layer 3) signaling, i.e. with 'higher layer signaling'.

For the downlink (DL), the eNB 12 operation may be as follows:

(A) The eNB 12 configures one (or more) HARQ processes for a (semi-)persistent allocation and sends this information to the UE 10 via RRC signaling. The RRC signaling may also indicate other parameters required for semi-persistent operation (e.g., the periodicity, i.e., how often the persistent allocation is in use).

(B) When the eNB 12 needs to allocate some resource to the UE 10 persistently (to be used by the UE 10, e.g., every 20 ms), it sends that allocation on the Ll control channel (which may employ an allocation table (AT)). The eNB 12 also sets the HARQ process id to (one of) the preconfigured value(s) and sets the RV or RSN to 0 (or any other predefined value which indicates initial transmission). The UE 10 receives the packet using the parameters and stores the parameters for future use.

(C) Thereafter, the eNB 12 may simply send new packets to the UE 10 by using the persistently allocated resources and transport format, and without sending the Ll control channel, thereby conserving DL bandwidth and resources.

(D) In an exemplary embodiment, retransmissions are separately allocated using the Ll control channel (HARQ process id is the one pre-allocated for persistent allocation and RV or RSN indicates retransmission). Retransmissions may also be sent in persistently allocated resources without Ll control, while still using the embodiments of

this invention. However, it may be preferred to schedule the retransmissions.

The UE 10 operation may be as follows:

(A) The UE 10 receives via RRC signaling a configuration which configures one (or more) HARQ processes for (semi-)persistent allocation (together with other semi-persistent allocation parameters). The UE 10 stores these parameters.

(B) In every TTI (where the UE is to receive due to DRX), the UE 10 reads the Ll control channel.

If the Ll control channel is for the configured HARQ process, and indicates initial transmission (e.g., RV=O or RSN=O), the UE 10 receives the packet on the associated data channel according to the parameters and stores the parameters for future use. If the reception is successful (e.g., the received data is successfully decoded) the UE 10 sends an ACK to the eNB 12, and if not successful the UE 10 sends a NAK and stores the data in an associated HARQ buffer 1OE.

If instead the Ll control is for the configured HARQ process and indicates retransmission (RV>0 or RSN>0), the UE 10 combines the packet on the associated data channel with the initial transmission and decodes the resulting combination (combined data). If the decoding is successful, the UE 10 sends the ACK, otherwise it sends the NAK and stores the combined data in the HARQ buffer 1OE.

If instead the Ll control is for some other HARQ process, the UE 10 receives the packet on the data channel (but does not store the parameters), and if it is a retransmission, the UE 10 combines the received data with an earlier transmission and decodes the combined data. If successful, the UE 10 sends the ACK, and if not successful the UE 10 sends the NAK and stores the data in the HARQ buffer 1OE.

If instead there is no Ll control, the UE 10 attempts to decode using the stored parameters (provided that the semi-persistent allocation is valid in the current TTI). If decoding is successful, and the data was for the UE 10 (e.g., based on a UE-specific CRC on data channel), the UE 10 sends the ACK, and if not successful the UE 10 stores data in the HARQ buffer 1OE of the configured HARQ process but does not send the NAK.

While asynchronous HARQ could be used for the UL as well, the current working assumption in 3GPP for EUTRAN is that asynchronous HARQ will be used in the DL

and synchronous HARQ will be used in the UL.

Discussed now are the embodiments of persistent allocation indicated by the special value of RV or RSN.

For synchronous HARQ (where the HARQ process id is not explicitly signaled), and also for asynchronous HARQ, the persistent allocation may be indicated with the special value for the RV or RSN, i.e., (at least) one value of the RV or RSN may be reserved to indicate that the allocation is persistent and should be stored for future use.

As a non-limiting example, if the RSN is used, then RSN=O indicates the first transmission, RSN=I indicates the first retransmission, and so forth. If, for example, three bits are reserved for conveying the RSN value, then the largest possible value is seven.

In this non-limiting example one may reserve the RSN value of seven to indicate a (semi-)persistent allocation. Thus, RSN=O indicates a first transmission (e.g., one-time allocation without storing the parameters), RSN=I indicates the first retransmission, etc., while RSN=7 indicates the first transmission for a (semi-)persistent allocation (and the associated parameters are stored by the UE 10 for future use). The largest value of RSN (e.g., seven, assuming a three bit RSN field) may be reserved for this purpose.

If, as a further non-limiting example, the RSN is signaled with two bits, then the largest value for RSN is three and that value may then be used for indicating the persistent allocation. Similar to HSUPA, the RSN may indicate the redundancy version used in the transmission.

Similarly, if the explicit RV is used instead of RSN, one RV value maybe reserved to indicate the (semi-)persistent allocation. For example, RV=3 may be reserved to indicate the persistent allocation. The RV=3 may have the same meaning as some other RV from the redundancy version point of view, or it may be different (but preferably it is self- decodable).

One advantage of using RSN or RV is that they can be used for both synchronous and

asynchronous HARQ, and with asynchronous HARQ, any HARQ process id can be used for persistent allocation.

The operation of the eNB 12 for the UL data transmission with (semi-)persistent allocation may be as follows:

(A) The eNB 12 configures one RSN (or RV) for (semi-)persistent allocation and sends that information to the UE 10 via RRC signaling (the RRC signaling may also convey other parameters required for semi-persistent operation, such as the periodicity, i.e., how often the persistent allocation is in use). Alternatively the reserved RV or RSN is specified and eNB 12 then simply switches the feature on using RRC signaling.

(B) When the eNB 12 allocates some resource to the UE 10 persistently (e.g., to be used by the UE, e.g., every 20 ms), it sends that allocation on the Ll control channel (e.g., by using the AT) and sets the RSN (or RV) to the specified/configured value. The UE 10 transmits the packet using the allocated parameters and stores the parameters for future use.

(C) Subsequently the eNB 12 simply receives new packets from the UE 10 by using the persistently allocated resources and transport format without sending the UL allocation on the Ll control channel.

(D) In the preferred embodiment retransmissions are separately allocated using the Ll control channel, where the RSN (or RV) indicates the retransmission in a conventional manner. Retransmissions can also be sent in persistently allocated resources without Ll control, while still using the exemplary embodiments of this invention, although scheduling of the retransmissions may be preferred.

For the UL, the UE 10 operation may be as follows:

(A) The UE 10 receives via RRC signaling a configuration which configures one RSN (or RV) for (semi-)persistent allocation (the signaling may also convey other semi-persistent allocation parameters) or, alternatively if RSN (or RV) to be used for semi-persistent allocation is specified in a standard, the UE 10 receives the RRC signaling that switches the feature on.

(B) In every TTI (where the UE 10 is scheduled to receive due to DRX) the UE 10

reads the Ll control channel.

If the RSN (or RV) on the Ll control channel indicates persistent allocation, the UE 10 transmits the packet on the UL data channel according to the parameters and stores the parameters for future use.

If the Ll control indicates retransmission (RV>0 or RSN>0), the UE 10 sends the retransmission packet on the UL data channel according to the parameters received on the Ll control channel.

If instead the RSN (or RV) on the Ll control channel indicates a new transmission, the UE 10 sends the packet on the UL data channel according to the parameters (but does not store the parameters).

If there is no Ll control for the UE 10, and the semi-persistent allocation is valid in the current TTI, the UE 10 sends a (new) packet according to the stored parameters.

The foregoing aspects of this invention are now explained further by reference to Figures 1-4.

Figure 1 illustrates the use of the predetermined RV value (e.g., RV=3) to indicate persistent allocation for the case of DL data traffic. The DL allocation (DLA) message sent on the PDCCH contains among other things the redundancy version (RV). Here, as a non-limiting example, two bits are allocated for the RV and, thus, may have values 0, 1, 2, and 3. RV=O is reserved for initial transmission (normal non-persistent) and that RV=3 is reserved for initial transmission of persistent allocation.

When the UE 10 receives the PDCCH with RV=3, it decodes the data on the associated shared data channel (PDSCH) and stores the parameters sent on the PDCCH. The persistent allocation is used periodically, here once per 20 ms (which may be configured by the network 1, e.g., by using RRC signaling). Thus, the second data (e.g., VoIP) packet (DLP #2) in Figure 1 is sent without L1/L2 control signaling (e.g., on the PDCCH) and instead the stored persistent parameters are used by the UE 10 to decode the data.

In this example, the decoding fails and the UE 10 may send a NAK to the eNB 12, and the eNB 12, in response, retransmits the packet. L1/L2 control signaling is sent for retransmissions and the redundancy version RV=I is used (here RV>0 and RV not equal

to 3, which indicates that this is a retransmission and a one time allocation).

The third packet (DLP #3) in Figure 1 is also sent without L1/L2 control.

The fourth packet (DLP #4) is sent with L1/L2 control signaling since it may have a different format from the persistent allocation. Here the allocation is a one-time allocation indicated with RV=O (indicating an initial transmission and not to store the parameters).

The last data packet shown in Figure 1 (DLP #5) is sent with L1/L2 control signaling and indicates that this allocation is a persistent allocation (RV=3), causing the UE 10 to store the associated parameters for future use.

In this example the HARQ process id (see Figure 5) can be any value, since the persistent allocation is indicated with the special value of RV (RV=3 in this example).

Figure 2 shows the use of a predetermined RSN value to indicate persistent allocation. That is, instead of using the RV as in Figure 1 , the RSN is used instead. In Figure 2, as a non-limiting example, the RSN field is 3 bits and has values 0-7, and RSN=7 is reserved to indicate the persistent allocation. Otherwise the value of RSN indicates the number of the transmission: RSN=O for initial transmission, RSN=I for first retransmission, RSN=2 for the second retransmission, etc. Here, the HARQ id can be any value, i.e., the persistent allocation can be given to any HARQ process.

When a new persistent allocation is received (e.g., the last transmission in Figure 2, DLP #5) it can either override the previous persistent allocation (e.g., the first transmission in Fig 2, especially if the HARQ process is the same as in the previous persistent allocation) or it can give a new persistent allocation to be used in another HARQ process, i.e., there could be several parallel persistent allocations at the same time.

Figure 3 illustrates the use of predetermined HARQ id and RV values to indicate persistent allocation, and shows a non-limiting example where one HARQ process id is reserved for persistent allocation (as anther example, several HARQ process ids may be reserved for persistent allocation).

When an allocation for HARQ process 7 (HARQ id=7) is received by the UE 10, with RV/RSN=0 (which indicates initial transmission), then the associated parameters are stored by the UE 10.

The second packet (DLP #2) requires retransmission which is sent with HARQ id=7, but now RV/RSN=1 indicating a retransmission and thus the parameters are not stored by the UE 10.

The fourth packet (DLP #4) is sent for another HARQ process (HARQ id=l) and therefore the parameters are not stored.

The last packet (DLP #5) is again an initial transmission for HARQ process 7 and the parameters are stored by the UE 10, as thus indicating a persistent allocation.

Figure 4 also illustrates the use of the predetermined RSN value to indicate persistent allocation, and shows data transmission in the UL. Here, the UL allocation is sent in the DL L1/L2 control channel (PDCCH). Since the UL HARQ is synchronous, the HARQ process id is not transmitted. In this non-limiting example the persistent allocation is indicated by RSN=7 (the last uplink packet ULP #5).

For the first three packets ULP #1 -ULP #3 a persistent allocation which has been sent earlier is used. For the second transmission a retransmission is needed which is indicated with RSN=I.

The fourth packet in this figure is scheduled dynamically (one-time allocation) which is indicated with RSN=O. Note in this Figure that RR is a resource request, RE ('release') is a resource release and SID is a silence descriptor.

A number of advantages can be gained by the use of the exemplary embodiments of this invention. For example, using the RSN, RV or HARQ process id to indicate the persistent allocation has the advantage that no additional bits are needed on the Ll control channel for the indication, i.e., a value (or several values) of already existing parameter can be defined and used. Thus, the normal transmissions are not burdened with additional (unnecessary) signaling bits.

The foregoing embodiments thus address and solve the problem, e.g., in EUTRAN, of how to indicate that an allocation sent on the L1/L2 control channel is a persistent allocation. These embodiments are particularly useful in a VoIP or other "talk spurt" based type of persistent allocation. The exemplary embodiments accomplish this without requiring the addition of at least one bit to the L1/L2 control channel, which has the

drawback that all dynamic allocations require use of the at least one additional bit.

In one embodiment one RSN (or RV) value is reserved for this purpose. Typically, as in HSUPA, the RSN indicates the retransmission sequence number where RSN=O means an initial transmission and RSN=I the first retransmission, etc. This embodiment reserves RSN=7 (assuming that 3 bits are used for RSN) to indicate an initial persistent allocation. When the UE 10 receives this allocation it uses it as normal allocation and, in addition, stores the parameters for future use. The HARQ retransmissions occur normally with RSN=I, 2, etc. (up to 6).

Alternatively, RV can be employed for this purpose, where, for example, RV=O is reserved for the initial transmission, and RV>0 for retransmissions. Typically, three redundancy versions are sufficient to obtain the incremental redundancy gain. Thus, even with just two bits reserved for RV, one may reserve RV=3 to indicate an initial persistent transmission (to be stored by the UE 10). Note that redundancy version RV=3 may have the same meaning as RV=O (or RV=I or RV=2), and can additionally indicate that this resource allocation be stored for future use as well.

While certain embodiments apply to the UL where the HARQ process id is not signaled (e.g., synchronous HARQ), in the DL one HARQ process may be allocated for persistent allocation. Note that it may also be possible to use an extra, unnumbered HARQ process to be allocated for persistent allocation, but in this case additional HARQ buffers may be needed. The indication of the persistent allocation may simply be done with the HARQ process id and RSN/RV indicating the initial transmission (retransmissions need not be stored) and thus have the full flexibility for HARQ.

For a case where there are three bits reserved for the HARQ process id, in some networks all of these process ids may be used for dynamically scheduled H-ARQ (leaving no option for the persistent indication within the HARQ process id). In this case a reserved RSN/RV may be used (although it may increase the memory requirement compared to reserving one HARQ process for the persistent allocation).

In another case, and in order to provide full flexibility to persistently allocated UEs 10 in terms of HARQ retransmission freedom, one may reserve a full HARQ process for persistent allocation (with full flexibility maintained in the RSN/RV domain).

The use and interpretations of special values (e.g., RV/RSN or HARD id values) need only apply for persistent allocation UEs 10, and that RRC signaling may be used to selectively turn the feature on and off. When not turned on, normal HARQ operation (without limitation), HARQ id and RSN/RV interpretation may be assumed. Even when the feature is turned on via RRC signaling, and especially in a case when one particular HARQ process is reserved for persistent allocation and a special value of RSN or RV is reserved for indication of persistent allocation, normal interpretation of RSN or RV can be assumed in other HARQ processes.

Based on the foregoing, and referring to Figure 7, it should be apparent that the exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a method, apparatus and computer program product(s) to (Block 7A) receive at a UE the provision of a persistent resource allocation by the use of L1/L2 HARQ-related signaling and, in response, (Block 7B) for the UE to store associated communication parameters for use in one of sending or receiving data during a time that the persistent resource allocation is in effect.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the method, apparatus and computer program product(s) above, the HARQ-related signaling comprises a predetermined value of a redundancy version (RV) information element.

In another exemplary embodiment of the method, apparatus and computer program product(s) above, the HARQ-related signaling comprises a predetermined value of a retransmission sequence number (RSN) information element.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the method, apparatus and computer program product(s) above, the HARQ-related signaling comprises a predetermined value of a HARQ process identification, in combination with a predetermined value of a redundancy version (RV) or RSN information element.

In another exemplary embodiment of the method, apparatus and computer program product(s) above, implemented in an EUTRAN wireless communication system.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the method, apparatus and computer program product(s) of the preceding paragraphs, where the UE receives the provision of the persistent resource allocation from an evolved Node B of the EUTRAN wireless communication system.

Another exemplary embodiment of this invention further provide a method, apparatus and computer program product(s) implemented in an evolved Node B of an EUTRAN wireless communication system to indicate to a UE the provision of a persistent resource allocation by the use of L1/L2 HARQ-related signaling, where the HARQ-related signaling comprises one of a predetermined value of a redundancy version (RV) information element; a predetermined value of a retransmission sequence number (RSN) information element; and a predetermined value of a HARQ process identification, in combination with a predetermined value of the RV or RSN information element.

The exemplary embodiments of this invention further provide a method, apparatus and computer program product(s) implemented in a UE of an EUTRAN wireless communication system, where the UE is responsive to receiving HARQ-related signaling that comprises one of a predetermined value of a redundancy version (RV) information element; a predetermined value of a retransmission sequence number (RSN) information element; and a predetermined value of a HARQ process identification, in combination with a predetermined value of the RV or RSN information element, to recognize that a persistent resource allocation has been made to the UE and, in response, to store associated communication parameters for use in one of sending or receiving data during a time that the persistent resource allocation is in effect.

The exemplary embodiments of this invention further provide a method, apparatus and computer program product(s) implemented in an EUTRAN wireless communication system, where an evolved Node B operates to transmit to a UE a provision of a persistent

resource allocation by the use of L1/L2 HARQ-related signaling, where the HARQ- related signaling comprises one of a predetermined value of a redundancy version (RV) information element; a predetermined value of a retransmission sequence number (RSN) information element; and a predetermined value of a HARQ process identification, in combination with a predetermined value of the RV or RSN information element; and where the UE is responsive to receiving HARQ-related signaling to recognize that a persistent resource allocation has been made to the UE and, in response, to store associated communication parameters for use in one of sending or receiving data during a time that the persistent resource allocation is in effect.

The various blocks shown in Figure 7 may be viewed as method steps, and/or as operations that result from operation of computer program code, and/or as a plurality of coupled logic circuit elements constructed to carry out the associated function(s).

An exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is a method providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The method includes allocating iesources for use in a persistent transmission of data packets. An indication of the persistent allocation is transmitted on a physical layer channel and one or more parameters for using the allocated resources are also transmitted. The indication includes one or more predetermined values of either a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version or a retransmission sequence number.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the method above, transmitting uses hybrid automatic repeat request related signaling.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the methods above, the one or more parameters include time-frequency resources and/or transport formatting. The time- frequency resources may have a periodicity of once every 20ms.

In a further exemplary embodiment of any one of the methods above, the transmission of data packets is a voice over internet protocol based transmission.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the methods above, the method also includes transmitting a reservation of the one or more predetermined values via radio resource control signaling.

In a further exemplary embodiment of any one of the methods above, the method is

performed as a result of execution of computer program instructions stored in a computer readable memory medium.

Another exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is a method providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The method includes receiving an indication of a persistent allocation on a physical layer channel. One or more parameters for using the allocated resources are also received. The indication of the resource allocation classification includes one or more predetermined values of either a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version or a retransmission sequence number.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the method above, the method also includes in response to determining the indication of a persistent allocation indicates a persistent allocation, storing the one or more parameters.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the methods above, receiving uses hybrid automatic repeat request related signaling.

In a further exemplary embodiment of any one of the methods above, the one or more paiameters include time-fiequency iesouices and/or tiansport formatting. The time- frequency resources may have a periodicity of once every 20ms.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the methods above, the transmission of data packets is a voice over internet protocol based transmission.

In a further exemplary embodiment of any one of the methods above, the method also includes receiving a reservation of one or more predetermined values via radio resource control signaling.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the methods above, the method is performed as a result of the execution of computer program instructions stored in a computer readable memory medium.

A further exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is an apparatus providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The apparatus includes a processing unit and a transmitter. The processing unit can allocate resources for use in a transmission of data packets and to transmit via the transmitter an indication of a persistent allocation on a physical layer channel and one or more

parameters for using the allocated resources. The indication includes one or more predetermined values of a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version and/or a retransmission sequence number.

In another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus above, transmitting uses hybrid automatic repeat request related signaling.

In a further exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the one or more parameters include time-frequency resources and/or transport formatting.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the transmission of data packets is a voice over internet protocol based transmission.

In a further exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the processing unit can also transmit via the transmitter a reservation of the one or more predetermined values via radio resource control signaling.

Another exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is an apparatus providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The apparatus includes a processing unit and a receiver. The processing unit can receive via the ICCCIVCI an indication of λ peisisteiit allocation oil a physical layer channel aiiu receive via the receiver one or more parameters for using the allocated resources. The indication of the resource allocation classification includes one or more predetermined values of a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version and/or a retransmission sequence number.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus above, the apparatus also includes a memory and the processing unit can, in response to determining the indication of a persistent allocation indicates a persistent allocation, store the one or more parameters in the memory.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the receiver can receive hybrid automatic repeat request related signaling.

In a further exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the one or more parameters includes time-frequency resources and/or transport formatting.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the processing unit can also receive a reservation of one or more predetermined values via radio resource control signaling.

A further exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is an apparatus providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The apparatus includes a means for allocating resources for use in a transmission of data packets. A means for transmitting an indication of a persistent allocation on a physical layer channel and one or more parameters for using the allocated resources is also included. The indication includes one or more predetermined values of a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version and/or a retransmission sequence number.

In another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus above, the allocating means is a processing unit and the transmitting means is a transmitter.

A further exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is an apparatus providing an indication of a persistent allocation on L1/L2 control channel. The apparatus includes a means for receiving an indication of a persistent allocation on a physical layer channel and one or more parameters for using the allocated resources. A means for storing the one or more parameters for using the allocated resources is also included. The indication of the resource allocation classification includes one or more predetermined values of a hybrid automatic repeat request process identification value, a redundancy version and/or a retransmission sequence number.

In another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus above, the receiving means is a receiver and the storing means is a memory.

In general, the various exemplary embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose

circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

As such, it should be appreciated that at least some aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit chips and modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. Such software tools can automatically route conductors and locate components on a semiconductor substrate using well established rules of design, as well as libraries of pre-stored design modules. Once the design for a semiconductor circuit has been completed, the resultant design, in a standardized electronic format (e.g., Opus, GDSII, or the like) may be transmitted to a semiconductor fabrication facility for fabrication as one or more integrated circuit devices.

Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of Ih ₁ S invention may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, any and all modifications will still fall within the scope of the non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this invention.

For example, while the exemplary embodiments have been described above in the context of the E-UTRAN (UTRAN-LTE) system, it should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments of this invention are not limited for use with only this one particular type of wireless communication system, and that they may be used to advantage in other wireless communication systems.

It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two

elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables and/or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

Furthermore, some of the features of the various non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this invention may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and exemplary embodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof.