WO2014107903A1

WO2014107903A1 - Mechanism for allocation of resources

Info

Publication number: WO2014107903A1
Application number: PCT/CN2013/070422
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erlin Zeng; Pengfei Sun; Jing HAN; Haiming Wang; Wei Bai
Original assignee: Broadcom Corporation
Priority date: 2013-01-14
Filing date: 2013-01-14
Publication date: 2014-07-17

Abstract

There is proposed a mechanism for conducting a resource allocation procedure. First, resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for the communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network is provided, e.g. in the form of resource allocation patterns or a reference resource allocation. After the resource allocation information is provided, a processing information element is sent in a downlink control information signaling. The processing information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication, e.g. in the form of an indication of a resource allocation pattern to be selected or in the form of an indication how the allocated resources are to be modified.

Description

MECHANI SM FOR ALLOCATI ON OF RESOURCES

DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a mechanism for allocating resources to a communication conducted e.g. in a wireless communication network. In particular, the present invention is directed to apparatuses, methods and computer program products by means of which an allocation of resources to a communication between a communication element, such as a UE, and a communication network control element, such as an eNB, can be improved, in particular in a local area scenario.

Related background Art

Prior art which is related to this technical field can e.g. be found in technical specifications according to 3GPP TS 36.213 (e.g. version 11.1.0).

The following meanings for the abbreviations used in this specification apply:

ACK: acknowledgement

A/N: ackn owledgem en t/n on -acknowledgement

BS: base station

BW: bandwidth

CC: component carrier

CI F: carrier indication flag

CRC: cyclic redundancy check

CPU: central processing unit

CRS common reference signal

CSI: channel state information

DCI: downlink control information DL: downlink

DTX: discontinuous transmission

eNB: evolved node B

HARQ: hybrid automatic repeat request

ID: identification

LTE: Long Term Evolution

LTE- A: LTE Advanced

MCS: modulation and coding scheme

NCT: new carrier type

NDI: new data indicator

PDCCH: physical downlink control channel

PDSCH: physical downlink shared channel

PRB: physical resource block

RA: resource allocation

RB: resource blocks

RRC: radio resource control

VRB: virtual resource block

UE: user equipment

UL: uplink

In the last years, an increasing extension of communication networks, e.g. of wire based communication networks, such as the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), DSL, or wireless communication networks, such as the cdma2000 (code division multiple access) system, cellular 3rd generation (3G) communication networks like the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), enhanced communication networks based e.g. on LTE, cellular 2nd generation (2G) communication networks like the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), the General Packet Radio System (GPRS), the Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolutions (EDGE), or other wireless communication system, such as the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), took place all over the world. Various organizations, such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Telecoms & Internet converged Services & Protocols for Advanced Networks (TISPAN), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), the WiMAX Forum and the like are working on standards for telecommunication network and access environments.

A further item of new communication network system is the implementation of heterogeneous networks consisting of e.g. a "normal" communication cell (referred to as macro cell) and plural small cells which allows a better coverage and possibly outsourcing options from a communication to the macro cell to a small cell (which may be connected to the network e.g. by a backhaul network offering higher capacity), or the like. Communication conducted in the small cells can also be seen as local area communication.

There are made several developments to improve the communication performance in such heterogeneous networks. One of these is to provide a new carrier type (also referred to as NCT) which allows it to enhance system spectrum efficiency provides an improved support of heterogeneous network deployments and reduces network energy consumption. The NCT enables the optimization of small cells but can also be used in macro cells. Primarily, NCT can be used to reduce common reference signal overhead and allow the operation of downlink control channels to be based on demodulation reference signals, in a stand-alone NCT solution.

In order to achieve local area optimizations, it is found that spectrum efficiency improvement is one of the key enhancements in the NCT. In addition, control overhead reduction is identified as one potential enhancement to the local area communication scenario.

The possibility to achieve an improved spectrum efficiency based on the control overhead reduction approach is based on some special properties of local area scenarios. For example, the channel fading in local area scenarios is flatter compared with other scenarios. Furthermore, the number of active users in a cell may be small compared with the case of the macro cell. Thus, it is possible to reduce the control overhead without risking a critical system throughput loss. In order to achieve a control overhead reduction, several solutions are contemplated. For example, one possible technical direction discussed in technical contribution for 3GPP TSG RAN WG 1 meeting #66, R1 -112427, "Views on carrier aggregation enhancement for Rel-11 " is to apply one DL or UL grant to multiple subframes. This is possible since in a local area scenario it may be not necessary to update a scheduling decision (e.g. the users to be scheduled as well as the resources assigned) on a subframe basis. Furthermore, it may be not necessary that the precoding applied is changed fast. However, this approach requires changes to HARQ timing, which impacts several layer 1 and 2 procedures.

Another possible way is to directly reduce the DCI size. If the DCI size is reduced, a smaller aggregation level can be used, which in turn leads to an overhead reduction on the system level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Examples of embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus, method and computer program product by means of which an allocation of resources to a communication between a communication element, such as a

UE, and a communication network control element, such as an eNB, can be improved, in particular in a local area scenario, for example. Specifically, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, an apparatus, method and computer program product are provided by means of which spectrum efficiency can be improved by reducing a control overhead due to size reduction of the downlink control information (DCI).

This is achieved by the measures defined in the appended claims. According to an example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, a method comprising deciding to provide resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network, and determining, after the resource allocation information is provided, that a message is to be sent including a processing information element in a downlink control information signaling, wherein the information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication.

Furthermore, according to an example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform a decision function configured to decide to provide resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network, and a first determining function configured to cause, after the resource allocation information is provided, that a message is sent including a processing information element in a downlink control information signaling, wherein the information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication.

In addition, according to an example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, a method comprising determining that resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network is provided, determining, after the resource allocation information is determined to be provided, that a message is received including a processing information element in a downlink control information signaling, wherein the information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication, and deciding to perform the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication on the basis of the provided resource allocation information and the processing information element.

Furthermore, according to an example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform a first determining function configured to determine that resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network is provided, a second determining function configured to determine, after the resource allocation information is determined to be provided, that a message is received including a processing information element in a downlink control information signaling, wherein the information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication, and a processing function configured to perform the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication on the basis of the provided resource allocation information and the processing information element.

In addition, according to some examples of embodiments, there is provided, for example, a computer program product for a computer, comprising software code portions for performing the steps of the above defined methods, when said product is run on the computer. The computer program product may comprise a computer-readable medium on which said software code portions are stored. Furthermore, the computer program product may be directly loadable into the internal memory of the computer and/or transmittable via a network by means of at least one of upload, download and push procedures.

According to some example embodiments of the invention, it is possible to provide an improved mechanism for allocating of resources to a communication between a communication element, such as a UE, and a communication network control element, such as an eNB, for example in a local area scenario. In some example embodiments, spectrum efficiency is improved by reducing the size of DCI (irrespective of the DCI formal to be used) by utilizing the properties of e.g. a local area having a flatter channel structure and by reducing the DL control channel size. Specifically, by reducing the number of RA bits, the more frequency flat channel in local area environments can be utilzed. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a more configurable PRB resolution for RA indication to suit for certain local area environments. Moreover, it is possible to use different RA sizes for different transmission types, e.g. a re-transmission, by using a further information element provided e.g. with NDI information in the DCI. By means of the proposed measures, it is possible to reduce the control overhead without changing other physical layer procedures, such as HARQ timing, etc. Furthermore, flexible resource adjustments for new transmissions and re-transmissions of data can be set.

The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the some embodiments of the invention will become more apparent upon referring to the description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows an example signaling diagram illustrating a resource allocation process in a communication network structure according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a diagram illustrating an example for a resource allocation pattern set according to in some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a resource allocation process in a communication network structure according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a diagram illustrating a result of conducting a resource allocation mechanism according to some examples of embodiments of the invention. Fig. 5 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a resource allocation process in a communication network structure according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a flowchart illustrating a resource allocation procedure conducted by a communication network control element according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a resource allocation procedure conducted by a communication element according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows a block circuit diagram of a communication network control element including processing portions conducting functions according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a block circuit diagram of a communication element including processing portions conducting functions according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, some examples and some embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings. For illustrating the present invention, some examples and embodiments will be described in connection with a cellular communication network based on a 3GPP LTE-A system wherein a heterogeneous network configuration comprising a macro cell controlled by a communication network control element, such as an eNB, and one or more small cells located in the macro cell and constituted by a base station or transceiver element is employed. However, it is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to an application using such types of communication systems, but is also applicable in other types of communication systems, such as a 3GPP based UMTS communication system, an LTE based communication system, a WCDMA system etc.. A basic system architecture of a communication network where some examples of embodiments of the invention are applicable may comprise a commonly known architecture of one or more communication systems comprising a wired or wireless access network subsystem and a core network. Such an architecture may comprise one or more access network control elements, radio access network elements, access service network gateways or base transceiver stations, such as a base station or eNB, which control a coverage area also referred to as a (macro or small) cell and with which a communication element or terminal device such as a UE or another device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a UE or attached as a separate element to a UE, or the like, is capable to communicate via one or more channels for transmitting several types of data. Furthermore, core network elements such as gateway network elements, policy and charging control network elements, mobility management entities and the like may be comprised.

The general functions and interconnections of the described elements, which also depend on the actual network type, are known to those skilled in the art and described in corresponding specifications, so that a detailed description thereof is omitted herein. However, it is to be noted that several additional network elements and signaling links may be employed for a communication to or from a communication element like a UE or a communication network control element like an eNB etc., besides those described in detail herein below.

Furthermore, the described network elements, such as communication elements like UEs, communication network control elements like base stations, access nodes, eNBs, and the like, as well as corresponding functions as described herein may be implemented by software, e.g. by a computer program product for a computer, and/or by hardware. In any case, for executing their respective functions and/or algorithms, correspondingly used devices, nodes or network elements may comprise several means and components (not shown) which are required for control, processing and communication/signaling functionality. Such means may comprise, for example, one or more processor units including one or more processing portions for executing instructions, programs and for processing data, memory means for storing instructions, programs and data, for serving as a work area of the processor or processing portion and the like

(e.g. ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and the like), input means for inputting data and instructions by software (e.g. floppy disc, CD-ROM, EEPROM, and the like), user interface means for providing monitor and manipulation possibilities to a user (e.g. a screen, a keyboard and the like), interface means for establishing links and/or connections under the control of the processor unit or portion (e.g. wired and wireless interface means, an antenna, etc.) and the like. It is to be noted that in the present specification processing portions should not be only considered to represent physical portions of one or more processors, but may also be considered as a logical division of the referred processing tasks performed by one or more processors.

As described above, in order to achieve local area optimizations, spectrum efficiency improvement is desired, wherein control overhead reduction is one potential enhancement.

According to one example, it could be contemplated to use one DCI signaling to schedule multiple component carriers (CCs). By means of this, it would be possible to reduce the DCI size e.g. by sharing the HARQ process ID for all the CCs and dropping the CIF field as well as using one CRC for joint encoding. However, such an approach would require that the DCI format always contains the corresponding fields for multiple CCs, which would lead to an extra overhead e.g. when only a subset of all the CCs is scheduled. According to another example, it could be contemplated to use a structure where a primary and a secondary PDCCH structure is employed. In this case, the DCI size for the secondary PDCCH could be reduced e.g. by dropping a CRC field. However, such an approach would not reduce the control overhead in a case where both primary and secondary PDCCH are counted as overhead.

According to a still further example, it could be contemplated to downsize in a DCI signaling the RA field by restricting a bandwidth of data scheduling for e.g. a power limited UE, i.e. to address only a limited number of RBs wherein also fixed MCS level sets are employed so as to save or reduce the MCS indication field. However, restricting the scheduling to a sub-band of the entire BW or using only a subset of the MCS in a predefined manner provides an inflexible solution.

With regard to Fig. 1 , a signaling diagram illustrating a general configuration of a communication network is shown where some examples of embodiments of the invention are applicable. It is to be noted that the structure indicated in Fig. 1 shows only those devices, network elements and parts which are useful for understanding principles underlying some examples of embodiments of the invention. As also known by those skilled in the art there may be several other network elements or devices involved in a connection between the communication element (UE) and the network (i.e. the communication network control element or eNB) which are omitted here for the sake of simplicity.

In Fig. 1, reference sign 10 denotes a communication element or terminal device such as a UE or the like which is capable of communicating with the communication network.

Reference sign 20 denotes a communication network control element such as a base station or eNB controlling a communication area or cell. The UE 10 communicates with the eNB 20 via one or more communication or data paths.

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, an improved mechanism for the allocation of resources to the communication between a communication element between the UE 10 and the eNB 20 is provided where the spectrum efficiency is improved by reducing the control overhead by means of a size reduction of the downlink control information (DCI).

As indicated in Fig. 1 , as a first stage or step, at least one set of predetermined resource allocation (RA) patterns as a kind of resource allocation information is provided to the UE 10 in step S10. The RA patterns are transmitted and configured, for example, by means of a higher layer signaling from the eNB 20, such as by an RRC signaling or the like. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the RA patterns are generated in the eNB 20 or another control network element which provides the corresponding information to the eNB 20 to be forwarded to the UE 10. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the corresponding RA patterns are already preset in the UE and the communication network control element (such as the eNB 20), wherein then a corresponding signaling in step S10 can be omitted.

A format of the RA patterns according to some examples of embodiments of the invention is explained in connection with Fig. 2, which will be described later.

The predetermined number of RA patterns means, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, that e.g. 2^Λ N patterns are provided. That is, the respective resource allocation patterns can be identified according to their number or location in the set of RA patterns provided to the UE 10 (e.g. in step S10).

Next, in step S20, a processing information element is sent from the eNB 20 to the UE 10 in order to identify or select a predetermined RA pattern. That is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, a processing information element in the form of N bits is sent in a downlink control information (e.g. DCI) signaling for indicating which resources (RBs) are to be used for a communication between the UE 10 and the eNB 20, i.e. which resources are to be used for scheduling. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information is sent in the RA field of the DCI format to be used (depending on the message format, e.g. DCI format 0, 1A, 1 B, 2A, 2B etc.). That is, the N bits contained in the RA field are usable for identifying one of predetermined number of 2^Λ N RA patterns in the set of RA patterns previously provided to the UE 10.

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the parameter N is also configurable. That is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, as indicated by step S30, the eNB 20 conducts a processing so as to determine whether it is preferable to reduce the DCI size, which means less bits are available for the processing information element, or to have a higher efficiency regarding the resource allocation, which means that more RA patterns have to be selectable which in turn requires a higher number of bits for the processing information element (additional RA patterns can be provided e.g. by further higher layer signaling, if required). Depending on this determination, a suitable value for N is determined which is then configured or re-configured at the UE 10 by means of signaling in step S30. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the signaling in step S30 is conducted by means of higher layer signaling (RRC or the like).

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the resource allocation information comprises also information regarding modulation and coding schemes to be used for the communication. That is, in the RA patterns, for example, a corresponding MCS level indication is linked to a corresponding resource indication and hence identified by the corresponding value of N. This allows that the DCI is further reduced in size since the MCS field and RA field are merged into one field.

In the following, an implementation example according to some examples of embodiments of the invention is described for explaining the mechanism shown in Fig. 1. In this implementation example, it is assumed that a DCI format 2B is used in step S20, but it is to be noted that the implementation is also applicable with other DCI formats.

Usually, a resource allocation field in each PDCCH includes two parts, i.e. a resource allocation header field and information consisting of the actual RB assignment. In a PDCCH DCI format 2B with type 0 resource allocation, resource block assignment information includes a bitmap indicating the resource block groups (RBGs) that are allocated to the scheduled UE where a RBG is a set of consecutive virtual resource blocks (VRBs) of localized type. A resource block group size (P) is a function of the system bandwidth. The total number of RBGs Ν^_Α) for DL system bandwidth oi is given by N_RBG

0 then one of the RBGs is of size -P-[N^ IP\ . The bitmap is of size

Ambits with one bitmap bit per RBG such that each RBG is addressable.

Assuming now that = 100 and P= 4, then the RA field length is 25-bit. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, as described above, when using e.g. the RA patterns (i.e. configuring 2^Λ Ν RA patterns) and sending (only) the processing information element in the form of the Ν bits, the content of the RA field in the DCI format is reduced to the Ν bits, while the resources are scheduled.

Fig. 2 show an example of a format of set of RA patterns according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, wherein in the example Ν = 3 is selected (i.e. 3 bits are used as the processing information element). As can be seen in Fig. 2, there are eight states of the processing information element (000 to 111, shown in the left column of Fig. 2) so that eight different PRB subsets can be configured (i.e. eight different PRB subsets can be identified and selected for resource allocation, shown in the middle column of Fig. 2). According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, for each state of the N bits, a different number of PRBs is assigned, but it is also possible according to some other examples of embodiments of the invention that at least some of the PRBs are overlapping among the assignments corresponding to the states.

Furthermore, as indicated above, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the eNB is able to adjust the value of N (i.e. vary the number of bits and thus the number of PRB subsets which can be selected) in order to achieve the best tradeoff between RA efficiency and

DCI size. It is to be noted that with a given N, the eNB 20 is able to adjust the 2^Λ N patterns so that all the entire bandwidth is addressed (instead of being restricted to a certain sub-band). Furthermore, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention,

MCS level information is included in the set of RA patterns, which is indicated in the right column in Fig. 2 (MCS index 8, 12, 15, or the like). Thus, the MCS field and RA field are merged into single field, i.e. one processing information element can be used to determine both the RGBs and the MCS level information.

That is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, by means of a two-stage resource allocation process, it is possible to downsize the RA field in the DCI format and reduce thus the control overhead.

With regard to Fig. 3, a signaling diagram illustrating a general configuration of a communication network is shown where some further examples of embodiments of the invention are applicable. It is to be noted that the structure indicated in Fig. 3 shows only those devices, network elements and parts which are useful for understanding principles underlying some examples of embodiments of the invention. As also known by those skilled in the art there may be several other network elements or devices involved in a connection between the communication element (UE) and the network (i.e. the communication network control element or eNB) which are omitted here for the sake of simplicity.

As in the example shown in Fig. 1, in Fig. 3, reference sign 10 denotes a communication element or terminal device such as a UE or the like which is capable of communicating with the communication network, and reference sign 20 denotes a communication network control element such as a base station or eNB controlling a communication area or cell. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, an alternative mechanism for the allocation of resources to the communication between a communication element between the UE 10 and the eNB 20 is provided where the spectrum efficiency is improved by reducing the control overhead by means of a size reduction of the downlink control information (DCI).

As indicated in Fig. 3, as a first stage or step, a resource allocation (RA) is conducted for providing a kind of resource allocation information between the UE 10 and the eNB 20 in step S110.

The RA is conducted, for example, by means of an initial resource allocation using e.g. a conventional DCI format signaling without size reduction. That is, the resources allocated by means of a conventional DCI signaling are used as a starting point (also referred to as a reference RA).

Alternatively, according to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the resource allocation information to be used as a starting point (i.e. as reference RA) is an RA pattern being provided to the UE 10, for example by means of a transmission via a higher layer signaling from the eNB 20, such as by an RRC signaling or the like, or by means of preset information. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the format of the RA pattern correspond to that shown in Fig. 2, wherein according to some examples of embodiments of the invention the RA pattern comprises only one row. Next, in step S120, a processing information element is sent from the eNB 20 to the UE 10 in order to identify or select a predetermined RA pattern. That is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, a processing information element in the form of M bits is sent in a downlink control information (e.g. DCI) signaling for indicating the actual resources to be used for a communication between the UE 10 and the eNB 20, i.e. which resources are to be used for scheduling, wherein the actual resources are to be derived by means of a modification of the resources being previously used or of the resources indicated in the RA pattern, i.e. the resources according to the reference RA (or resources being allocated according to a previous modification).

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element in step S120 is sent in the RA field of the

DCI format to be used (depending on the message format, e.g. DCI format 0, 1 A, 1 B, 2A, 2B etc.).

The modification of the reference RA, which is indicated by means of the processing information element, comprises according to some examples of embodiments of the invention a shift of the RBs by a predetermined shift amount indicated by the M bits. For example, the M bits indicate a number of +1 for a shift amount (in the order of RBs) of the resources to be allocated. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the value of the M bits indicate a multiplier which is to be used for determining a shift amount by means of a predetermined basic step size communicated to the UE beforehand or being preset in the UE and the eNB. For example, the basic step size is communicated to the UE via a higher layer signaling (RRC or the like). According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the basic step size is transmitted with the RA pattern information, or the like.

In other words, by means of the modification, a differential RA is indicated for scheduling my means of the processing information element. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the parameter M is also configurable. That is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, as indicated by step S130, the eNB 20 conducts a processing so as to determine whether it is preferable to reduce the DCI size, which means less bits are available for the processing information element, or to have a higher efficiency regarding the resource allocation, which means that a greater flexibility in e.g. a shift amount is achievable which in turn requires a higher number of bits for the processing information element. Depending on this determination, a suitable value for M is determined which is then configured or re-configured at the UE 10 by means of signaling in step S130. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the signaling in step S130 is conducted by means of higher layer signaling (RRC or the like).

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the resource allocation information comprises also information regarding modulation and coding schemes to be used for the communication. That is, either the MCS level information used in the previously RA are re-used, or MCS level information is added to an RA pattern, for example similar to Fig. 2, where a corresponding MCS level indication is linked to a corresponding resource indication. This allows that the DCI is further reduced in size since the MCS field and RA field are merged into one field. In step S140, an error processing signaling is conducted. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, a corresponding error processing causing the signaling in step S140 is based on A/N reception with regard to a previous RA (reference RA or modified RA). For example, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, if it is determined that the current RA uses the RA as already used beforehand

(e.g. 4 subframes beforehand), the eNB 20 determines on the basis of the received A/N whether the previous RA was successful (i.e. if the PDCCH of 4 subframes before succeeded or not). Hence, it is possible to avoid an allocation of resources which was already not successful, so that the error processing causing signaling 140 includes e.g. a reselection of RA.

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the error processing comprises a processing where when the eNB 20 receives an

NACK or DTX from the UL feedback for the UE 10, a procedure using a conventional resource allocation (using a conventional DCI format) is restarted in order to create again a reliable reference. According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the error processing comprises a processing allowing an adjustment in every predetermined number of (few) subframes. That is, within these subframes, the differential RA is the same, i.e. the modification is repeated in every predetermined number of subframes. By means of this, it is possible that in case a PDCCH is missed, the UE 10 still knows the reference RA, due to the repetition cycle.

In the following, an implementation example according to some examples of embodiments of the invention is described for explaining the mechanism shown in Fig. 3.

In this implementation example, it is assumed that a DCI format 1A with localized virtual resource block allocation is used in step S120, but it is to be noted that the implementation is also applicable with other DCI formats.

In the present example, it is assumed that at the beginning a normal DCI format 1A is used to allocate a group of continuous VRBs to the UE 10 in step S110. When assuming a system bandwidth of 20MHz, the RA field takes 13 bits in the normal RA, which is deemed as the reference RA.

Next, in the following DL controls, the DCI applies the processing information element in the RA field, i.e. it applies the differential RA field with 2 bits only (i.e. M = 2). The resulting four states (00 to 11) indicate a shift amount and direction, e.g. in the form of [-1, 0, +1, +2] (to be multiplied with a basic step size), which results in a corresponding step offset for the differential resource allocation. The step size is e.g. predefined by higher layer signaling in unit of VRB. The RA for a current subframe is now derived by adding the offset to the RA starting point of the reference RA. This is indicated, for example, in Fig. 4 which shows a demonstration how the differential RA works. In the diagram, in the form of a block, PDSCH resources are indicated, wherein the ordinate indicates the channel response amplitude and the abscissa shows the frequency. Indicated by dashed lines are the conditions at the starting point

(i.e. before the modification caused by the processing information element is conducted, i.e. PDSCH resources 30 and channel response 35), while solid lines indicate the conditions after the modification (i.e. PDSCH resources 40 and channel response 45).

As can be seen in Fig. 4, caused by the value of M, the resources of the PDSCH are shifted in the modification by several (e.g. +2) VRBs on the frequency axis (from PDSCH resources 30 to PDSCH resources 40). In this context, when the channel response slowly changes from the condition shown by the dashed lines (reference sign 35) to the conditions shown by the solid lines (reference sign 45), the best resource allocation changes as well. The change is indicated by the offset (indicated by an arrow) and the new resource allocation becomes that shown by the solid lines (reference signs 40 and 45).

By means of the mechanism described in connection with Fig. 3, it is possible that the eNB 20 easily tracks low channel variation with little control overhead. With regard to Fig. 5, a signaling diagram illustrating a general configuration of a communication network is shown where some further examples of embodiments of the invention are applicable. It is to be noted that the structure indicated in Fig. 5 shows only those devices, network elements and parts which are useful for understanding principles underlying some examples of embodiments of the invention. As also known by those skilled in the art there may be several other network elements or devices involved in a connection between the communication element (UE) and the network (i.e. the communication network control element or eNB) which are omitted here for the sake of simplicity.

As in the case of Fig. 1, in Fig. 5, reference sign 10 denotes a communication element or terminal device such as a UE or the like which is capable of communicating with the communication network, and reference sign 20 denotes a communication network control element such as a base station or eNB controlling a communication area or cell.

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, a further improved mechanism for the allocation of resources to the communication between a communication element between the UE 10 and the eNB 20 is provided where the spectrum efficiency is improved by reducing the control overhead by means of a size reduction of the downlink control information (DCI). As indicated in Fig. 5, as a first stage or step, predetermined resource allocation (RA) patterns as a kind of resource allocation information are provided to the UE 10 in step S210. The RA patterns are transmitted and configured, for example, by means of a higher layer signaling from the eNB 20, such as by an RRC signaling or the like.

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the RA patterns are generated in the eNB 20 or another control network element which provides the corresponding information to the eNB 20 to be forwarded to the UE 10. According to some alternative examples of embodiments of the invention, the corresponding RA patterns are already preset in the UE and the communication network control element (such as the eNB 20), wherein then a corresponding signaling in step S210 can be omitted. A format of the RA patterns according to some examples of embodiments of the invention is such that a pre-selection of different (at least two) sets RA patterns is possible. For example, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the sets of RA patterns to be used are similar to that explained in connection with Fig. 2. However, instead of only one set of RA patterns (e.g. the eight RA patterns shown in Fig. 2), the RA patterns according to the present examples of embodiments of the invention comprises (at least) two of these sets (i.e. 2^*8 RA patterns, for example), wherein each set can be selected on the basis of a classifier information or the like (to be explained later).

The respective RA patterns of each set can be identified, for example, by means of a processing information element as described in connection with Fig .1. That is, for example, 2^Λ N patterns are provided in each set, wherein the respective resource allocation pattern can be identified according to the number or location in the set of RA patterns.

Next, in step S220, a processing information element is sent from the eNB 20 to the UE 10 in order to identify or select one RA pattern, wherein in addition a classification indicator is transmitted. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the classification indicator is a transmission type classification indicator which is used to discriminate between a new transmission of data and a re-transmission of date. It is to be noted that the processing information element may have a form as described in connection with Fig. 1, i.e. N bits sent in the RA field of the downlink control information (e.g. DCI) signaling for indicating which resources (RBs) are to be used for the communication (i.e. identifying one of the predetermined number of 2^Λ N RA patterns in each of the sets of RA patterns previously provided to the UE 10).

On the other hand, the transmission type classifier indicator is an information element provided in another field of the DCI format, for example in an indicator field such as the NDI field. The transmission type classifier indicator provides an information usable for preselecting one of the (plural) sets of RA patterns. In other words, the transmission type classifier indicator provides an information which modifies the processing which is conducted on the basis of the processing information element (e.g. the N bits identifying the RA pattern to be used in the set of RA patterns) by preselecting which set of RA patterns is actually to be considered. That is, the transmission type classifier indicator causes the UE to interpret the processing information provided in the RA field in different ways, dependent on the value of the NDI field in the DCI format, i.e. dependent on whether the current data channel is for a new transmission or a re-transmission.

Hence, in case e.g. two sets of RA patterns (e.g. two patterns like that shown in Fig. 2) are configured, the value of the transmission type classifier indicator indicates which is to be used, based on the fact that a new transmission or a re-transmission is conducted (e.g. RA pattern set #1 is configured for a new transmission, while RA pattern set #2 is configured to a re-transmission).

For example, the mechanism according to Fig. 5 is usable in a case where it is efficient to adjust the resource allocation for a re-transmission in a different manner compared to a new data transmission. This is possible by a corresponding configuration of RA patterns dedicated for a re-transmission process, wherein the UE 10 is able to select the correct RA pattern by preselecting the RA pattern set for re-transmission and then interpreting the RA field in a a corresponding manner for selecting the RA pattern (i.e. dependent on the value of NDI field different RA patterns are selected by using the same processing information element). That is, in case two sets of resource allocation combinations are defined (i.e. two tables like that shown in Fig. 2), one set is configured and selected for a new data transmission while the other set is configured and selected for a re-transmission, based on the value of the NDI field (e.g. one bit). Hence, the interpretation of the

RA field is dependent on a parameter of the NDI field.

Fig. 6 shows a flowchart illustrating a processing for conducting a resource allocation procedure as shown e.g. in Fig. 1 , 3 or 5 according to some examples of embodiments of the invention. The method in Fig. 7 is executed, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, in a communication network control element like the eNB 20. In step S300, resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node (the eNB 20) and a second network node (the UE 10) of a communication network are provided. For example, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns is generated and provided as the resource allocation information, e.g. by means of a higher layer signaling, to the UE 10. Alternatively, the resource allocation pattern can also be present in the UE 10 and the eNB 20 as preset information.

According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, a reference resource allocation is provided as the resource allocation information, either by a conventional allocation procedure using e.g. a normal DCI format, or by a correspondingly configured resource allocation pattern.

According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the resource allocation information comprises at least one of an indication of one or more subsets of resource blocks, and an indication of modulation and coding scheme levels.

In step S310, after the resource allocation information is provided, a message is sent including a processing information element, for example in a DCI format signaling. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication. According to further examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element indicates one resource allocation pattern of the plural resource allocation patterns. Alternatively, according to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element indicates a modification for an actual resource allocation on the basis of the allocated resources to be used as the reference resource allocation. In this case, for example, the processing information element indicates an amount and a direction of shifting, in an order of resource blocks, of the reference resource allocation for obtaining the actual resource allocation. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element is sent in an RA field of the DCI signaling.

According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element, i.e. the size thereof, can be reconfigured, i.e. a size of a bit set used as the processing information element is configured, which is indicated to the UE.

Furthermore, according to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, after the resource allocation information is provided, a message is sent including a transmission type classifier element (or indicator) for indicating one of a new transmission of data and a re-transmission of data. The transmission type classifier element modifies the processing which is conducted on the basis of a processing information element (being sent separately or combined with the transmission type classifier element), for example by pre-selecting a part of the resource patterns to be considered for the resource determination. The transmission type classifier element is sent e.g. in a data indicator field (e.g. the NDI field) of the DCI format signaling. Fig. 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a processing for conducting a resource allocation procedure as shown e.g. in Fig. 1 , 3 or 5 according to some examples of embodiments of the invention. The method in Fig. 7 is executed, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, in a communication element like the UE 10. In step S400, it is determined that resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node (the eNB 20) and a second network node (the UE 10) of a communication network are provided.

For example, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, it is determined that at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns is provided as the resource allocation information, e.g. by means of a higher layer signaling from the eNB 20. Alternatively, the resource allocation pattern can also be present in the UE 10 and the eNB 20 as preset information.

In step S410, after it is determined that the resource allocation information is provided, a message is received including a processing information element, for example in a DCI format signaling. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication.

According to further examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element indicates one resource allocation pattern of the plural resource allocation patterns. Alternatively, according to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element indicates a modification for an actual resource allocation on the basis of the allocated resources to be used as the reference resource allocation. In this case, for example, the processing information element indicates an amount and a direction of shifting, in an order of resource blocks, of the reference resource allocation for obtaining the actual resource allocation.

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element is received and determined in an RA field of the DCI signaling.

According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing information element, i.e. the size thereof, can be reconfigured, i.e. a size of a bit set used as the processing information element is configured, which is received from the eNB 20.

In step S420, the UE 10 conducts a processing for determining the resources to be used in the communication. For example, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the processing is based on the provided resource allocation information (RA pattern(s), reference RA) and the processing information element (identification of RA pattern to be used, identification of modification to be performed on former RA). Furthermore, according to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, a message is received including a transmission type classifier element (or indicator) for indicating one of a new transmission of data and a re-transmission of data, wherein the transmission type classifier element is used for changing/modifying the processing which is conducted on the basis of a processing information element (being sent separately or combined with the transmission type classifier element). For example, on the basis of the transmission type classifier element (or indicator), the UE 10 pre-selects a specific set of RA patterns, or the like. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the transmission type classifier element is received e.g. in a data indicator field (e.g. the NDI field) of the DCI format signaling. In Fig. 8, a block circuit diagram illustrating a circuitry indicating a configuration of a communication network control element, such as the eNB 20, is shown which is configured to implement the processing for conducting the resource allocation mechanism as described in connection with the some examples of embodiments of the invention. That is, a circuitry is shown which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the eNB 20 to perform functions described below, for example by executing a corresponding algorithm. It is to be noted that the communication network control element or eNB 20 shown in Fig. 8 may comprise several further elements or functions besides those described herein below, which are omitted for the sake of simplicity as they are not essential for understanding the invention. Furthermore, even though reference is made to an eNB, the communication network control element may be also another device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a base station or eNB or attached as a separate element to a base station or eNB, or the like.

The communication network control element or eNB 20 may comprise a processing function or processor 21, such as a CPU or the like, which executes instructions given by programs or the like related to the control signal transmission control. The processor 21 may comprise one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors or processing portions, such as in one physical processor like a CPU or in several physical entities, for example. Reference signs 22 denote transceiver or input/output (I/O) units connected to the processor 21. The I/O units 22 may be used for communicating with a communication element like UE 10. The I/O units 22 may be a combined unit comprising communication equipment towards several network elements, or may comprise a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for different network elements. Reference sign 23 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor 21 and/or as a working storage of the processor 21.

The processor 21 is configured to execute processing related to the above described resource allocation mechanism. In particular, the processor 21 comprises a sub-portion 211 as a processing portion which is usable for generating and providing resource allocation information. The portion 211 may be configured to perform a processing according to step S300 of Fig. 6, for example. Furthermore, the processor 21 comprises a sub-portion 212 usable as a portion for generating and configuring a processing information element. The portion 212 may be configured to perform processing according to step S310 of Fig. 6, for example. In addition, the processor 21 comprises a sub-portion 213 usable as a processing portion for generating the transmission type classifier element or indicator. Moreover, the processor 21 comprises a sub-portion 214 usable as a processing portion for conducting an error processing.

In Fig. 9, a block circuit diagram illustrating a circuitry indicating a configuration of a communication element, such as the UE 10, is shown which is configured to implement the resource allocation mechanism as described in connection with the examples of some embodiment the invention. That is, a circuitry is shown which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the UE 10 to perform functions described below, for example by executing a corresponding algorithm. It is to be noted that the communication element or UE 10 shown in Fig. 9 may comprise several further elements or functions besides those described herein below, which are omitted for the sake of simplicity as they are not essential for understanding the invention. Furthermore, even though reference is made to an UE, the communication element may be also another terminal device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of an UE or attached as a separate element to a UE, or the like.

The communication element or UE 10 may comprise a processing function or processor 11, such as a CPU or the like, which executes instructions given by programs or the like related to the resource allocation mechanism. The processor 11 may comprise one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors or processing portions, such as in one physical processor like a CPU or in several physical entities, for example. Reference sign 12 denotes transceiver or in put/ out put (I/O) units connected to the processor 11. The I/O units 12 may be used for communicating with a communication network control element like the eNB 20. The I/O units 12 may be a combined unit comprising communication equipment towards several network elements, or may comprise a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for different network elements. Reference sign 13 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor 11 and/or as a working storage of the processor 11.

The processor 11 is configured to execute processing related to the above described resource allocation mechanism. In particular, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 111 usable as a processing portion for determining the provision of the resource allocation information. The portion 111 may be configured to perform a processing according to step S400 of Fig. 7, for example. Furthermore, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 112 usable as a portion for determining a receipt of the processing information element and/or of a reconfiguration of the processing information element. The portion 112 may be configured to perform a processing according to step S410 of Fig. 7, for example. In addition, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 113 usable as a processing portion for determining a receipt of a transmission type classifier element or indicator. Moreover, the processor 11 comprises a sub-portion 114 usable as a processing portion for conducting a processing for determining the resource allocation for the communication. The portion 114 may be configured to perform a processing according to step S420 of Fig. 7, for example.

According to further examples of embodiments of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising decision means for deciding to provide resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network, and first determining means for causing, after the resource allocation information is provided, that a message is sent including a processing information element in a downlink control information signaling, wherein the information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication.

Moreover, according to further examples of embodiments of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising first determining means for determining that resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network is provided, second determining means for determining, after the resource allocation information is determined to be provided, that a message is received including a processing information element in a downlink control information signaling, wherein the information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication, and processing means for performing the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication on the basis of the provided resource allocation information and the processing information element.

For the purpose of the some embodiments of the present invention as described herein above, it should be noted that

- an access technology via which signaling is transferred to and from a network element may be any technology by means of which a network element or sensor node can access another network element or node (e.g. via a base station or generally an access node). Any present or future technology, such as WLAN (Wireless Local Access Network), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), LTE, LTE-A, Bluetooth, Infrared, and the like may be used; although the above technologies are mostly wireless access technologies, e.g. in different radio spectra, access technology in the sense of the present invention implies also wired technologies, e.g. IP based access technologies like cable networks or fixed lines but also circuit switched access technologies; access technologies may be distinguishable in at least two categories or access domains such as packet switched and circuit switched, but the existence of more than two access domains does not impede the invention being applied thereto,

- usable communication networks and transmission nodes may be or comprise any device, apparatus, unit or means by which a station, entity or other user equipment may connect to and/or utilize services offered by the access network; such services include, among others, data and/or (audio-) visual communication, data download etc.;

- a user equipment or communication network element may be any device, apparatus, unit or means which is usable as a user communication device and by which a system user or subscriber may experience services from an access network, such as a mobile phone, a wireless mobile terminal, a personal digital assistant PDA, a smart phone, a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a desktop computer or a device having a corresponding functionality, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a UE or attached as a separate element to a UE, or the like, wherein corresponding devices or terminals may be, for example, an LTE, an LTE-A, a TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio), an UMTS, a GSM/EDGE etc. smart mobile terminal or the like;

- method steps likely to be implemented as software code portions and being run using a processor at a network element or terminal (as examples of devices, apparatuses and/or modules thereof, or as examples of entities including apparatuses and/or modules for it), are software code independent and can be specified using any known or future developed programming language as long as the functionality defined by the method steps is preserved;

- generally, any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the invention in terms of the functionality implemented; - method steps and/or devices, apparatuses, units or means likely to be implemented as hardware components at a terminal or network element, or any module(s) thereof, are hardware independent and can be implemented using any known or future developed hardware technology or any hybrids of these, such as a microprocessor or CPU (Central Processing Unit), MOS

(Metal Oxide Semiconductor), CMOS (Complementary MOS), BiMOS (Bipolar MOS), BiCMOS (Bipolar CMOS), ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic), TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic), etc., using for example ASIC (Application Specific IC (Integrated Circuit)) components, FPGA (Field-programmable Gate Arrays) components, CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) components or DSP (Digital Signal Processor) components; in addition, any method steps and/or devices, units or means likely to be implemented as software components may for example be based on any security architecture capable e.g. of authentication, authorization, keying and/or traffic protection;

- devices, apparatuses, units or means can be implemented as individual devices, apparatuses, units or means, but this does not exclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughout the system, as long as the functionality of the device, apparatus, unit or means is preserved; for example, for executing operations and functions according to examples of embodiments of the invention, one or more processors may be used or shared in the processing, or one or more processing sections or processing portions may be used and shared in the processing, wherein one physical processor or more than one physical processor may be used for implementing one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described,

- an apparatus may be represented by a semiconductor chip, a chipset, or a (hardware) module comprising such chip or chipset; this, however, does not exclude the possibility that a functionality of an apparatus or module, instead of being hardware implemented, be implemented as software in a

(software) module such as a computer program or a computer program product comprising executable software code portions for execution/being run on a processor;

- a device may be regarded as an apparatus or as an assembly of more than one apparatus, whether functionally in cooperation with each other or functionally independently of each other but in a same device housing, for example.

Furthermore, as used in this application, the terms .device' or .circuitry' refer to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)) , software, and memory(or memories) working together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor (or plural microprocessors) or a portion of a microprocessor (or plural microprocessors), that requires/require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other network device. As described above, there is proposed a mechanism for conducting a resource allocation procedure. First, resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for the communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network is provided, e.g. in the form of resource allocation patterns or a reference resource allocation. After the resource allocation information is provided, a processing information element is sent in a downlink control information signaling. The processing information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication, e.g. in the form of an indication of a resource allocation pattern to be selected or in the form of an indication how the allocated resources are to be modified. Although the present invention has been described herein before with reference to particular embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications can be made thereto.

Claims

WHAT I S CLAI MED I S:

1. A method comprising

deciding to provide resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network, and determining, after the resource allocation information is provided, that a message is to be sent including a processing information element in a downlink control information signaling, wherein the information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising

generating at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns, and deciding to provide the at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns as the resource allocation information,

wherein the processing information element indicates one resource allocation pattern of the plural resource allocation patterns.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein

deciding to provide the resource allocation information comprises one of

initiating a transmission of the at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns via a higher layer signaling, or

determining that the at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns is preset in each of the first network node and the second network node.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising

determining, after the resource allocation information is provided, that a message is to be sent including a transmission type classifier element for indicating one of a new transmission of data and a re-transmission of data, wherein the transmission type classifier element modifies the processing being based on the processing information element which is to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein

the transmission type classifier element indicates a pre-selection of parts of the resource allocation information to be used for the processing based on the processing information element.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising

placing the transmission type classifier element in a data indicator field of the downlink control information signaling.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising

deciding to allocate a set of resources for the communication, wherein the allocated set of resources is determined to be used as a reference resource allocation,

wherein the processing information element indicates a modification for an actual resource allocation on the basis of the allocated resources to be used as the reference resource allocation.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising

generating a resource allocation pattern to be used as a reference resource allocation for the communication, and

deciding to provide the resource allocation pattern as the resource allocation information,

wherein the processing information element indicates a modification for an actual resource allocation on the basis of the resource allocation pattern to be used as the reference resource allocation.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein

the processing information element indicates at least one of an amount and a direction of shifting, in an order of resource blocks, of the reference resource allocation for obtaining the actual resource allocation.

10. The method according to any of claims 7 to 9, further comprising deciding to perform an error processing on the basis of at least one of a reception of acknowledgement/non-acknowledgement messages and a discontinuous transmission indicator, wherein the error processing comprises to reset the actual resource allocation to the reference resource allocation.

11. The method according to any of claims 7 to 10, further comprising

deciding to repeat the modification for the actual resource allocation every predetermined number of subframes of the communication.

12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 11 , further comprising

deciding to conduct a reconfiguration of a size of a bit set used as the processing information element, and

deciding to send a message indicating the reconfigured size of the bit set used as the processing information element.

13. The method according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein

the resource allocation information comprises at least one of

an indication of one or more subsets of resource blocks, and an indication of modulation and coding scheme levels.

14. The method according to any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising

placing the processing information element in a resource allocation field of the downlink control information signaling.

15. The method according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the method is implemented by a communication network control element forming one of the first and second network nodes and comprising at least one of a base station of a cellular network, an evolved node B of a Long Term Evolution or Long Term Evolution Advanced communication network, and an access node, wherein the other of the first and second network nodes is a communication element comprising at least one of a terminal device or user equipment communicating with the communication network control element.

16. An apparatus comprising at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform

a decision function configured to decide to provide resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network, and

a first determining function configured to cause, after the resource allocation information is provided, that a message is sent including a processing information element in a downlink control information signaling, wherein the information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform

a generating function configured to generate at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns, wherein

the decision function is configured to decide to provide the at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns as the resource allocation information,

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein

the decision function configured to decide to provide the resource allocation information is further configured

to cause a transmission of the at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns via a higher layer signaling, or

to determine that the at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns is preset in each of the first network node and the second network node.

19. The apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform

a second determining function configured to determine, after the resource allocation information is provided, that a message is to be sent including a transmission type classifier element for indicating one of a new transmission of data and a re-transmission of data, wherein the transmission type classifier element modifies the processing being based on the processing information element which is to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein

21. The apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the second determining function is further configured to cause to place the transmission type classifier element in a data indicator field of the downlink control information signaling.

22. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform

an allocation function configured to allocate a set of resources for the communication, wherein the allocated set of resources is determined to be used as a reference resource allocation,

23. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform a generating function configured to generate a resource allocation pattern to be used as a reference resource allocation for the communication, wherein

the decision function is configured to decide to provide the resource allocation pattern as the resource allocation information,

24. The apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein

25. The apparatus according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform

an error processing function configured to conduct an error processing on the basis of at least one of a reception of acknowledgement/non-acknowledgement messages and a discontinuous transmission indicator, wherein the error processing comprises to reset the actual resource allocation to the reference resource allocation.

26. The apparatus according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the modification for the actual resource allocation is repeated every predetermined number of subframes of the communication.

27. The apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 26, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform

a configuration function configured to conduct a reconfiguration of a size of a bit set used as the processing information element, and to cause to send a message indicating the reconfigured size of the bit set used as the processing information element.

28. The apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 27, wherein the resource allocation information comprises at least one of an indication of one or more subsets of resource blocks, and an indication of modulation and coding scheme levels.

29. The apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 28, wherein the first determining function is further configured to cause to place the processing information element in a resource allocation field of the downlink control information signaling.

30. The apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 29, wherein the apparatus is comprised in a communication network control element forming one of the first and second network nodes and comprising at least one of a base station of a cellular network, an evolved node B of a Long Term Evolution or Long Term Evolution Advanced communication network, and an access node, wherein the other of the first and second network nodes is a communication element comprising at least one of a terminal device or user equipment communicating with the communication network control element.

31. A method comprising

determining that resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network is provided,

determining, after the resource allocation information is determined to be provided, that a message is received including a processing information element in a downlink control information signaling, wherein the information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication, and

deciding to perform the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication on the basis of the provided resource allocation information and the processing information element.

32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising determining that at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns is provided as the resource allocation information,

wherein the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication comprises to select one resource allocation pattern of the plural resource allocation patterns which is indicated by the processing information element.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein

the resource allocation information is determined to be provided by determining that a transmission of the at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns is received via a higher layer signaling, or

34. The method according to any of claims 31 to 33, further comprising

determining, after the resource allocation information is determined to be provided, that a message is received including a transmission type classifier element for indicating one of a new transmission of data and a re- transmission of data, wherein the transmission type classifier element modifies the processing being based on the processing information element which is to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication,

wherein the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication is conducted on the basis of the provided resource allocation information, the processing information element and the transmission type classifier element.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein

the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication comprises to pre-select a part of the resource allocation information on the basis of the transmission type classifier element and to use the selected part of the resource allocation information for the processing based on the processing information element.

36. The method according to claim 34 or 35, further comprising determining the transmission type classifier element in a data indicator field of the downlink control information signaling.

37. The method according to claim 31, further comprising

determining that a set of resources is allocated for the communication, wherein the allocated set of resources is used as a reference resource allocation,

wherein the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication comprises to modify, on the basis of processing information element, the allocated resources to be used as the reference resource allocation for obtaining an actual resource allocation.

38. The method according to claim 31, further comprising

determining that a resource allocation pattern is provided, wherein the resource allocation pattern is used as a reference resource allocation for the communication, and

wherein the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication comprises to modify, on the basis of processing information element, the resource allocation pattern to be used as the reference resource allocation for obtaining an actual resource allocation.

39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, wherein

40. The method according to any of claims 37 to 39, wherein the modification for the actual resource allocation is repeated every predetermined number of subframes of the communication.

41. The method according to any of claims 31 to 40, further comprising

determining that a message is received indicating a reconfiguration of a size of a bit set used as the processing information element, wherein the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication is based on the reconfigured processing information element.

The method according to any of claims 31 to 41, wherein the resource allocation information comprises at least one of

43. The method according to any of claims 31 to 42, further comprising determining the processing information element in a resource allocation field of the downlink control information signaling.

44. The method according to any of claims 31 to 43, wherein the method is implemented by a communication element forming one of the first and second network nodes and comprising at least one of a terminal device or user equipment communicating with a communication network control element, the communication network control element being the other of the first and second network nodes and comprising at least one of a base station of a cellular network, an evolved node B of a Long Term Evolution or Long Term Evolution Advanced communication network, and an access node.

45. An apparatus comprising

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

a first determining function configured to determine that resource allocation information indicating an allocation of communication resources for a communication between a first network node and a second network node of a communication network is provided,

a second determining function configured to determine, after the resource allocation information is determined to be provided, that a message is received including a processing information element in a downlink control information signaling, wherein the information element identifies a processing to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication, and

a processing function configured to perform the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication on the basis of the provided resource allocation information and the processing information element.

46. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein

the first determining function is further configured to determine that at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns is provided as the resource allocation information, and

the processing function is further configured, in the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication, to select one resource allocation pattern of the plural resource allocation patterns which is indicated by the processing information element.

47. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein

the first determining function is configured to determine that the resource allocation information is provided by

determining that a transmission of the at least one set of plural resource allocation patterns is received via a higher layer signaling, or

48. The apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 47, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform

a third determining function configured to determine, after the resource allocation information is determined to be provided, that a message is received including a transmission type classifier element for indicating one of a new transmission of data and a re-transmission of data, wherein the transmission type classifier element modifies the processing being based on the processing information element which is to be conducted at the provided resource allocation information for determining resources to be used for the communication, wherein the processing function is further configured to perform the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication on the basis of the provided resource allocation information, the processing information element and the transmission type classifier element.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein

the processing function is further configured, in the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication, to pre-select a part of the resource allocation information on the basis of the transmission type classifier element and to use the selected part of the resource allocation information for the processing based on the processing information element.

50. The apparatus according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the third determining function is configured to determine the transmission type classifier element in a data indicator field of the downlink control information signaling.

51. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform

an allocation determining function configured to determine that a set of resources is allocated for the communication, wherein the allocated set of resources is used as a reference resource allocation,

wherein the processing function is further configured, in the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication, to modify, on the basis of processing information element, the allocated resources to be used as the reference resource allocation for obtaining an actual resource allocation.

52. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform

a fourth determining function configured to determine that a resource allocation pattern is provided, wherein the resource allocation pattern is used as a reference resource allocation for the communication, and

wherein the processing function is further configured, in the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication, to modify, on the basis of processing information element, the resource allocation pattern to be used as the reference resource allocation for obtaining an actual resource allocation.

53. The apparatus according to claim 51 or 52, wherein

the processing function is further configured to determine from the processing information element at least one of an amount and a direction of shifting, in an order of resource blocks, of the reference resource allocation for obtaining the actual resource allocation and to modify the reference resource allocation correspondingly.

54. The apparatus according to any of claims 51 to 53, wherein the modification for the actual resource allocation is repeated every predetermined number of subframes of the communication.

55. The apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 54, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform

a reconfiguration receiving function configured to determine that a message is received indicating a reconfiguration of a size of a bit set used as the processing information element, wherein the processing function is further configured to use for the processing for determining the resources to be used for the communication the reconfigured processing information element.

56. The apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 55, wherein

the resource allocation information comprises at least one of

57. The apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 56 wherein the second determining function is configured to determine the processing information element in a resource allocation field of the downlink control information signaling.

58. The apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 57, wherein the apparatus is comprised in a communication element forming one of the first and second network nodes and comprising at least one of a terminal device or user equipment communicating with a communication network control element, the communication network control element being the other of the first and second network nodes and comprising at least one of a base station of a cellular network, an evolved node B of a Long Term Evolution or Long Term Evolution Advanced communication network, and an access node.

59. A computer program product for a computer, comprising software code portions for performing the steps of any of claims 1 to 15, or of claims 31 to 44, when said product is run on the computer.

60. The computer program product according to claim 59, further comprising a computer-readable medium on which said software code portions are stored.

61. The computer program product according to claim 59, wherein the computer program product is directly loadable into the internal memory of the computer and/or transmittable via a network by means of at least one of upload, download and push procedures.