Extended USF addressing space

摘要

The present invention relates to assigning addresses to communication devices in a radio access network and notifying communication devices of scheduled uplink transmission time periods. Related methods, communication devices and control units are disclosed. A method of assigning an address to a communication device in a radio access network for use in notification of scheduled uplink transmission time periods for the communication device is provided. The method comprises assigning to the communication device an uplink state flag (USF) value. Furthermore, the method comprises assigning to the communication device an extended USF (eUSF) value. The address assigned to the communication device is a combination of the assigned USF value and the assigned eUSF value. By means of the eUSF value, the normal address range provided by the USF is extended, thereby facilitating use of more communication devices in the radio access network.

主权项

1. A method of assigning an address to a communication device in a radio access network for use in notification of scheduled uplink transmission time periods for the communication device, the method comprising:
assigning to the communication device an uplink state flag (USF) value; and assigning to the communication device an extended USF (eUSF) value; wherein the address assigned to the communication device is a combination of the assigned USF value and the assigned eUSF value; wherein assigning the USF value comprises selecting the USF value from a set of one or more legacy USF values, wherein each of the legacy USF values of said set can be assigned to a plurality of communication devices; and wherein assigning the eUSF value comprises selecting the eUSF value as an eUSF value that uniquely identifies the communication device among a plurality of communication devices having the same assigned legacy USF value.