Repeated Contention Scheduling: A Novel Resource Allocation Algorithm Toward 6G Vehicular Networks

Alexey Rolich, Marco Tricco, Simone Paroli, Mert Yildiz, Andrea Baiocchi

Efficient decentralized resource allocation remains a fundamental challenge in NR-V2X sidelink communications, where conventional Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) and Dynamic Scheduling (DS) suffer from persistent collisions and limited adaptability under dynamic and dense conditions. This paper proposes Repeated Contention Scheduling (RCS), a novel resource allocation algorithm based on multi-round, feedback-driven contention that eliminates long-term reservations and enables fully distributed operation. Simulations demonstrate that RCS outperforms SPS and DS in terms of success probability, collision and loss reduction, and timeliness metrics such as Packet Inter-Reception Delay and Age of Information, particularly under high load. The practical feasibility of the approach is validated through an SDR-based experimental testbed, which confirms robust operation under realistic hardware impairments and closely matches theoretical and simulation results. These findings establish RCS as a viable and scalable solution for resource allocation in 5G NR sidelink and a promising candidate for future 6G vehicular communication systems.