Methods and systems are provided for improving network communications, for example by scheduling or configuring a downlink/uplink (DL/UL) slot ratio, and/or an amount of redundant Transmission Time Intervals (TTIs) to be transmitted, in some cases prior to an acknowledgement. In embodiments using FDD, an improved scheduler can be asymmetrical, for example limiting resources used by an uplink to 20%, while allowing a user device to use a maximum power level, or an increased power level, in the uplink.