5G L2 MAC Direct Packet Transmission for Service-Specific QoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G radio access layer protocol stacks have redundancy and inefficiencies in processing data packets for different service types, such as Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC), enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), as they use the same multi-layer protocols regardless of varying delay and reliability requirements.
Innovation Solution
A data transmission method that simplifies Layer 2 (L2) by performing direct data packet transmission between a media access control (MAC) of L2 and a Layer 3 (L3) functional entity, eliminating the need for multi-layer data processing, and includes quality of service (QoS) determination and mapping of upper-layer bearers to lower-layer bearers based on QoS characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multi-layer protocols (SDAP/PDCP/RLC/MAC) are used for data packet processing in L2, then data processing functions are complete, but L2 becomes complex and redundant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the redundant multi-layer protocol processing (SDAP/PDCP/RLC) from L2, keeping only the essential MAC layer functions. This extraction reduces L2 complexity while maintaining core data transmission capabilities through direct L3-to-L1 packet forwarding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the MAC layer perform multiple functions that were previously distributed across multiple layers. The MAC layer now handles QoS determination, bearer mapping, and direct packet forwarding to L1, consolidating what were previously separate SDAP/PDCP/RLC functions into a single universal layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the same protocol stack is used for all service types (URLLC/eMBB/mMTC), then protocol implementation is simple, but it cannot meet different QoS requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining QoS characteristics specifically for each bearer at the MAC layer and using these characteristics to select appropriate lower-layer bearers. This allows different service types (URLLC, eMBB, mMTC) to receive tailored QoS treatment without requiring completely separate protocol stacks for each service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic bearer mapping where the MAC layer dynamically selects lower-layer bearers based on real-time QoS requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to varying service needs (latency, reliability, throughput) without static protocol configurations, enabling flexible QoS fulfillment across different service types.
3Productivity
If L2 processes data through multiple protocol layers, then data processing is thorough, but processing time and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a direct forwarding mechanism that skips the intermediate protocol layer processing steps. Instead of sequentially processing through SDAP/PDCP/RLC/MAC layers, the system directly forwards packets from L3 to L1, rushing through the processing pipeline to eliminate delays while maintaining essential QoS functions at the MAC layer.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a data transmission method, an apparatus, and a device; the data transmission method is applicable to layer 2 L2, and includes: performing data packet transmission between a second functional entity of a media access control (MAC) of L2 and a first functional entity of layer 3 L3.