5G NR Data Duplication via MAC CE and RLC Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR systems lack an effective method for implementing data duplication functions across more than two protocol data unit (PDU) copies and establishing bearers with data duplication functionality at the protocol layer.
Innovation Solution
A method and terminal device that determine data duplication behavior based on information from the media access control (MAC) control element, configuring and managing data transmission to multiple entities, enabling data duplication across sets of entities within the communication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data duplication function is implemented for more than two PDU copies, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data duplication function into separate protocol layers: the PDCP layer handles data duplication by generating multiple PDU copies, while the RLC layer manages the transmission of these copies through separate logical channels. This segmentation allows the system to achieve data duplication for more than two copies without overwhelming complexity in a single layer, as each layer focuses on specific tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the RLC layer that mediates between the PDCP layer's duplication function and the physical layer's transmission capabilities. The RLC layer receives duplicated PDUs from PDCP, manages their transmission through multiple logical channels, and handles retransmissions, thereby enabling complex data duplication scenarios while maintaining manageable system complexity through layered mediation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple second entities are configured for data transmission, then data duplication capability is improved, but control signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data duplication framework where the PDCP layer's duplication function can serve multiple second entities (RLC entities) through a standardized interface. The same duplication mechanism and control procedures can be applied regardless of the number of target entities, enabling the system to scale from two to many copies without requiring fundamentally different control mechanisms, thereby reducing per-entity signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic configuration of data duplication parameters, including the number of copies, destination entities, and transmission priorities, through flexible RRC signaling and MAC CE mechanisms. This parameter-based control allows the system to adapt to different scenarios (2 copies, 3 copies, or more) by simply changing configuration parameters rather than implementing separate mechanisms for each scenario, reducing overall control signaling requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for data processing includes the following. A terminal device determines a data duplication behavior of a first entity according to first information, where the data duplication behavior is indicative of that the first entity transmits data to at least one second entity in at least three second entities corresponding to the first entity. The first information includes information from a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). The terminal device determines the data duplication behavior of the first entity as follows. The terminal device determines a data duplication behavior of a first set according to the information from the MAC CE, where the first set is formed according to the at least three second entities and contains at least one second entity. A terminal device and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium are further provided.