5G RLC UM Segmentation With Lower Header Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio link control (RLC) unacknowledged mode (UM mode) operations in next generation mobile communication systems result in overhead and unnecessary processing for user equipment (UE), which need to be optimized.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining whether to segment RLC service data units (SDUs) and include a sequence number field in the header of each segment, maintaining a constant sequence number field, and implementing a solution where the sequence number field is identical for each segment, and when, and receiving information on a bit of the sequence number field on a higher layer signaling, and when not segmented, including a segmentation information field in the header of the RLC SDU, while the first segment does not include a segmentation offset field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequence number fields are included in headers for each segment of RLC SDU, then segment identification and reassembly capability is improved, but header overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sequence number field from the header structure and places it in the payload portion of the RLC PDU. Specifically, the original RLC SDU is modified to include the sequence number as part of its payload data, while the header contains only segmentation information (SI field) and length indicators. This separation reduces header overhead while maintaining segment identification capability through the payload-embedded sequence numbers.
2Ease of operation
If segmentation information (SI) field is included in header for non-segmented RLC SDU, then segmentation status identification is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different header structures based on the segmentation status of the RLC SDU. For non-segmented SDUs, a simplified header format is used with specific SI field values (e.g., SI=00 indicating no segmentation). For segmented SDUs, different SI field values indicate first segment, middle segments, or last segment. This local differentiation allows the receiver to process only the necessary information for each packet type, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining accurate segmentation status identification.
3Productivity
If RLC UM mode operation supports efficient segmentation and reassembly, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sequence number management function with the existing RLC UM mode operation framework. By embedding sequence numbers in the payload and using the existing SI field in the header for segmentation indication, the protocol combines multiple functions (segmentation identification, sequence tracking, and reassembly) into a unified structure. This integration improves data transmission efficiency through reliable segmentation handling while avoiding the need for separate complex protocol mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as a smart home, a smart building, a smart city, a smart car, a connected car, health care, digital education, a smart retail, security and safety services.