Access Node Downlink Buffer Purge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing amount of abandoned downlink traffic in communication systems due to users abandoning downloads before completion leads to inefficient use of network resources, wasting radio frequency capacity, and reducing battery life in user equipment.
Innovation Solution
User equipment (UE) can request access nodes to purge abandoned data from downlink and uplink buffers using proprietary network assistance through radio level signaling, such as MAC CE or RRC messaging, allowing for efficient management of communication system capacity and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If downlink data is continuously transmitted to user equipment, then user throughput is improved, but abandoned data accumulates in the network wasting radio frequency capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively purging abandoned data from downlink buffers before it can waste radio frequency capacity. The network node identifies and removes abandoned data based on timers and abandonment detection mechanisms, preventing the accumulation of useless data that would otherwise consume valuable RF resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network node monitors downlink transmission status, detects abandoned data through user equipment responses (or lack thereof), and adjusts transmission behavior accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to identify and purge abandoned data, preventing further waste of radio frequency capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If downlink buffer retains abandoned data for potential future use, then data reuse opportunity is maintained, but network latency increases for active transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes preliminary purging actions with timers that expire after a predetermined period. This preliminary action mechanism proactively removes abandoned data before it can cause significant latency issues, while still allowing a reasonable window for data reuse if the user changes their mind during the timer period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts buffer management based on real-time conditions. Timers are set and adjusted based on traffic patterns, and the purging mechanism adapts to different scenarios (e.g., different timer values for different types of data or network conditions), balancing data reuse opportunities against latency concerns.
3Reliability
If user equipment processes all received downlink data, then data completeness is ensured, but battery life is reduced due to unnecessary processing
Solution Approach 1:
The user equipment implements feedback mechanisms to inform the network node about its reception status. When the UE detects abandoned data (through lack of acknowledgment or explicit indicators), it sends feedback to the network, which then purges the abandoned data from buffers, preventing the UE from processing and wasting energy on unnecessary data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the network node to automatically identify and purge abandoned data based on feedback from user equipment or absence of expected responses. This self-service mechanism prevents the UE from receiving and processing abandoned data, thereby conserving battery life without requiring complex UE-side filtering or processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various communication systems benefit from the management of downlink traffic or uplink traffic. For example, a user equipment and an access node benefit from the selective purging of downlink data or uplink data. According to certain embodiments, a method includes receiving at an access node a request for purging, from a user equipment, at least one portion of a downlink transmission or an uplink transmission. The request comprises at least one attribute of the at least one portion of the downlink transmission or an uplink transmission. The method also includes purging at the access node the at least one portion of the downlink transmission or the uplink transmission based on the at least one attribute.