Access Stratum IP Packet Processing via Layer 2 Retransmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless access networks, the existing data processing methods in the Access Stratum do not effectively consider air interface wireless quality when formulating priority and Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, leading to rapid narrowing of the TCP transmission window and increased delay in retransmissions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for Internet Protocol (IP) packet processing in the Access Stratum, where a User Plane Function (UPF) entity of Layer 3 receives and sends IP packets, resends packets upon failure, sorts data packets, and establishes, modifies, or releases IP connections, thereby integrating with Layer 2 functions to optimize data transmission and reduce the burden on the TCP layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If L2 is responsible for data processing through air interface link with no interaction with TCP/IP layer, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but data transmission reliability deteriorates and loss of time increases due to TCP retransmission delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where L2 layer entities (MAC, RLC, PDCP) can directly handle IP packet retransmission without involving TCP layer. This intermediary approach allows L2 to act as a mediator between the air interface and IP layer, enabling direct retransmission control based on air interface conditions while maintaining protocol stack simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the retransmission function from the traditional TCP layer and assigns it to specific L2 layer entities (MAC, RLC, or PDCP) based on configuration. This segmentation allows different L2 entities to handle retransmission independently, reducing the burden on TCP and improving overall transmission reliability without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If L2 is responsible for data processing through air interface link with no interaction with TCP/IP layer, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to rapid narrowing of TCP transmission window and retransmission delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidretransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by enabling L2 layer entities to perform retransmission before TCP layer intervention is needed. By configuring MAC, RLC, or PDCP to handle retransmission proactively based on air interface conditions, the system prevents TCP transmission window narrowing and reduces retransmission delays before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where L2 layer entities monitor air interface conditions and automatically adjust retransmission behavior accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to respond to channel quality changes in real-time, preventing time loss from unnecessary TCP retransmissions while maintaining simple operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If priority and QoS guarantee parameters are formulated by upper layer without considering air interface wireless quality, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by allowing priority and QoS parameters to be adaptively adjusted based on air interface conditions. L2 layer entities can dynamically modify transmission parameters according to real-time channel quality while maintaining the overall protocol structure, thus improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230344554A1Access layer IP packet processing method, apparatus and device
Publication Date: 2023.10.26 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • US20230344554A1 patent drawing
  • US20230344554A1 patent drawing
  • US20230344554A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are an access layer IP packet processing method, apparatus and device. The access layer IP packet processing method is applied to a user plane function entity at layer 3 of an access layer. The method comprises: a user plane function entity at layer 3 of an access layer receiving an IP packet from an IP packet entity, and sending same to at least one function entity at layer 2 of the access layer; or receiving a data packet or a control packet sent by the function entity at layer 2 of the access layer, and sending same to the IP packet entity, wherein the user plane function entity at layer 3 of the access layer, the IP packet entity and the function entity at layer 2 of the access layer are function entities of a terminal side or function entities of a network device.