Converged Layer 2 Protocol for Wireless Packet Processing
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly 4G and 5G, face challenges in meeting the increasing demand for high-speed data services due to resource limitations and inefficiencies in packet processing, leading to issues like variable header sizes, redundant functionalities, and increased processing latency, which are exacerbated by the need for high-speed and low-latency data transmission in beyond 5G/6G networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a converged Layer 2 (L2) protocol that merges the functionalities of Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and Radio Link Control (RLC) into a single network function, utilizing a single windowing mechanism and protocol header for efficient packet processing, with clear segregation between real-time and non-real-time processing, and incorporating features like sequence number assignment, header compression, and error recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate PDCP and RLC layers are maintained in the protocol stack, then protocol functionality and reliability are preserved, but processing complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and Radio Link Control (RLC) layers into a single converged Layer 2 protocol. This consolidation integrates the functionalities of both separate layers, reducing processing complexity and overhead while maintaining the essential protocol functions through unified sequence number assignment, header management, and data transmission mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable header sizes are used in packet processing, then protocol flexibility is maintained, but processing time and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements fixed-size headers in the converged Layer 2 protocol, eliminating the variable header size problem. By standardizing the header structure with consistent field positions and sizes, the protocol maintains flexibility through standardized design while enabling faster processing without the need to dynamically adjust header parsing for varying sizes.
3Reliability
If redundant functionalities are included in the protocol stack, then error recovery and reliability are improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converged Layer 2 protocol implements multi-functional elements that perform multiple roles within a single structured framework. The unified protocol design integrates error recovery, sequence management, and data transmission functions into cohesive mechanisms, reducing redundant processing while maintaining comprehensive error recovery capabilities through efficient, integrated operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing at least one Internet Protocol (IP) packet performed by a converged layer 2 (L2) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, by the converged L2, at least one internet protocol (IP) packet as a service data unit (SDU) from an IP layer, assigning, by the converged L2, a sequence number to the received at least one IP packet, adding, by the converged L2, at least one L2 header to the received at least one IP packet to process a protocol data unit (PDU), and transmitting, by the converged L2, the processed at least one PDU to at least one medium access control (MAC) lower layer.