Dedicated DRB for TCP ACK Packets in Wireless Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, the transmission of TCP ACK packets often results in delayed throughput due to sharing the connection with data packets, leading to reduced downlink performance, especially when bidirectional data transfers are initiated over TCP.

Innovation Solution

Configuring a dedicated Data Radio Bearer (DRB) for transmitting only TCP ACK packets, allowing all TCP ACK packets from multiple DRBs of a PDU session to be transmitted through this special DRB, thereby reducing transmission delay without impacting downlink throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If TCP ACK packets share the connection with data packets, then resource utilization is improved, but transmission delay increases and downlink performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission path by creating a separate Data Radio Bearer (DRB) specifically for TCP ACK packets. This segmentation allows ACK packets to be transmitted independently from data packets, eliminating the delay caused by sharing the same connection while maintaining efficient resource utilization through dedicated bearers for different traffic types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts TCP ACK packets from the general data transmission stream and routes them through a dedicated DRB. This extraction removes the harmful interaction between ACK packets and data packets, preventing ACK delay while preserving the overall connection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of time

If a dedicated DRB for TCP ACK packets is configured, then transmission delay is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission delayVSAvoidbearer configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal mechanism where the dedicated DRB for TCP ACK packets can serve multiple purposes: it handles ACK packets from all applications and services, works across different PDU sessions, and maintains compatibility with existing QoS frameworks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate configurations for each case, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If TCP ACK packets are transmitted through a dedicated DRB, then downlink throughput is maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownlink throughputVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic elements to the system by allowing flexible configuration of the dedicated DRB based on traffic conditions and QoS requirements. The system can adaptively manage the dedicated bearer resources, activating or deactivating them as needed, which maintains downlink throughput while preventing unnecessary complexity in scenarios where dedicated bearers are not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3590280B1Method for transmitting TCP ACK packet in wireless communication system and a device therefor
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3590280B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3590280B1 patent drawingFigure 2B
  • EP3590280B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a device for transmitting TCP ACK packet in wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving a packet with a first QoS flow ID for a PDU session from an upper layer, wherein a first DRB for transmitting only TCP ACK packet is configured for the PDU session; checking whether or not the received packet is a TCP ACK packet; and if the received packet is the TCP ACK packet, delivering a PDU including the received packet to a lower layer via the first DRB, wherein the first QoS flow ID of the received packet is associated with a second DRB according to QoS flow to DRB mapping ruleof the PDU session.