Differential Latency Measurement via Packet Duplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current latency measurement methods in communication networks are biased and lack optimization for ultra-reliable services, especially when combined with packet duplication for increased reliability, particularly in 3GPP LTE and new radio systems.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines latency difference between two communication paths by using packet duplication, where a timer is started upon receipt of a packet and stopped when the redundant packet arrives, allowing for differential latency measurement without additional data or timing information, and adjusts communication routing based on these measurements to optimize path selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet duplication is used to increase transmission reliability, then reliability is improved, but latency increases due to redundant transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection by continuously measuring latency on multiple communication paths and adapting the transmission path based on current network conditions. The system switches between primary and secondary paths depending on which path currently offers lower latency, making the transmission system dynamic rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of packet transmission by measuring latency values and adjusting the selection of transmission paths based on these measurements. When the measured latency on the primary path exceeds a threshold, the system changes parameters by switching to an alternative path with better performance.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If latency measurements are performed using probe packets or added timing information, then latency measurement capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to bias from packet size differences, compression rate, modulation, and switching path variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses actual data packets that are duplicated and sent over different paths rather than using separate probe packets. By measuring the latency of identical copied packets traversing different routes, the system eliminates measurement biases that would arise from differences in packet characteristics, ensuring that the only variable being measured is the path latency itself.
3Reliability
If redundant packets are transmitted over different physical media to increase reliability, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to the additional transmission overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which path to use for transmission based on real-time latency measurements. Instead of always using both paths for redundancy (which would increase time), the system adapts its behavior by choosing the faster path when latency conditions permit, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing transmission time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameters by switching between different physical media based on measured latency characteristics. When one path shows higher latency, the system changes parameters by routing traffic through an alternative path with lower latency, thus optimizing the time parameter while maintaining the reliability benefit of having multiple paths available.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of selecting an optimal communication routing between a UE and a core network wherein a plurality of differing communication paths are establishable between the UE and the network. Duplicate packets are transmitted over two communication paths and a latency difference determined between the two paths. This latency difference is used to select a communication path for subsequent communication.