Distributed RLP Protocol for Wireless Access Point Edge Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face inefficiencies due to the RLP protocol operating between the network function and access terminal, leading to increased NAK turnaround times and stale data in queues, as higher layer packets cannot be delivered to the edge of the access network, and optimizations like header compression are limited to the network function, preventing effective quality of service management.
Innovation Solution
The RLP functionality is moved from the network function to the transceiver function in access points, allowing each access point to maintain a separate and independent RLP instance over the wireless connection, enabling forward higher layer packets to the edge of the network and performing compression there, thus reducing backhaul delays and unnecessary NAK generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RLP operates between network function and access terminal, then protocol management is centralized, but NAK turnaround time increases and edge optimizations are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RLP protocol functionality by creating separate RLP instance contexts for the network function and transceiver function. The transceiver function maintains its own independent RLP instance state, allowing it to autonomously handle NAK generation and packet retransmission without requiring continuous communication with the network function, thereby reducing NAK turnaround time while maintaining communication reliability through distributed protocol management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of protocol operation by enabling the transceiver function to maintain and operate RLP instances independently at the edge of the access network. This dimensional shift from centralized network-function-only RLP management to distributed multi-instance RLP management across network function and transceiver function enables local optimization and faster response times
2Device complexity
If RLP operates between network function and access terminal, then centralized control is maintained, but header compression and edge optimizations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments RLP protocol management across multiple functional entities, allowing the transceiver function to independently maintain RLP instance contexts and perform edge-specific optimizations such as header compression. This segmentation enables different parts of the system to operate with appropriate levels of autonomy and optimization capability without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling the transceiver function to maintain its own RLP instance state and perform localized optimizations at the edge of the access network. Each transceiver function can independently manage compression and optimization for its specific wireless connections, adapting to local conditions without requiring centralized control for every operation
3Reliability
If RLP state is transferred during handoff, then connection continuity is maintained, but dynamic state transfer creates overhead and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RLP instance context into portable components that can be efficiently transferred during handoff. By maintaining separate RLP instance states at each transceiver function, the system enables targeted transfer of only the necessary protocol state information during handoff events, rather than transferring entire protocol contexts, thereby improving handoff efficiency while maintaining connection continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying mechanisms to transfer RLP instance state information during handoff events. The transceiver function can create and transfer copies of necessary RLP state data to the target transceiver function, enabling rapid handoff without requiring complex state synchronization or full protocol context migration, thus improving handoff efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to an access point in a wireless access network and methods for using an access point. The access point includes a transceiver function and a network function. The network function is configured to route packets between a packet-based network and the transceiver function. The transceiver function is configured to support a wireless connection with an access terminal, and provide protocol translation between the packets and physical frames transported over the wireless connection.