Dual-Connectivity Link Shunting for Packet Loss Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual connectivity technologies in 4G LTE and 5G networks face challenges in ensuring reliable data transmission and minimizing packet loss due to varying link quality, leading to potential delays and retransmissions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to determine link quality and replicate data packets across multiple links based on predefined conditions, such as link quality parameters, to enhance reliability and reduce retransmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is transmitted through a single link in dual connectivity, then device complexity is reduced, but packet loss increases and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data transmission into multiple parallel paths by replicating data packets across different links (e.g., LTE and 5G NR links). This segmentation allows independent transmission over multiple channels, improving reliability without requiring complex coordination mechanisms at higher protocol layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter from single-link to multi-link by dynamically selecting which links to replicate data on based on link quality metrics. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying network conditions while maintaining improved reliability through diversification of transmission paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If data replication is implemented across multiple links, then packet loss is reduced and reliability is improved, but transmission time increases due to retransmission requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by replicating data packets across multiple links before transmission begins. This proactive approach ensures that if one link fails, alternative paths are already prepared and can immediately take over, reducing the need for time-consuming retransmissions and improving overall transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If link quality assessment is performed continuously, then data transmission reliability is optimized, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic link quality assessment rather than continuous monitoring. By evaluating link quality at specific intervals or trigger events, the system maintains sufficient reliability information without the excessive energy consumption associated with constant monitoring, achieving an optimal balance between reliability and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3796709B1Method and device for shunting based on link quality under dual connectivity
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3796709B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3796709B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3796709B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This application relates to a data link quality-based offloading method in dual connectivity. According to the method, quality of a bearer link is determined on a UE side through determining and setting. Quality of a radio link may be determined through parameters or conditions such as TA timeout, a bit error rate, signal strength or a signal amplitude, a threshold of continuous SR sending, an RLC sliding window, a T310 timer, and triggering of a beam failure recovery process. Based on a determining result, a manner such as packet replication or preferentially selecting a link is selected, and data is transmitted through two links. This can resolve a problem of a packet loss, improve reliability, and reduce retransmission.