Dynamic Packet Duplication for Wireless Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet duplication methods in wireless communication, such as those used in 3GPP New Radio (NR) technology, incur significant overhead due to the need for double radio resources and lack efficient mechanisms for activating and deactivating duplication, especially in achieving desired latency and reliability levels.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a wireless device selects one or both transmission paths based on delay comparisons, using carrier aggregation (CA) or dual connectivity (DC) to send data units on the path with the lowest delay, and optionally sends duplicates on a secondary path, optimizing resource usage by activating duplication only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet duplication is configured for a radio bearer, then reliability is improved, but radio resource consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic packet duplication by introducing a duplication indicator in MAC control elements that allows the network to activate or deactivate duplication on demand. This enables the system to switch between single-path and dual-path transmission modes based on current channel conditions and service requirements, rather than maintaining fixed duplication configuration. The dynamic activation reduces radio resource consumption when duplication is not needed while maintaining reliability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of packet duplication by introducing conditional activation mechanisms. The duplication mode (single-path or dual-path) is determined by network conditions and service requirements, allowing the system to adapt the duplication parameter dynamically. This parameter change approach enables efficient resource utilization by maintaining duplication only when necessary for reliability.
2Loss of time
If packet duplication is activated, then latency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet duplication control into separate MAC control elements with specific duplication indicators. This segmentation allows independent control of duplication activation/deactivation without affecting other protocol functions. The separated control mechanism reduces overall protocol complexity by providing targeted control rather than requiring comprehensive protocol modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MAC control elements as intermediary structures that mediate between the network layer and physical layer for duplication control. These control elements carry duplication indicators that trigger activation or deactivation of duplication modes, simplifying the control mechanism compared to direct higher-layer protocol management while reducing latency through faster MAC-layer response.
3Reliability
If duplication is activated per data radio bearer, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal duplication control mechanism through MAC control elements that can be applied across multiple data radio bearers. The same duplication indicator structure and activation/deactivation procedures work consistently for different bearers, simplifying network operation and management. This multi-functional approach allows operators to manage duplication across various bearers using a unified procedure rather than bearer-specific configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein include a method performed by a wireless device for transmitting a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) protocol data unit (PDU). The method comprises selecting one or both of a first path and a second path for transmitting the PDU to a destination based on a comparison of a first delay on the first path and a second delay on the second path, wherein the first delay includes a queueing delay and/or a processing delay on the first path, and/or the second delay includes a queueing delay and/or a processing delay on the second path. If both the first path and the second path are selected, the method comprises using carrier aggregation (CA) or dual connectivity (DC) to send the PDU to the destination on the first path using a first carrier and sending a duplicate of the PDU to the destination on the second path using a second carrier.