Multi-Point Flow Control for Synchronized Data Arrival
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-point transmission wireless communication systems, especially in 5G, achieving synchronized data arrival at the User Equipment (UE) is challenging due to varying delays in queuing, transport networks, and radio link quality, leading to out-of-order packet reception and difficulties in reliable time synchronization between nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves obtaining Round-Trip Time (RTT) values between a primary node and secondary nodes, determining time value relationships, and controlling queue dwell times to ensure synchronized data arrival at the UE, even without reliable time synchronization between nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-point transmission is implemented to increase capacity and coverage, then system capacity and coverage are improved, but packet synchronization and ordering at the UE deteriorate due to varying delays in different transmission paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and compensating for path delays before packet transmission. The network node determines the delay difference between multiple transmission paths and pre-adjusts the transmission timing or buffer durations accordingly, so that packets from different paths arrive at the UE in the correct order without requiring complex reordering operations at the receiver.
2Reliability
If queue dwell times are adjusted to compensate for path delays, then packet arrival synchronization is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need for delay measurement and coordination between nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a coordinating network node that centralizes the delay measurement and calculation functions. This node acts as a mediator that receives delay information from secondary nodes, calculates the appropriate queue dwell time adjustments, and provides control parameters to the secondary nodes, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture compared to distributed coordination approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where secondary nodes report their measured path delays to the primary network node, which then adjusts the queue dwell time parameters based on this feedback information. This closed-loop approach allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions while maintaining synchronized packet arrival at the UE.
3Reliability
If time synchronization between nodes is implemented to ensure ordered packet delivery, then packet ordering is improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simplified approach that uses inexpensive delay measurements and basic arithmetic calculations instead of complex time synchronization protocols. The solution treats delay compensation as a straightforward parameter adjustment rather than a sophisticated synchronization problem, significantly reducing computational complexity while achieving the same packet ordering objective.
Data Source
AI summary
The proposed technology generally relates to a method for controlling multi-point data transmission between a primary node (100) and a User Equipment, UE, via secondary nodes (101, 102). The method comprises the steps of obtaining (S1) Round-Trip Time, RTT, values (TRTT,backhaul,i) between a primary node (100) and two or more secondary nodes (101, 102). The method further comprises determining (S2) a time value relationship (αi) between uplink and downlink for each of the obtained RTT values; determining (S3) a first queue dwell time (Tref,queue,1) in a first secondary node (101) of the two or more secondary nodes (101, 102); and determining (S4) a second queue dwell time (Tref,queue,2) in a second secondary node (102) of the two or more secondary nodes (101, 102), the second queue dwell time (Tref,queue,2) being determined at least partly based on the RTT values (TRTT,backhaul,i), the time value relationship (αi) and the determined first queue dwell time (Tref,queue,1). The method further comprises initiating control (S5) of the first and second queue dwell times for synchronized data arrival in the UE.