HARQ Buffer Jitter Control via Forwarding Time Parameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks, particularly in 3GPP LTE and 5G NR, face challenges in controlling jitter in data packet delivery, which can be detrimental to applications that require deterministic data flow, as existing solutions either lack effective jitter control or require additional hardware that is not standardized.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) mechanism that includes a forwarding time parameter, allowing user equipment (UE) to hold data packets in a HARQ buffer until a predetermined delivery time, ensuring jitter control without the need for external hold-and-forward buffers, by using downlink control information and radio resource control configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If data packets are delivered within a delay window, then delay requirement is met, but jitter occurs in data packet flow
Solution Approach 1:
The network node determines a forwarding time for each data packet before delivery, using this pre-calculated timing information to control when packets are forwarded from the HARQ buffer. This preliminary timing determination enables packets to be delivered at precise intervals, reducing jitter while meeting delay requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the timing parameter by introducing a forwarding time parameter that is determined based on the delay window and used to control the actual delivery time. This parameter adjustment allows packets to be delivered at regular intervals rather than at any time within the window, thereby reducing jitter.
2Stability of the object's composition
If external hold-and-forward buffers are used for jitter control, then jitter is reduced, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The HARQ buffer, originally designed for error correction and retransmission purposes, is made multi-functional by also using it for jitter control. The network node leverages the existing buffer capability to hold packets and applies forwarding time determination to achieve jitter reduction without requiring separate dedicated buffer hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing HARQ buffer infrastructure to provide jitter control functionality, rather than relying on external or additional hardware. The network node self-manages the timing and forwarding of packets using internally determined forwarding times, making the system self-sufficient for jitter control.
3Measurement precision
If forwarding time parameter is determined for each data packet, then jitter control precision is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a forwarding time parameter that transforms the delay window concept into a precise timing control mechanism. By determining specific forwarding times for packets based on the delay window and delivery time calculations, the system achieves per-symbol level jitter control precision while managing processing complexity through systematic parameter determination.
Data Source
AI summary
Various example embodiments provide efficient jitter control by means of a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process. Abase station may transmit to a UE a forwarding time parameter for data packet(s) associated with a HARQ process. The UE 110 may store the data packet(s) in a HARQ buffer and determine to hold the data packet(s) in the HARQ buffer until a delivery time determined based on the forwarding time parameter. Once the delivery time has been reached, the UE may forward the data packets to higher protocol layers. This enables efficient jitter control of a data packet flow. Apparatuses, methods, and computer programs are disclosed.