Logical Channel Reconfiguration via MAC CE Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE systems face limitations in dynamic configuration of logical channel priorities and associated parameters, leading to increased signaling overhead and latency, particularly in 5G networks where flexible and time-critical QoS requirements are necessary.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to reconfigure uplink logical channels using a combination of Radio-Resource-Control-based and Media-Access-Control-based approaches, allowing for temporary adjustments to parameters like Prioritized Bit Rate, Bucket Size Duration, and Logical Channel Priority, which can be transmitted via control protocols and are valid for a predetermined time or until specific conditions occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If logical channel priorities and parameters are reconfigured using traditional RRC signaling, then configuration accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the logical channel configuration into two parts: static parameters configured via RRC signaling and dynamic parameters (priorities, PBR, BSD) configured via MAC CE. This segmentation allows accurate configuration of stable parameters through RRC while reducing signaling overhead by handling dynamic adjustments through more efficient MAC layer signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability where MAC CEs can temporarily modify logical channel priorities, PBR, and BSD parameters without requiring full RRC reconfiguration. This dynamic approach enables rapid adaptation to changing network conditions while reducing the signaling burden associated with traditional RRC-based reconfiguration.
2Manufacturing precision
If logical channel priorities and parameters are reconfigured using traditional RRC signaling, then configuration accuracy is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of logical channel parameters through MAC CE signaling, which operates at a faster timescale than RRC signaling. This allows the network to rapidly adjust priorities, PBR, and BSD in response to changing QoS requirements, significantly reducing the latency associated with traditional RRC-based reconfiguration while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary RRC configuration of logical channel parameters, creating a baseline configuration that can be quickly adjusted via MAC CE. This preliminary setup ensures configuration accuracy is maintained while enabling fast subsequent adjustments without requiring repeated RRC signaling exchanges.
3Reliability
If per-logical-channel scheduling is implemented, then QoS performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial per-logical-channel scheduling by allowing dynamic reconfiguration of only the necessary parameters (priorities, PBR, BSD) through MAC CE rather than full per-channel scheduling. This approach achieves the essential QoS performance benefits of fine-grained control while avoiding the complete complexity overhead of full per-logical-channel scheduling implementations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus may include specifying a control element to reconfigure a subset of one or more uplink logical channels. The apparatus or a network node determines that reconfiguration of the specified subset of logical channels is needed. The method may also include transmitting the control element via a control protocol to the network node. The control element reconfigures the specified subset of logical channels.