LTE Scheduling Method Optimizing Small Packet Transmission Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing LTE RAN protocol architecture is inefficient for small packets due to excessive overhead from sequence number additions at the PDCP and RLC layers, leading to reduced resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A scheduling method that configures Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) parameters based on quality of service (QoS) requirements, allocates uplink transmission resources, and schedules data transmission to optimize the protocol stack, reducing overhead and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequence numbers are added at the PDCP and RLC layers for data packet transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but protocol overhead increases and resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sequence number function from the PDCP and RLC layers and consolidates it into the MAC layer. Specifically, the MAC layer adds a MAC layer sequence number to identify transmission order and perform reordering, while removing or reducing the need for PDCP and RLC sequence numbers. This extraction principle reduces protocol overhead by eliminating redundant sequence number fields in upper layers while maintaining transmission reliability through MAC layer sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sequence number generation and reordering functions from multiple layers (PDCP, RLC, and MAC) into a single MAC layer implementation. The MAC layer now handles both the sequencing of data packets and the reordering of received packets, combining what were previously separate functions across multiple protocol layers. This consolidation reduces overall protocol complexity and overhead while maintaining the necessary reliability functions.
2Reliability
If multiple protocol layers (PDCP, RLC, MAC) are used for data transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol stack functions by moving specific reliability functions (sequencing and reordering) from the upper PDCP and RLC layers down to the MAC layer. This segmentation allows the upper layers to focus on their core functions while the MAC layer handles transmission-level reliability, reducing the processing burden and time required at each layer while maintaining overall transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary sequencing and ordering actions at the MAC layer before data transmission. By pre-establishing the sequence number assignment and reordering mechanism at the MAC layer, the system avoids the need for complex post-transmission reordering operations that would require coordination across multiple layers, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If PDCP and RLC layers add sequence numbers and perform concatenation/segmentation, then data integrity is improved, but resource utilization for small packets decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sequence number addition and concatenation/segmentation functions from the PDCP and RLC layers and relocates them to the MAC layer. For small packets, this means the MAC layer directly handles sequencing and segmentation without the overhead of PDCP and RLC layer processing. This extraction significantly improves resource utilization for small packets by eliminating redundant processing steps while maintaining data integrity through MAC layer sequence number assignment.
4Productivity
If HARQ parameters are configured based on QoS requirements, then transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring HARQ parameters specifically for different QoS requirements rather than using a uniform approach system-wide. The MAC layer is empowered to independently configure HARQ parameters (such as HARQ process numbers, redundancy versions, and timing) based on the specific QoS needs of different data flows. This localized configuration approach improves transmission efficiency for each QoS class while avoiding the need for complex system-wide reconfiguration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic HARQ parameter configuration at the MAC layer that can adapt to different QoS requirements. Instead of static, pre-configured HARQ parameters, the system dynamically adjusts HARQ settings based on real-time QoS demands. This dynamic approach improves transmission efficiency by optimizing HARQ behavior for each specific data flow while managing complexity through MAC layer autonomy rather than requiring complex centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a scheduling method, a base station, a user equipment, and a system. The method includes: configuring, by a base station, a HARQ parameter for a UE according to a QoS requirement; sending, by the base station, the HARQ parameter to the UE; receiving, by the base station, a BSR that is sent by the UE according to the HARQ parameter; allocating, by the base station, a first uplink transmission resource to the UE according to the BSR, and scheduling the first uplink transmission resource for the UE; and receiving, by the base station, uplink transmitted data that is sent by the UE by using the first uplink transmission resource.