MAC Control Element for Packet Duplication Deactivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in effectively deactivating packet duplication in carrier aggregation and multi-connection scenarios, which affects data transmission reliability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a method where the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) duplication is deactivated by using a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) to lift restrictions on logical channels associated with data radio bearers, allowing data to be transmitted only through specific cell groups or carriers, ensuring that data is transmitted through a single RLC entity or logical channel after packet duplication is deactivated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If packet duplication is activated in carrier aggregation and multi-connection scenarios, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol plane complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control of packet duplication by introducing separate MAC control elements for activation and deactivation. The activation is triggered by data transmission requirements, while deactivation is controlled through specific MAC CE mechanisms, dividing the control plane into manageable segments that can be independently managed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring packet duplication through RRC signaling before actual data transmission. The RRC configuration establishes the packet duplication bearers and parameters in advance, so that when data transmission is needed, the system can quickly activate duplication without complex real-time negotiations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If packet duplication is deactivated using existing methods, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but transmission errors and reliability issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the MAC entity monitors the state of packet duplication bearers and provides feedback to the higher layers. When packet duplication is deactivated, the system receives feedback about the transmission state and can adjust accordingly, ensuring that deactivation does not compromise reliability. The MAC CE deactivation command is itself a feedback-based control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control of packet duplication through MAC layer mechanisms. The system can dynamically switch between duplication and non-duplication modes based on current transmission conditions, rather than using static configurations. This dynamic approach allows efficient deactivation when needed while maintaining reliability through controlled transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If packet duplication is configured at RRC level, then configuration flexibility is improved, but activation and deactivation speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidactivation and deactivation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration and control of packet duplication into two distinct layers: RRC layer for configuration and MAC layer for activation/deactivation. The RRC layer provides flexible configuration of packet duplication bearers, while the MAC layer handles rapid activation and deactivation through MAC CEs, allowing each layer to operate at its optimal speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the MAC layer as an intermediary between the RRC configuration layer and the actual data transmission layer. The MAC entity receives RRC configuration, maintains state information about packet duplication bearers, and executes rapid activation/deactivation based on transmission needs, mediating between the slow but flexible RRC layer and the fast transmission requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3641186B1Base station, user equipment, and related methods
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 SHARP KK
  • EP3641186B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3641186B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3641186B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method in user equipment (UE), the UE operating in a carrier aggregation mode. The method comprises: receiving a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) used for deactivating packet duplication; transmitting data from a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity to a Radio Link Control (RLC) entity; and transmitting, at a MAC entity, the data only by a cell or cell group associated with the RLC entity in a packet duplication activated state, or by a cell or cell group selected from a set of cells or cell groups pre-configured for the UE.