MAC CE Consolidation for PDCP Duplication Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for managing PDCP duplication in 5G multi-connectivity are inadequate to handle the improvements and extensions envisioned for this technology, leading to inefficiencies in controlling and activating/deactivating RLC entities.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Rel-15 MAC CE for controlling PDCP duplication activation/deactivation in scenarios where flexibility is not required, simplifying UE processing and reducing bandwidth usage by activating/deactivating all configured RLC entities or default entities, and storing activation status for selective reactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MAC CEs are used to control PDCP duplication for different RLC entities, then flexibility and granularity of control is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple MAC CEs into a single MAC CE that can control PDCP duplication for multiple RLC entities simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the flexibility to control individual RLC entities while reducing the number of separate control messages, thereby lowering UE processing complexity and device overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal MAC CE structure that can serve multiple functions: controlling PDCP duplication for any combination of configured RLC entities. This multi-functional MAC CE replaces the need for separate dedicated MAC CEs for each RLC entity, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MAC CEs are used to control PDCP duplication for different RLC entities, then granular control capability is improved, but bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple MAC CEs into a single consolidated MAC CE that controls PDCP duplication across multiple RLC entities. This consolidation reduces the total number of control messages transmitted over the air interface, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while preserving the ability to control each RLC entity individually through unified signaling.
3Reliability
If PDCP duplication is activated for all configured RLC entities, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and resource management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables selective activation of PDCP duplication for specific RLC entities based on local conditions and requirements. Instead of uniformly activating duplication for all RLC entities, the system can apply duplication control locally to individual entities or groups, maintaining reliability where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity and resource usage where duplication is not required.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments include methods performed by a user equipment (UE). Such methods include receiving, from a network node in a radio access network (RAN), a first control message identifying which of a plurality of configured radio link control (RLC) entities are to be activated for PDCP duplication. The plurality of configured RLC entities are associated with a radio bearer between the UE and the RAN. Such methods include subsequently receiving, from the network node, a second control message indicating activation or deactivation of PDCP duplication for the configured RLC entities. The second control message has a different format than the first control message. Such methods include activating or deactivating PDCP duplication for the configured RLC entities based on the first control message and the second control message. Other embodiments include complementary methods perform by network nodes, as well as UEs and network nodes configured to perform such methods.