MAC CE Sub-Grouping With Switchable LCID Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing LCID allocation framework in MAC CEs is inadequate to accommodate the increasing number of new MAC CEs and control functions moving from RRC to MAC, requiring modifications to ensure efficient performance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves categorizing and grouping MAC CEs based on features such as function, latency, priority, and 3GPP release, using a new MAC sub-header format with a group ID field and repurposing the 'R' bit to switch between different LCID/eLCID tables, allowing for faster processing and optimized header byte usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the current LCID allocation framework is used, then backward compatibility is maintained, but the ability to accommodate increasing number of new MAC CEs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LCID space into multiple tables (first LCID table and second LCID table) with different scopes and purposes. The first table contains legacy LCID values for backward compatibility, while the second table is dedicated to new MAC CEs. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate increasing numbers of new MAC CEs without disrupting the existing LCID allocation framework, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the LCID allocation by using a table selector bit to switch between different LCID tables. This dimensional change enables the system to expand its LCID capacity beyond the traditional single-table limitation, allowing accommodation of more MAC CEs while maintaining a manageable framework structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more MAC CEs are added to the LCID space, then the functionality is enhanced, but the header byte overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments MAC CEs into different groups based on their characteristics (e.g., frequency of occurrence, priority). Frequently occurring MAC CEs are assigned to the first LCID table with shorter identifiers, while less frequent MAC CEs use the second LCID table. This segmentation optimizes the average header length by ensuring that most MAC CEs use the more efficient first table, thereby enhancing functionality without proportionally increasing header overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by assigning different LCID table characteristics to different MAC CE groups. High-priority or frequent MAC CEs receive optimized LCID allocations in the first table with better performance characteristics, while other MAC CEs use the second table. This localized optimization ensures that the most critical MAC CEs maintain efficient header lengths while the system can still accommodate a comprehensive set of functionality.
3Speed
If MAC CEs are processed using traditional methods, then implementation is simple, but processing speed is insufficient for future requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple LCID tables with different MAC CE mappings before actual processing occurs. The table selector bit is pre-positioned in the MAC sub-header to indicate which table should be used. This preliminary preparation allows the receiving end to quickly switch between tables and process MAC CEs at high speed without needing to perform complex lookups or transformations during real-time processing, thereby improving speed while managing complexity through advance configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A medium access control (MAC) layer instance of a user equipment (UE) or a base station is configured to determine to transmit a first MAC control element (MAC CE), construct a MAC sub protocol data unit (sub-PDU) including a MAC sub-header and a payload including the first MAC CE, indicate, in the MAC sub-header, a logical channel identifier (LCID) value that identifies a first group of MAC CEs categorized based on a feature, the first group of MAC CEs including the first MAC CE and map the MAC sub-PDU to a transport block (TB) for transmission on a physical (PHY) layer.