Synchronizing Packet Duplication via MAC Control Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G communication systems face challenges in synchronizing packet duplication between base station nodes, which affects the reliability of packet transmission and consistency in activating or deactivating packet duplication for data radio bearers, leading to potential performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for synchronizing packet duplication between base station nodes by transmitting information on activating or deactivating dual connectivity-based packet duplication through a Medium Access Control (MAC) control element, using a central unit and distributed unit configuration within the base stations, and coordinating through interfaces like X2/Xn and F1 to ensure consistent activation/deactivation indications across nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet duplication is activated for data radio bearers in 5G communication systems, then reliability of packet transmission is improved, but synchronization between base station nodes becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a MAC control element as an intermediary mechanism that carries packet duplication activation/deactivation information between base station nodes. This intermediary structure standardizes the information exchange format and enables automatic synchronization without requiring complex coordination protocols, thus resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and reduced synchronization complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by encoding packet duplication activation status as a specific bit field within the MAC control element structure. This parameter transformation allows base station nodes to automatically interpret and apply synchronization commands without complex decision logic, maintaining reliability while simplifying the synchronization mechanism
2Stability of the object's composition
If packet duplication configuration is transmitted through MAC control element, then activation and deactivation consistency across nodes is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the packet duplication activation/deactivation information with existing MAC control element structures used for other purposes. By combining multiple functions into a single signaling vehicle, the patent achieves consistent configuration across nodes without adding separate dedicated signaling messages, thus improving consistency while minimizing additional overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC control element is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple types of control information including packet duplication commands. This multi-functional design allows the same signaling structure to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for specialized signaling messages and thereby controlling overhead while maintaining activation consistency
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for activating or deactivating packet duplication in a wireless communication system. A central unit (CU) of a first base station transmits, to a distributed unit (DU) of the first base station, via an F1 interface, information to activate or deactivate a dual connectivity (DC) based packet duplication for a data radio bearer (DRB). The information is transmitted to a second base station. A medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) indicating whether to activate or deactivate packet duplication for the DRB, based on the information, is transmitted to a user equipment (UE).