MAC Entity HARQ Allocation for Multi-RAT Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-RAT coordination technologies experience significant data packet processing delays due to independent protocol stacks and sequential processing at multiple layers, which cannot meet the low latency requirements of advanced communication services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data sending method that allocates data packets directly to hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) units across multiple cells using different radio access technologies, allowing processing at the Media Access Control (MAC) layer without the need for separate processing at the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and Radio Link Control (RLC) layers, thereby reducing end-to-end delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data packets are processed separately at PDCP layer, RLC layer, and MAC layer in existing multi-RAT coordination technology, then each layer can perform its specific functions independently, but the processing delay becomes quite long and delay requirements of services cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PDCP layer and RLC layer processing functions into the MAC layer, creating a unified processing architecture. The MAC entity directly processes IP data packets and performs both PDCP and RLC layer operations, eliminating the need for separate sequential processing at multiple layers. This consolidation reduces processing delay while maintaining the functional capabilities of the original layered architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol stacks of radio access devices are complete and independent with separate PDCP, RLC, and MAC layers, then each radio access network can process data packets independently, but the processing delay is quite long
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC entity is designed to perform multiple functions that were previously distributed across separate layers. It can process IP data packets directly, perform PDCP layer operations (header compression, encryption), and execute RLC layer functions (segmentation, ARQ) within a single layer, enabling universal processing capability that reduces delay while maintaining adaptability to different radio access networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the processing functions within the MAC layer by introducing separate processing paths for different data types. IP data packets are processed through a simplified path that bypasses traditional PDCP and RLC layers, while other data can still utilize the complete layered protocol stack, allowing selective optimization without compromising overall system versatility.
3Extent of automation
If data offloading is performed at application layer above PDCP layer, then network control is centralized, but the delay increases due to sequential processing at multiple layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional structure of protocol processing by moving from a vertical multi-layer architecture to a horizontal single-layer architecture for IP data packets. Instead of processing through multiple sequential layers (PDCP → RLC → MAC), the MAC layer performs all necessary processing operations in parallel within the same layer, fundamentally altering the processing dimension and reducing delay while maintaining centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
A data sending method is provided. The method includes: allocating, by a Media Access Control (MAC) entity of a first network node, data packets to at least one hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) unit of at least two cells, where the at least two cells use different radio access technologies RATs, the at least two cells share one HARQ unit or each of the at least two cells is corresponding to one HARQ unit, and the HARQ unit is a HARQ entity and/or a HARQ process; and sending, by the first network node, the data packets to a second network node by using the at least two cells. According to the foregoing solution, the data packets are allocated to the at least one HARQ unit of the at least two cells by using a shared MAC layer, so as to effectively reduce an end-to-end delay.