MAC PDU Header Selection for Wireless Service Flows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MAC packet structures in wireless communication systems are less than optimal, particularly in mobile wireless systems, which limits efficient data delivery over limited channel bandwidth.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining the characteristics of a service flow and selecting an appropriate MAC PDU header type to encapsulate service flow data, allowing for efficient wireless transmission, including the use of different header types for VoIP and non-VoIP service flows, and separate packets for payload and control information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single MAC PDU header format is used for all service flows, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different service types (VoIP, non-VoIP) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMAC header structureVSAvoidService flow support
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The MAC header is segmented into multiple format types (first format for non-VoIP, second format for VoIP), allowing the system to select the appropriate header format based on service flow characteristics. This segmentation enables specialized optimization for each service type without requiring a single complex universal header structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The MAC header format is made dynamic by introducing a format indicator that allows switching between different header formats based on the service flow type. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize header structure for each specific service flow while maintaining a unified MAC PDU framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If MAC packets are used to carry both payload and control information, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of control information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePacket structureVSAvoidControl information delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The MAC PDU is segmented into separate packets: one dedicated to payload data and another dedicated to control information. This segmentation ensures that control information is transmitted with high precision and reliability through a specialized packet structure, while payload data uses a separate transmission path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated control information packet acts as an intermediary structure that carries control messages separately from payload data. This intermediary packet ensures that control information receives appropriate handling, formatting, and transmission priorities, improving measurement precision for control delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2474182B1Mac packet data unit construction for wireless systems
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 APPLE INC
  • EP2474182B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2474182B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2474182B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for wireless communication using MAC pus. The method includes determining one or more characteristics of a service flow and selecting on the basis of the one or more characteristics a MAC DU header type among a plurality of MAC DU header types. The service flow data is encapsulated in MAC pus with a header of the selected type. The MAC pus with the encapsulated service flow data are then tirelessly transmitted. Also, a method for communication between a Base Station (BS) and a Subscriber Station (SS). The method includes generating at the BS a plurality of MAC DU packets with a payload component holding service flow data and a plurality of MAC DU packets without payload component, carrying control information. The method also includes transmitting tirelessly the MAC DU packets with the payload component and the MAC DU packets with the control information to the SS.