MAC PDU Length Encoding for Extended Header Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The 14-bit length field in MAC PDUs is not contiguous, making processing complex and affecting wireless communication system efficiency, especially for high data rate connections where the length information exceeds the encoding capacity of the EH length field.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for encoding and decoding MAC PDUs that include a first field indicating the presence of extended headers and a second field indicating the length of the extended header group, allowing for efficient transmission and reception without needing to parse the extended headers to determine the length, using a combination of fields in the MAC header and extended header group to convey length information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the 14-bit length field is split into two parts (11 bits in GMH and 3 bits in LEH), then the encoding capacity is increased to accommodate large MAC PDUs, but the processing complexity increases and receiver performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding capacity of length fieldVSAvoidprocessing complexity of length field
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The 14-bit length field is segmented into two parts: an 11-bit length field in the GMH and a 3-bit extension length field in the LEH. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate MAC PDU lengths up to 16383 bytes while maintaining backward compatibility with existing standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The EH field acts as an intermediary indicator that triggers the inclusion of the LEH. When the EH field is set to a specific value, it signals the receiver that a LEH is present and contains additional length information, simplifying the receiver's decision-making process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the EH group field carries variable size EHs, then the adaptability is improved, but the encoding capacity of the EH length field is exceeded for high data rate connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariable size EH capabilityVSAvoidencoding capacity of EH length field
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The solution adds another dimension to the length encoding by introducing the LEH that is conditionally included based on the EH field value. This allows the system to extend the encoding capacity beyond the original 8-bit EH length field limitation without changing the basic variable-size EH structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the receiver must parse the EH group field to decode the LEH, then the length information can be accurately determined, but the processing time increases and system efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of length field decodingVSAvoidprocessing time for length field
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The GMH length field provides preliminary length information that allows the receiver to quickly determine the basic MAC PDU length without parsing the EH group. The 3-bit extension in the LEH only needs to be processed when the EH field indicates its presence, reducing the average processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2564526B1Methods of encoding and decoding control information in a medium access control protocol data unit
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2564526B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2564526B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2564526B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are provided for transmitting and receiving a MAC PDU. The MAC PDU including a MAC header, an extended header group and a payload is generated. The MAC PDU is transmitted to a receiving device. The extended header group includes a first field that indicates whether at least one extended header is included in the extended header group, and a second field that indicates a length of the extended header group.