MAC PDU Length Encoding Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MAC PDU formats in broadband wireless networks face inefficiencies due to limited length fields, leading to increased overhead and fragmentation when carrying large MAC SDUs or multiplexing payloads, which restricts the size of data that can be transmitted effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves partitioning the MAC PDU length into two parts when it exceeds a predefined value, encoding these parts in separate headers (such as a Generic MAC Header and a Length Extended Header or Multiplexed Extended Header) to efficiently convey larger data sizes, allowing for enhanced multiplexing and reduced overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the Length field in the Generic MAC Header is increased to support larger MAC SDUs, then the maximum transmittable data size increases, but the header overhead increases and compatibility with existing standards is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The Length field is segmented into two parts: an 11-bit Length field in the Generic MAC Header that remains compatible with existing standards, and an additional 3-bit Length Extension field in the Extended Header that provides extra capacity. This segmentation allows the system to support larger MAC SDUs (up to 8191 bytes) while maintaining compatibility with existing MAC PDU structures and avoiding unnecessary header overhead for smaller packets.
2Quantity of substance
If MAC SDUs are fragmented into multiple MAC PDUs to work around the 2047 byte limit, then larger data can be transmitted, but the overhead from multiple Generic MAC Headers increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fragmenting MAC SDUs into multiple MAC PDUs (adding more headers vertically), the invention extends the Length field horizontally by adding a 3-bit extension in the Extended Header. This dimensional change allows a single MAC PDU to carry larger payloads without requiring multiple headers, thereby reducing overhead while maintaining the ability to transmit large data sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the Length field is extended beyond 11 bits, then larger MAC PDU sizes can be supported, but the Generic MAC Header structure must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The length information is segmented between two fields: the original 11-bit Length field in the Generic MAC Header (maintaining standard compatibility) and a new 3-bit Length Extension field in the Extended Header. This segmentation allows the system to support up to 8191 bytes while keeping the base header structure unchanged, reducing implementation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Extended Header acts as an intermediary structure that carries the additional 3-bit length extension. By placing the extension in a separate, optional header rather than modifying the core Generic MAC Header, the invention maintains ease of implementation for systems that don't require extended lengths while providing adaptability for those that do.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for encoding the length of a Medium Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) is provided. The method includes partitioning the length of the MAC PDU into a first part and a second part when the length of the MAC PDU is greater than a first predefined value, encoding the first part in a first header of the MAC PDU, encoding the second part in a second header of the MAC PDU, encoding the length of the MAC PDU in a first header of the MAC PDU when the length of the MAC PDU is less than or equal to first predefined value, and transmitting the MAC PDU with the encoded length of the MAC PDU to a receiving communication device. In another embodiment, the invention includes a method and apparatus for decoding an encoded length of a MAC PDU.