MAC Layer Scheduling for Duplicated Data in Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Carrier Aggregation scenarios, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer cannot effectively schedule data across logical channels carrying duplicated Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) units, as it is unaware which channels transmit the same data, preventing frequency diversity gain and reducing transmission reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and device determine the appropriate carriers or carrier groups for transmitting duplicated data based on indication information within logical channel configuration, allowing the MAC layer to schedule data across different carriers or carrier groups, thereby achieving frequency diversity and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data duplication function is used to transmit repeated data through multiple logical channels, then transmission reliability is improved, but the MAC layer cannot effectively schedule the data and frequency diversity gain cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (indication information field in RRC configuration) that bridges the PDCP layer's data duplication function and the MAC layer's scheduling function. This intermediary carries identification information about duplicated data, enabling the MAC layer to recognize and properly schedule repeated data across different logical channels and carriers, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and scheduling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PDCP layer provides indication information about duplicated data to the MAC layer through RRC configuration. This feedback enables the MAC layer to understand which data are repeated and schedule them appropriately across different carriers, transforming the scheduling process from unawareness to informed decision-making, thereby improving both reliability and productivity.
2Reliability
If duplicated PDCP PDUs are mapped to different RLC entities and carried through different logical channels, then transmission redundancy is increased, but the MAC layer lacks awareness of which channels transmit the same data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary information carrier (indication information field in RRC configuration) that transmits metadata about data duplication from the PDCP layer to the MAC layer. This intermediary preserves the redundancy information while enabling the MAC layer to become aware of which logical channels carry duplicated data, thus resolving the loss of information problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring indication information in the RRC layer before data transmission occurs. This pre-configuration establishes the mapping relationship between duplicated PDCP PDUs and their corresponding logical channels, ensuring the MAC layer has advance knowledge of data duplication patterns for effective scheduling.
3Reliability
If frequency diversity is not achieved due to ineffective MAC layer scheduling, then transmission reliability remains limited, but implementing proper scheduling requires additional configuration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RRC configuration structure multi-functional by using the existing logical channel configuration framework to also carry indication information about data duplication. This universal approach allows the same configuration mechanism to serve both logical channel setup and data duplication awareness functions, enabling frequency diversity gain without proportionally increasing configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter structure of existing RRC configuration by adding indication information fields to logical channel configuration. This parameter change enables the MAC layer to access duplication information without fundamentally restructuring the configuration system, thus achieving frequency diversity while managing complexity through incremental modification rather than complete redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are a method and device for transmitting data. The method includes: determining a plurality of carriers or carrier groups for transmitting duplicated data according to a plurality of logical channels for carrying the duplicated data, wherein at least two logical channels in the plurality of logical channels correspond to different carriers or carrier groups for transmitting the duplicated data; transmitting the duplicated data carried in the plurality of logical channels respectively on the plurality of carriers or carrier groups; wherein in the plurality of logical channels, different logical channels correspond to different media access control (MAC) entities; wherein at least two logical channels in the plurality of logical channels corresponding to different carriers or carrier groups for transmitting the duplicated data comprises: in the MAC entities corresponding to the plurality of logical channels, different MAC entities correspond to different carriers or carrier groups.