Modem Buffer Threshold Control for Uplink Data Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, the increased amount of uplink data stored in the modem buffer due to higher data rates and noisy channels can exceed the buffer capacity, leading to reduced available memory for downlink traffic, which negatively impacts downlink throughput.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment (UE) determines an uplink buffer threshold based on resource configuration and manages modem memory by transmitting feedback requests to the base station, adjusting feedback rates, and commanding the application host to stop or enable data forwarding, thereby controlling the amount of uplink data stored in the modem buffer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the data rate is increased to improve communication performance, then the uplink data amount increases, but the modem buffer capacity is exceeded, reducing available memory for downlink traffic and negatively impacting downlink throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of feedback request rates based on the current buffer status. When the buffer is approaching capacity, the feedback request rate is increased to accelerate the clearing of acknowledged data. This dynamic control mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying buffer conditions and maintain optimal performance without sacrificing data rate improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the UE monitors its own buffer status and sends feedback request messages to the base station when the buffer threshold is approached. This feedback loop enables the system to proactively manage buffer occupancy by triggering earlier feedback requests, thereby preventing buffer overflow while maintaining high data rates.
2Quantity of substance
If the feedback rate is increased to clear the modem buffer faster, then the available memory for downlink traffic is preserved, but the signaling overhead and communication complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of feedback request rate dynamically based on buffer occupancy levels. Instead of using a fixed feedback rate, the system adjusts this parameter in real-time, increasing it only when necessary (when buffer threshold is approached) and reducing it when the buffer has sufficient capacity. This parameter change approach minimizes unnecessary signaling overhead while ensuring buffer management effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by increasing the feedback rate only partially and only when necessary, rather than continuously maintaining a high feedback rate. The feedback request rate is adjusted proportionally to the buffer occupancy level, applying just enough control action to prevent buffer overflow without excessive signaling. This partial action principle optimizes the trade-off between buffer management and signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may receive, from a base station, a control message indicating a resource configuration for uplink and downlink transmissions. The UE may determine an uplink buffer threshold for a modem buffer of the UE based on the resource configuration. The UE may transmit, to the base station, a feedback request message requesting that the base station provide feedback for at least one previously transmitted uplink packet based on a comparison of an amount of previously transmitted uplink data and scheduled uplink data stored in the modem buffer relative to the uplink buffer threshold. The UE may receive, based on transmitting the feedback request message, a feedback response message corresponding to a first previously transmitted uplink packet of the at least one previously transmitted uplink packet.


